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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Learn How To Buy Pearl Necklace

By Jona Sim

Choosing a pearl necklace begins with understanding how a pearl is formed. This precious 'stone' is born from the formation of nacre within an oyster. With the class and elegance that a pearl necklace brings, there is little wonder why this piece of accessory is highly sought-after by women the world over.

When you're choosing a pearl necklace, it is important to know the basics of pearls. There are naturally produced pearls, cultured pearls and synthetic pearls. These range from the highest in value to the lowest (in that order). Because natural pearls are rare, cultured pearls are a popular choice as it is very difficult to tell a natural pearl from a cultured one. Pearls can be formed in saltwater or in freshwater with saltwater versions being more expensive.

A key to learning how to buy a pearl necklace comes in choosing one whose length is flattering to your individual body type - whether you have a long neck, short neck or wide neck, how old you are and your overall physical make-up. As a general guideline, long necklaces like the rope and the opera will elongate a short neck while short necklaces like the collar and choker varieties help flatter longer necks.

Because collar necklaces are the shortest at 10 to 13 inches long, they are worn high on the neck and are great for evening as well as casual wear. Choker is slightly longer and worn at the base of the neck. One of the most flexible lengths for a pearl necklace and suitable for almost any neckline, is the princess. These tend to be 17 to 20 inches in length.

Collar necklaces are the shortest to be found and can easily be used for both evening and casual wear. Typically worn high and above the base of the neck while chokers are worn around the base of the neck and range from 16 to 18 inches in length. One of the most popular lengths for a pearl necklace is the princess, which comes in 17 to 20 inches lengths and can be worn with almost any type of neckline.

If you're choosing a pearl necklace to wear with corporate or business outfits, or for semi-formal events, then the matinee length is ideal. The rule-of-thumb goes that people with short necks should wear necklaces that sit at least 2 inches below the collarbone while people with longer necks should wear necklaces that sit at the base of the neck.

Pearls come in a range of colors like white, cream, pink, silver, gold and yellow. Gold and yellow tones work well with darker skin while other lighter colors suit almost any skin color. If you're looking for pearls of unrivaled beauty and brilliance, then a Mikimoto pearl necklace is just for you. The highest grade of these pearls are known to possess a brilliant, mirror-like reflective quality and has captured even fans from royalty.

Tahitian pearls are known for their darker tones, created by the island of Tahiti's black-lipped oysters. These mollusks produce black, gray and green-black pearl necklaces. Pearl necklace buying tips for this type of pearls include spotting the quality and flaws with high quality pearls having a clear and almost metallic sheen while flaws can comprise of discolorations, irregularities, bumps and spots.

A couple of pearl necklace buying tips include buying a set with a pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet or ring. This will increase the probability of you scoring a discount on your jewelry. Another way to buy a pearl necklace on a budget is to try finding an original supplier. Although these suppliers usually prefer to sell in large quantities, you may try to find people who are willing to combine their purchases with you so that you can all enjoy discounted rates on your timeless accessories.

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