The Perfect Cultured Pearl Necklace For You

By Author: Tina Ko
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Throughout centuries, women have always been captivated by the luster of gorgeous pearls. Even men couldn't help but adore its timeless brilliance and reflective quality. A pearl necklace was always associated with business wear or formal wear. That's still true today. But aside from that, some pieces are now made to accessorize even the most casual attire.

Have you ever wondered how a pearl is formed? It actually comes from inside an oyster. When a foreign object enters its shell, it reacts to the intruder by forming a "nacre" substance around it. The result is what we now call "pearl". Divers discovered that these pearls have unrivaled beauty and elegance, especially if put together and formed into a beautiful pearl necklace.

Types of Pearls

There are 3 basic types of pearls:

Akoya Pearls - cultured from Japan and China. These are smooth, expensive pearls with a perfect round shape. It is a favorite jewelry collection for brides-to-be.

Tahitian Pearls - came from a black-tipped oyster. It comes in a variety of colors ranging from gray to black, green to blue, or brown to pink. ...
... It's not easy to match the hues of Tahitian pearls. If you want a unique collection, the price would be very high.

Freshwater Pearls - cultured in lakes, rivers, or other fresh water sources. Although it comes in a variety of colors, it is the most common and the least expensive among all pearls.

Price Factors

There is no strict rule in determining the prices of pearls. Each piece is different in color and shape. But normally, some standard factors are considered so that merchants can put a price tag on their value. These pearls are scrutinized according to their size, roundness, and type. Of course, the jewelers need to lessen the price if there are some flaws. The most expensive pearl is the largest, roundest, and the flawless one.

So when you are shopping for a pearl necklace, you have to remember these qualities to get the best value for your money. However, everyone has a different taste for different things. So as long as it makes you feel good, go ahead and buy it.

Choosing the Right One

On the other hand, you wouldn't really be comfortable when your shopping is just based on feelings, right? So here are some tips to spot the perfect one for you:

- For those with long necks (such as slim or slender women), a collar or choker pearl necklace is best for you. A collar pearl is usually worn for evening wear, and it's about 10-13 inches long. A choker necklace is slightly longer, and it is most suitable for casual wear.

- The standard necklace length is called "princess". It's about 17-20 inches long.

- But if you have a short neck, you should choose long necklaces to elongate your neck (more than 20 inches).

Finally, everything else depends on your budget. Sea water pearls are very expensive. Fresh water pearls are quite affordable due to their large production. If you consider yourself a practical person without sacrificing your style, then it's about time to start accessorizing with freshwater pearl jewelries.