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Showing posts with label Pearls. Show all posts

Reviving Southwest Style with Desert Pearls Popularity

Southwest style jewelry is making a comeback all across America and in other courtries as well. The big thing with the younger crowd is something they are calling "Desert Pearls" or "Native Pearls."

Why the new trend? Maybe is is a natural extension of the freshwater pearl craze that was big a few years ago, because farms culturing pearls in water lost many crops during the shutdown of workforce availabilty. Or maybe the rise in silver prices has made people more aware of these beads as they look for alternatives to the chuky precious metal chains that are another current fashon "must have" for layering. Whatever the reason for reviving style trend toward silver beads, knowing what to look for is imprtant.

What is the difference between the dessert pearls and tradtional Navajo or pearls? The primary difference is desert pearls can be from any Native American/Indian tribe or industrial manufacturer and may or may not be handmade silver. Navajo pearls are traditionally handmade and oxidized by actual members of the Navajo tribe of Native Americans. If dessert pearls are handmade by another tribe, they will usually call them by their own tribe name instead of using the generic term of desert pearls. To see the difference between manufactured silver bead/pearls watch the TikTok video by a bead artist at Black Wolfe White Wolfe Designs. To learn more about the different "cowgirl styles" and sizes of silver beads, watch the TikTok video by a bead distributor from Tin and Turquoise, in Canada?!

Are there more southwest jewelry options than plain dessert pearls? Another great bead option for southwest style is "Liquid Silver," which offers a more eligant or delicate look to southwest style depending on the number of strands and the necklace leangth. Taking southwest style past just a silver beaded necklace means adding a pendant or purchasing a ready-made native style. The "Squash Blossom" necklace is also making a huge comeback. Squash Blossoms are fluted trumpet-shaped silver (with or without stones) extended out from dessert pearls. These flutes are named after the sideview of blossoms on squash plants. Most of the blossom necklace will include a large center pendant that usually is a horseshoe-shape known as the "Naja." For this reason, some people may refer to the necklace as a naja because of the shape, but a naja necklace does not have to have blossoms on it. The naja pendant may be all silver or also have inset stones, often turquoise or shell are the most popular stone choices. Although some blossom necklaces may have a "Concho" or Cross as their focal-point, these are usually stationary or separate pendants on desert pearls, liquid silver, silver chains, or stone beads. Conchos usually are oval shaped, but may be round too. Conchos may be silver with a stamped design, be a large stone set in a small silver frame, have a smaller stone in the center of silver design, or be a circular pattern of stones set to resemble the top of a flower or the rays of the sun.

Where is the best place to buy southwest style jewelry? For authentic Native American jewelry, it is best to buy from artisans at tribal locations. Alternatively, do a search the internet for "Native American Jewelry" and then read the about section to verify the site belongs to a Pueblo, Tribe, or Collective. Since everything is handmade and usually one-of-a-kind, expect to pay laot. Buying from TV shipping channels is typically a lower cost option, as the jewelry peices may by handmade but made in multiples. HSN offers Chaco Canyon , which is a collective from New Mexico. HSN also offers Mine Finds by Jay King of New Mexico, who has a modern twist on Southwest bead designs. QVC offers an American West line also from New Mexico. JTV has a lower-priced southwest inspired line that is manufactured in India.

Jewelry is just one part of the current southwest fashion trend. Cowgirl and cowboy style is in again! Not just jewelry but boots and hats are being revived too. As an extension of the USA trend - red, white, and blue patriotism clothing is surging as well.

Common Names for Pearl Shapes

The most well-known and desired pearls are typcially round or nearly round. These pearls are typically the more expensive versions of saltwater pearls from the South Seas or Asia. However, pearls come in a variety of shapes with different names depending on the region where it is sold. It is now very easy to find a pearl shape to fit any personality, although the popularity and names of each shape may change with fashion trends as well as location.

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Round and Nearly Round pearls may be natural or may be manually encouraged by bead nuclating the host mullusk. Natural ones will be more expensive and only can be confirmed with x-ray technology or by cutting the pearl in half which destroyis it. Natural round pearls are usually South Seas, black Tahitians, or Japenese Akoyas -- which is another reason they are more expensive and highly sought after. A lower priced bigger and faster roundish freshwater pearls may be acheieved by the intervention of man. Most freshwater pearls are not naturally round, instead they will be nearly round or barogue shapes. Other names for nearly round include:

Potato, Oblong, Oval, - Most natural freshwater pearls will be this shape. Calling it potato shape has fallen out of favor, but it is still an accurate description for the shape.
Drop, Tear, Egg - Pearls that graduate from a small top to a thicker bottom and are most often used for earrings or solitaire pendants.
Circle', Ringed - Pearls of any shape that have lines around the pearl caused from spinning in the shell during development.
Seed - Usually a tiny roundish pearl under 4mm which is called seed because it is looks like a mustard seed or baby starter pearl.
Button, Rondelle - These pearls are often used for earrings or rings because they are typically flat on one side or strung as necklaces or bracelets if slightly flat on two sides. They may look like a small coin pearl but are typically natural rather than maniplated into form.

Baroque is the pearl industry term for any pearl that is not round(ish). However there are lots of sub-shapes and styles of pearls. Other terms for barogue shapes include:

Comet, Fish, Fireball - This pearl starts as a round pearl but during the growing process develops a tail so it looks like a comet with its tail shooting across the sky. This type of pearl has great luster, high pearlescence, and some colors have a metallic look. It has become common practice to refer to the large version of this pearl simply as baroque, which leads to confusion of consumers.
Biwa pearls were natrually occuring pearls from Japan's Lake Biwa, now they are cultivated Iother locations as well producing varying shapes:

Branch, Drip, Fancy, Liquid, Square - Most often this is a natural free-form rectangular or squarish semi-flat pearl. It has a high luster and pearlescence making it popular with collectors and jewelry designers. Sometimes sellers will refer to this shape as Keshi rather than Biwa.
Stick, Toothpick - Pearl formed when farmers are trying to force the shape of a natural Biwa. which sometimes results in a stick instead of rectangle. The thicker or rounder the pearl, the more likely it is cultivated instead of naturally occurring. Some farmers have created popular pearl crosses using the same method.
Chicken Feet, Bird Claw - Biwa or stick pearls that grow together may form shapes that look like bird feet or plant roots.

Sharkstooth, Tooth - Pearls that are nearly square, rectangular, or triangular in shape are often referred to as Keshi or Biwa although it may not fit the standard for either shape. It is an odd braroque shape that actually looks like a like a large tooth or a slightly lopsided square. The shape may be natural, or it could be a planned shape that went weird, or it could be the result of an attempt at creating a Mabe. Their odd-looking result makes them collected by people who like unique, however they are not typically expensive collectibles.
Keshi (also spelled Keishi) refers to a "surprise" pearl that grews in a mollusk where traditional pearls were being cultivated. These come in a variety of shapes:

Petal, Cornflake - This shape is usually thin and often a natural unintended suprise to the farmer cultivating mollusks. The shape often looks like cornflake cereal or a dried rose petal and has high luster and pearlescence. Other odd shaped pearls may be referred to as keshi, but they may better fit one of the other shapes and the person selling the pearl may not know this.
Pebble - Pearls that have no consistent shape and look like tiny rocks or little bowls are another type of spontaneous Keshi pearl, so they may alse be referred to as Keshi too.
Flat - Pearls that have a long, flatter shape that look like pulled daisy pearls or a small Biwa are another type of Keshi.
Butterfly - Pearls created when two or more petal-style Keshi grow into one pearl so that it looks like it has wings when properly strung through the joining of the pearls. Flat or petal pearls may be drilled at the ends and strung to mimic the butterfly look.

Peanut, Double, Gemini, Twin - This shape is the result of two roundi or nearly round pearls growing into one within the mullusk. The result will be a doubled pearl that is looks similar to a peanut.
Rosebud - A pearl of any natural shape with little bumps or warts on most of the surface area, which may be caused by grains of sand getting caught in the nacre during pearl formation. These pearls are not very pretty, yet they are highly prized and collected by some pearl enthusiasts.
Rice - Tiny elongated pearl that looks like a grain of white rice, which has high luster like a Biwa. Some pearl sellers may label small potato-shaped pearls as rice because they are 4mm or under in size, but they will not have the luster typical of traditional rice pearls.
Blister, Mabe - These are pearls grown by attaching something to the inside of the host mollusk to encourage it to cover the item with nacre to produce a pearl that is round on top and nearly flat on the bottom where it was attached.
Angel Wings - Similar concept of butterfly, this happens when two Mabes or Comets grow togeher with the tails points opposite of each other to form the look of featherd wings when strung.
Coin, Diamond, Cross, Heart, Clover, Flower, Star, Square - A commercially created pearl shape created by a thin pre-cut piece of material in the desired shape implanted into the mollusk so that it will form nacre over it.

Edison, Genesis, Kasumi/Kasumiga, Ming, & other trademarked names are near-round or comet-like barogue (see below) freshwater pearls created by moving saltwater mollusks to freshwater farms for cultivation and nucleation. The luster and colors of these pearls mimic the look of true South Sea pearls and natural Japenese pearls. These pearls continue to increase in value as Sount Sea pearls become less available.

Shell or MOP (mother of pearl) pearls are not cultured pearls. These are made by grinding the mother of pearl portion of the mollusk shell and mixing it with resin to hold it together. The mixture is dyed and poured into molds to produce a large perfectly round pearl on uniform shades to mimic large barogue pearls. If you want natural or cultured pearls, check the fine print to make sure it says freshwater, saltwater, or the location name for the pearl farm. These nearly-faux pearls are an inexpensive alternative for a big pearl look in a variety of color choices.

For photos of various shapes, see The Different Types Of Pearls And What They All Look Like on the Rock Chasing blog. Please note this site has lots of ads, so loading may be slow. Also, review colors of pearls on this blog for more informed buying.

Common Colors for Pearl Types

The color of a pearl should help indicate the type of pearl... but with all the different colors of pearls, it can be hard to tell if the pearl is natural or dyed. So how do you tell which type of pearl it is using only color? You do not, color is only one indicator. Other indicators include shape, size, and location.

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Most saltwater pearls will be white, although pastel colors, yellow-gold, and grey-to-black may also be available depending on the South Seas location the pearl came from (Australia or Asia) . Depending of the hue of grey, the pearls may be referred to as blue or silver/platinum if having a metallic luster. Black pearls may actually be black but most are various chades of charcoal or "peacock" which means they have a multi-color pearlesence. Golden pearls can be any shade of yellow from pale candlelight to darker 14K gold color. Akoya pearls are the smallest, Tahitians in the middle, and South Sea are typically the largest size.

Freshwater pearls are naturually the same colors of most saltwater pearls with a larger range in the color families, but they have less luster than saltwater. However with the perfection of the bleaching and dying processes, freshwater pearls may be bought in a variety of colors now.

More rare pearl types are based on matching their host shell. These include:

Abalone - Rare true, blue pearl with the same color play irredecense of the inside of its abalone shell host. They are oddly shaped and very expensive.
Conch - Rare pink shell pearl from the Queen Conch.
Melo - Rare peach-orange shell pearl from the Melo Melo Snail.

Also there are the famous lake pearls, which no longer produce pearls due to disasters or pollution, but may have similar mullusks cultivated elsewhere. These lake pearls are also known for their unique and luxurious colors. The Kasumigaura Lake had natural shades of pink pearls from Asian Japan with metallic luster and multi-color pearlescence Lake Biwa in Japan had rectangular pearls in natural shades of white to pink/peach with high luster and pearlescence. Then there are the pastel freshwater pearls from Caddo Lake and pink -purple pearls of Concho River both in Texas of the USA.

To see the most natural colors of pearls, visit The Different Colors of Pearls And What They Each Look Like on the Rock Chasing blog. Please note this site has lots of ads, so loading may be slow.

Layering Necklaces for Elegant or Messy Looks

Layering multiple gold or silver chain necklaces was big in the eighties through nineties and then went away for a few years. Now layering necklaces keeps getting more popular with every year. It is not just chains anymore. The necklace layering can be chains, pendants, beads, and/or pearls. Fashion allows the layering to be a elegant look of 2-3 pieces or even more for messy casual.

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To make the layered look easier and neater, use a multi-clasp (Amazon options) to hook everything together to check out the look and put it on as one necklace. If the necklaces are the same length and a cascading look is desired, purchase other handy jewelry stretching options or make your own to achieve it. If the messy look is preferred, then just layer them up at all the same length for cluttered chunky look or slightly different levels. Framing the look with pearls always adds a level of class to an outfit.

Steps to create a great cascading look in necklaces:

1. Start with shortest diamond pendant, line necklace, or small bead or pearl necklace.

2. Add y-necklace, longer mid-length bead necklace, drop pendant or slightly longer bar, if not 1st layer.

3. Finish or frame with a longer beaded-chain, metal chain, more complementary beads, or long pearls.

4-5. *Optional - Throw in a different color beads/pearls or pendant to add contrast and additional interest to layers.

Notes:

If you want to go over 3, multiple item looks typically appear more balanced in odd numbers, So think about your layers like you would do a flower arrangement.
Depending on selection in step 4, it can give either a more boho look or make an elegant addition to elevate the look beyond matchy-matchy. Another option for the look of 4th layer is to use really long strand from 3rd layer and double it over head so part is at choker length and the other part is the longest layer.
To reduce the possibility of necklaces getting all tangled up, choose to use the multi-clasp noted above. An alternative way to reduce messy tangles when using beads or pearls layered is to put that on necklace on last. This way the chains are below the beads/pearls so they lay flatter and the finished look is neater.
Remember - just as single rose in a bud vase can look more elegant than a huge bouquet, sometimes one necklace is all you need for a classy look.

Southern Pearl Girls Explain Mabe vs Blister Pearl

Since I do lots of pearl posts,I have been asked what is the difference between a mabe pearl and a blister pearl by people trying to learn more about pearls. Typically they have seen one or the other offered on a TV shopping channel and want to know why they might want it in their jewelry collection.

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The way this Texas Pearl Girl answers is that a blister pearl is a pearl that is actually growing on the inside of the host mussel or clam shell. Blister pearl jewelry usually includes part of the mother-of-pearl shell when they cut widely around the pearl to make a necklace or earrings. The blister may be centered for a strand or it could be at the top or bottom of a large cut of shell for more interesting pendant Sometimes you even get bonus blisters! If you like this natural look, then consider blisters for your collection. Blisters may be just drilled holes in the shell to hang from an earring finding or a chain. Or they may be in silver-tone, gold-tone, copper, or other metal settings - including sterling silver.

If you like a more classic look, then go for a mabe instead. A mabe is typically a blister pearl cut completely off of the shell and then mounted without any shell around it. Mabes are more expensive, possibly because of the precision cutting required. However part of the cost is that they are in jewelry quality metals like gold or .925 silver. Although most pearl mabes are often found in vintage or estate jewelry - it has been making a comeback in the last couple of years. The natural blue and pink colors are the most prized but white is the most traditional. However, less pearl farmers are taking the time to culture mabes, so they may go up in price as they may end-up being rare again.

Instead of looking for images of blisters and mabes, I thought a video would make it easier to understand. Below is a video by one of the southern Pearl Girls from Georgia with her explanation of mabes. To find out more about their store and their repair functions, check out ThePearlGirls website or find their other videos on YouTube.

Pearls: History and Science Education

Pearls are the birthstone of June and a lot of information about pearl jewelry has been shared on this blog. In case you want more education on pearls, you may want to view some videos from experts. Now to share a few good choices from GIA to increase your knowledge are shared below.

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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers degrees and certifications in Gemology, including specialty in Pearls. During the COVID shutdown, they offered a series of "Knowledge Sessions" via live webinars to help educate people in the jewelry industry and others who were interested in learning more about various gemstones. If you ever wanted to learn more about pearls, you can still check out some of those webinars on YouTube. Below is a list of the 1 hour video seminars from their series to check out.

Gemstones from the Sea (History of Pearls, MOP/Shells, Coral, & Fossils with Dr. Chunhui Zhou)
Fascinating World of Pearls and Shells (Identification & Biology with Nick Sturman)
An Overview of Pearl Identification Techniques (History & Science with Dr. Chunhui Zhou)
Diving into the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors (Gemology Grading with Akira Hyatt)

If you want to view older and shorter videos, check out these from the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors of around 2 minutes each.

Or check out these GIA videos including the highly-valued saltwater pearl types and the less expensive freshwater versions of 1-2 minutes each.

Akoya Pearls harvested in countries such as Japan, China and Vietnam
South Sea Pearls found in Myanmar, Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines
Tahitian Pearls cultured in the French Polynesian islands
Freshwater Pearls cultured in China and naturals from USA
Not video - Large Edison FWP article AKA trademarks: Genesis, Kasumi, Ming

Sea Pearls

Those Cute Beads Are Too Tiny

I bought this really cute 100-inch 2mm black spinel and 5mm pearl long endless necklace from a mail order site. I thought it would go great with other black jewelry. The first time I wore it, I created an approximately 25-inch frame for a black stone pendant by looping it 4-times and putting it over my head. The next time I wore it, I thought I would wear it alone as a messy multi-strand choker by just wrapping it over my head and around my neck several times - it looked great. However, when I went to take it off, it was a tangled and knotted mess. After working over half an hour to try to untangle it, I decided to just cut it off by leaning over a bowl to catch the beads and pearls. I then put them in a small storage container to consider reconstruction options later.

We recently had a day of rain and snow, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to create and repair jewelry. I started with the longest strand left from the above necklace. I removed a few beads to get it to look like it came built that way. After knotting the thread ends, I quickly ended up with a 56-inch version of the first endless necklace. I will use a looped necklace extender or pearl shortener (links are examples on Amazon) in the future when wearing it doubled or tripled to avoid the tangle issue. Then I looked at the remaining beads to decide if I wanted to try to create versions of shorter things I had seen on various websites.

Since they a fashionable, I had been thinking about making a jewelry tassel and decided these tiny beads would make a great beaded version. Depending on how I constructed it, I could put the tassel on a chain, small beads, or regular-size pearls. Looking through my remaining intact strands, I found four that were the same size which would create 8-strands once folded over and knotted on each end. I removed the pearls from those strands to use on a shorter necklace. I then added a large jump ring that could slide over small beads/pearls, thread wrapped around the top for tassel look, and topped it with a large acorn-shaped pearl. The 4-inch tassel took longer than I expected, but was pretty easy to do and I thought it looked lovely.

Finally, I decided to make an 18" necklace with a large center pearl and tiny pearl stations using the ones taken off tassel above. If I had extra beads after the necklace I would try to create a bracelet. I could not get any wire I had or a small needle with thread to go through the holes in the 2mm black spinel beads! After going to the craft store and buying 28 gauge (tiniest size) wire, I started stringing through the teeny holes in the tiny beads. This part of project took most of the day! The bead holes were hard to find with the shinny facets confusing my eyes about what I was seeing plus I do not have a bead spinner. While stringing, the beads kept spilling or coming off the wire! So I lost some beads and had to use multiple tiny clamps to keep them from slipping around on wire. I did have beads left over and my bracelet ended up at 6.5 inches so I added an extender to it for extra length. I added an extender chain to the necklace as well, so it can be worn longer when desirable. As a break from the tiny bead stringing, I created a pair of matching 1.5" hook earrings from other beads and pearls leftover from past projects.

Lessons learned: Do NOT buy extra long necklaces made with micro-tiny beads! Do NOT try to make custom jewelry with 2mm beads.

Updating Pearls by Mixing with Beads

Pearls Strung with Other Bead Types

In other posts, new fashionable up-to-date looks with pearls included mixing with chains and chips or varying sizes/colors/shapes. The newest hot look is to take pearls and mix them with either round opaque gemstone beads for a soft look. Or to create a more dramatic look by mixing pearls with faceted beads to give them a bling effect.

The most fashionable necklaces are long so that they can be used in a multitude of ways to create various looks for different occasions. Check out jewelry designers (see Dallas Prince and Victoria Wieck) and on-line sellers current choices for faceted beads with pearls include smaller sizes of hematite (plain or plated) and spinel on shopping channels. Same size, smaller, or larger smooth bead choices range from soft colors of rose quartz or milky aquamarine to darker gems like garnet on these sites as well. Asian designers have been mixing round jade beads with pearls for awhile and that style continues to grow in popularity, especially jade from Burma.

Pearl sizes and necklace strand lengths

Do you get confused when you hear a millimeter size for pearls? If you wonder what they mean, you can think 10mm is about 1/2 inch diameter. For a more accurate size check, find common pearl sizes in millimeter (MM) infographic shared thanks to The Pearl Source. They offer a downloadable/printable PDF that provides a way to actually measure your pearl diameter and they also have an interactive page showing standard pearl strand lengths so you can pick the look you want. If you have ever heard anyone talk about pearl strands, you might want to know the name commonly used for the different lengths. Pearl Paradise provides an explanation of how pearl bracelet and necklace strands are measured.

Once you choose a length in inches, the interactive guide will tell you if it is called: Choker 14-16" which actually sits just about where most t-shirt/dress collars do, Princess 17-19", Matinee 20-24", Opera 26-35", or Rope 36" or longer. The chart does not include Collar 12-14"which is smaller than a choker but sits higher/tighter on the neck and Lariat which is either a long rope tied in knot or a long unconnected stand that is worn like a scarf. Child size strands range from collar to choker length and use smaller pearls than an adult strand. If you buy a necklace for a child, they can wear it later in life as a collar or choker, depending on length. If you are looking for a strand to pass down, look for the Standard adult length of 18" containing around 6MM pearls. 12-14". Torsade is not a length, rather it is a style of wearing multiple pearl stands twisted together to form a chunkier and shorter look. On torsades, pearls might be mixed with other gems for a up-to-date fashionable look.

For a text guide to wearing the best lengths for your size, visit Fine Pearl Jewelry Necklace Length Guide. For a suggestion of pearl diameter by age, visit American Pearl Right Size.

Endless Strand of Pearls for a Variety of Stylish Looks

I love an extra-long endless (no clasp) strand of pearls that is longer than standard pearl lengths. There is so much you can do with it to get a variety of looks. Below is a less than 6-minute video showing 12 ways to wear a 72-inch pearl strand with or without a pearl shortener clasp- (view Amazon example), which is used to create choker or torsade styles. If you do not have a shortener, you can tie a pretty ribbon at back to serve the clasp function. For another look, consider making a 2-3 row look with a long row for a frame and putting a pearl enhancer on the shortest row. Or you can make multiple rows and put a brooch across one of the rows on the side or in front as your pendant. Be sure to put the enhance or pin between pearls over a knot to prevent damaging a pearl.

For more cute ideas using brooches or ribbon, see 21-ways Stylish Petite photo post. If you have a 100-inch pearl strand and want more ideas, see the 9-minute Java and Jewelry video demonstration with a 90-inch pearl strand. The two hosts show a interesting crochet-type looping about 6-minutes in and a fashionable braiding/scarf option a little later in the J&J video.

Five Pearls and Gemstone Jewelry Sets Combine for Hundreds of Earring Styles

After I got my ears pierced, I needed earrings for the holes. I have been given gift sets to get me started. What I found with the sets is I can mix and match to make even more earring combinations to stretch my jewelry wardrobe by using earring jackets or enhancers and dangles or drops for a variety of styles. Below are some examples of combinations you may want to try.

Cultured FWP with White Topaz Hoop Interchangeable Earring Set is actually more than seven different earrings. Yes you have the hoop you can wear alone or you can wear any of the six shades of freshwater pearls dangling from the hoop. So we start with seven. You can also wear more than 1 dangle from the hoop, for instance if you have a tuxedo strand of pearls you might want to make a matching earring by putting white, grey, and black pearls onto the hoop. You can even put all 6 pearls on the hoop, although that may be a little too much. Going back to the tuxedo strand, perhaps you want to just wear a stud pearl and then use the strand as a frame for cluster pearl necklace, Make the necklace by putting 3-6 of the white, grey, and black pearls on a silver chain that will hand inside the strand. You can of course use the drops on other earring hoops or with studs to create even more earring combinations. So what is the math for just this set? 7+(6x2)+(6X3)+(6X4)+(6X5)+1 = 92 looks

Examples of Earring Mix & Match
Click links to see Original Sets

Cultured Pastel FWP Pearl Stud with Floating Pearl Jackets is a set that promises you 6 looks because you can wear the studs alone or with the matching floating pearl jacket. But it is actually more than alone because you can mix the colors to match a two-tone or three-tone strand you may have. For instance you might have a strand that has pink, white, and peach pearls on it, you could use the white stud and hang the peach pearl from it to create a set to almost match the strand. Another optional look for this pearl set is to turn the floating pearl up to climb he ear, where the silver bar is hidden behind the ear, and it will give the impression of a double piercing. And of course, you can also use the studs mixed with the drops above to create more styles or use the floating pearl jackets with other pearl of gemstone studs. Math for just this set is 6+(2X3)+6+(2X3) = 24 styles

Multi-color Cultured 7-8MM FWP Stud Earrings and Diamond Simulant Jacket Set contains six studs and a pair of jackets that you may or may not choose to wear for an occasion. So that is a dozen possible looks just for this set. Now you can combine the five different colored pearl studs from this set with the three floating pearl jackets or combine any of the pearls with the interchangeable pearl drops. So the combined total looks might be 12+(5X3)+(6X6) = 63 looks

J-Hoop Earring with Interchangeable Gemstone Charms has a small hoop you can wear alone or hang one of the five gemstones charms from it. So that is 6 ways to wear this set alone. You can also wear any of the dangle charms from the six different pearl studs in the jacket set above. So the math would be 6+(5X6) = 36 styles

Diamond and Gemstone Simulant 5MM Stud Earrings can be more than the 12 studs by adding drops or jackets. For instance, you can use the jackets from the stud pearl set with these to make an additional 12 looks. Or you can use the three floating pearl colors to make up to 36 new looks. If you like a little drop from the studs, you can use any one of the interchangeable pearls above for up to 72 looks. If you use the gemstone drops from the j-hoop set of five, you could make up to 60.

So what is the possible math total if you also own this set? 12+12+36+72+60 = 192 looks

I do not guarantee my math as I am not so good with numbers. However you should get the overall idea.

Pearls are a Perfect Frame

When I say pearls are a perfect frame, I mean that they are an excellent way to draw attention to a pendant by layering it with the strand of pearls. I find that a 24-inch or 30-inch strand sets off a large pendant or medallion quite well. A 60-inch pearl strand doubled as a wider frame can also work. The pearls should be longer than the pendant so they will draw other’s eyes toward you and then people will notice your pendant.

This idea is similar to the current fashion of layering of silver or gold chains with pendants. Using pearls over chains gives you a classier of funkier look depending on the shape and color of the pearls. Using pearls also offers a variety of choices in soft or bright colors over the traditional metals.

You can get freshwater pearls at great prices in multiple colors around Christmas and Mother’s Day. Match the color of the pearls with the color of a pendant you have.

Faux pearls can also make a very nice picture frame, check out Vintage Necklace Frame for a crafty idea to make a unique Christmas, bridal, Mother’s day, or birthday gift.

Updating Pearls by Mixing with Other Gems and Metals

In the last post on updating pearls, colors, sizes, and shapes of pearls was the fashion topic. With this post, we take color, shape, and size to the next level by mixing a single size or color of pearl with other gemstones. The first time I saw this mix, other than in a torsade that mixed pearls with opaque gemstones, it was a medium size pearl mixed with large agates of a contrasting color to make a bold statement in a long strand. Since then, I have seen long strands of freshwater pearls with transparent/translucent gem chips. I have seen pink pearls with garnet chips, black pearls with amethyst chips, white pearls with peridot chips, and gold pearls with citrine chips. When looking for a new idea for purchasing birthstone jewelry, check shopping sites for pearls mixed with the stone you are looking for an up-to-date look that should be appreciated by females any age.

Pearls mixed with other gemstone to create fashion strands..

Something new I also like the look of is mixing beads with metal chains and pendants. Whether you layer multiple pieces or just two, the look is WOW. I especially like the look of a 30” or 36” inch strand as a frame for standard gemstone necklace on an 18” or 20” chain. Find a pearl strand that matches the primary gemstone color as a frame if you want the simplicity and classy look of just pearls. Or get a strand that combines the classic white or black pearl with the same type of stone or in the same color zone as in the pendant. This not only frames the pendant to make it more noticeable but it makes a big statement about what type of stones you like to collect or maybe even emphasize your birthstone.

The options for mixing and layering pearls continue to grow. There seem to be no limit and no wrong way to do it. Go ahead - mix pearls in with metals and more! Let us know what you come up with too.

Updating Pearls using Multiple Colors, Sizes, and Shapes

It is amazing the color, shape, and size variety in pearls in fashion today. This is not your grandmother’s classic 18 inch strand of 6-8 mm white or cream pearls in all the same size or graduating from large in the middle to small at the clasp. Instead young women are going for pearls in various colors from pastels to bights. Not only are the pearls of different colors fashionable, wearing pearls that have multiple colors is also a way to make a progressive statement. The color combo that is most stylish for evening wear is called “tuxedo.” This strand combines the “always in fashion” black (aka peacock) and white alternating with a touch of grey or silver in pearls.

Pearls and combinations in various colors, sizes, and shapes.

Not only are jewelry designers mixing colors, they are also mixing sizes and shapes. Perfectly round pearls that are about 12mm (about half an inch in diameter) are combined with freshwater pearls that are under 4mm or baroque pearls that are oblong in shape. Pearls strands are also being enhanced with mother of pearl shapes or other pearls that are biwa (stick) or coin (flat round) types.

Whether you mix multiple solid color strand (or mix mule-color with solid) or choose to go with different sizes or types, layer pearls is a great fashion “DO.” Try various combinations to update an outfit for either daytime style or nighttime glamour. Layer around the neck and on the wrist! Then come back for pearl with gems as another update option. Let us know in the comments how you choose to layer and create new looks.

A New Edgy Way to Wear Pearls?

Got lots of pearls (faux or natural)? Want new looks and layering ideas? Check out this 1+ minute video by Lucky Magazine and sponsored by Charming Charlie stores.

What Organic Gemstones Are Used In Jewelry?

Most gemstones are mined and originate as lifeless mineral composites. Organic gemstones are those that that come from once living plant or animal. There are mainly 3 organic stones that are used for most jewelry: pearls being the most popular, then amber or coral. Others exist but they are typically more rare or were popular in the past.

Gemstones Classifications

Amber is fossilized tree resin. The most prized Amber will have bits and pieces of plants or insects in it. A full fossilized insect can result in a very expensive pendant or ring!
Ammolite is a slice of colored material from inside of the Canadian version of Ammonite
Ammonite is a fossilized shell of a squid –like creature used for jewelry and decorative home/office accessories. They come in sizes small enough to create a ring to as tall as an adult person. The decorative pieces are usually sold whole, whereas the fossils used in jewelry are usually cut in half.
Copal is a younger and less expensive version of amber.
Coral comes from different types of underwater plants. Many of which are now protected so getting jewelry can be expensive and hard-to-find since only dead coral can be harvested. The most popular coral colors for jewelry are lipstick red or orange-tones. Black, pink, white, and other colors are rare.
Ivory –was originally from elephant tusk but now may come from the teeth of other large animals or the ivory palm. This is most popular are carved figurines or jewelry items.
Jet looks black like coal but is actually decayed wood and rarely used in jewelry today. So you would most likely find it in antique stores or estate sales.
Pearl is formed in mollusks. The more expensive pearls are grown in oysters where only one pearl is produced. The less expensive freshwater is more prolific as several pearls can be grown in a single mussel.

Arguably, there are other organics since fashion jewelry is often made from organic materials other than rocks, glass, and paste. You could argue that they should fall into the organic category too. However, they are usually referred to as “natural” since they are not as rare or as expensive as their organic gemstone counterparts. These are typically built into fashion jewelry or are fad items that come and go with the trends and times.

Fashionable Options

Wood Necklaces and
Stretch Bracelets,
Painted or Stained

Abalone is used in jewelry because of its lovely luster and multiple colors.
Bone carving for jewelry has been around for centuries, yet it is not necessarily fashionable so much as collectable. Do not expect it to be inexpensive since it does take time for the artist to create. Bones may come from a large animal like a buffalo or a smaller animal like an armadillo.
Mother of Pearl is the inside of the shell covering the pearl, it is made of the same nacre. It is highly sought after for carving in jewelry and for making shell pearls.
Natural Wood is used in inexpensive beaded necklaces and bracelets. The wood may be a painted bangle or be stained to bring out the natural striations and color variations. Carved pieces or slices of wood that show the age rings are popular for pendants. Often carved pieces are representative of a culture. Some types of wood are used in jewelry to represent the region the wood comes from, such as Olive from Israel or Koa from Hawaii.
Paua is a brightly colored abalone found in New Zealand
Petrified Wood is a plant that has turned into stone as a result of chemicals and other materials that covered the original wood during petrification that may either enhance or change the color of it. It is most popular for decorative items but has been used in some jewelry.
Shells can be used as beads via drilled small shells or cut shell sections. These might be pendants, strung on a necklace, or put onto stretch cord for a bracelet. Shells are also used to carve most cameos which are traditionally made in Italy and imported around the world. Cameos are usually found in jewelry stores or home shopping networks and they are the most expensive version of shell jewelry. Currently cameos are in fashion so faux resin versions can be found in a range of colors.

If you believe an organic jewelry option was left out, please include a comment listing the item and why you feel it should be added to the list. Thanks!

Whatever Happened to Caged Pearls?

My first “real pearl” necklace was a caged pearl pendant received in the early 80s’ - although that style became popular in the 20’s. The other day I was wondering why we do not see caged pearls much anymore. They used to be a favorite gift for brides, if a choker style strand was cost prohibitive. Pearls are also the birthstone of June, so a single pearl would seem like a perfect birthday gift for a young woman. Given the fashion popularity of pearls right now and the desire for vintage-look jewelry, you would think this might be an alternative offered for those who prefer metal to bead strands. So I decided to do a web search. What did I find?

I found sites where I could buy cages to make caged pearl jewelry if I had the pearls. An alternative search option that was given to me was wish pearls. So I did that and found sites where I could buy wish pearls in order to harvest my own pearl (neat idea for a school show and tell project) and then create a necklace. If I added the word “vintage” to my original search, I got lots of shopping sites selling mostly costume versions of the cage concept.

Maybe the reason these are not as available now is we can get pearls cheaper than precious metals now. It used to be the other way around. However, that does not change the fact that the really neat thing about a caged pearl is you get an entire pearl. There is no hole drilled for stringing or mounting. The pearl moves around freely in the cage. I think this would be a beloved jewelry box item for the pearl girls and collectors out there.

So I still wonder why no jewelers are doing this anymore. With the returning popularity of the charm bracelet, a pearl jewelry designer should come up with a variety of charms containing caged pearls. They could use a variety of pearl cages with different pearl shapes and sizes. Or use a multitude of the animal shaped cages with multiple colors of freshwater pearls for a more fun and youthful look. Or for more classic look, do only 2 different alternating cages but with each containing another color pearl in each cage, maybe dark colors in gold for Fall and pastels set in silver for Spring. Or do a mixed-metal look which is very popular by matching the metal to the pearl color: gold for golden/yellow, silver for white or grey, gunmetal for black, and rose for pink. For a new necklace, how about putting a peacock pearl in birdcage shape pendant? Cool ideas! Right!?

What do you think of these ideas and what other ideas do you have?

Pretty in Pearls, the June birthstone

Jewelry Box filled with FWP

Anyone who has been reading my blog for a while knows I like pearls, even though they are not my birthstone. I’ve written about them and offered videos how to determine if they are real or not. Since pearl is the primary birthstone for June, I thought I would provide a little more detail on pearls that was not covered in previous pearl posts. My prior posts cover how to buy and wear pearls, their shapes and sizes, as well as how to clean and store them. Other people have compiled history of the pearls popularity. So here, let us start with the basics - there are two types of pearls. Most commonly seen in department stores is the slightly inexpensive and very fashionable freshwater pearl. The other is the more expensive salt water pearl, which can only be purchased at finer jewelry stores or via TV and internet shopping sites. Both come in various sizes, shapes, and colors.

Freshwater pearls (FWP) are grown in mussels. They may be dyed in the color currently in vogue or bleached whiter so they are almost always in fashion. Those dyed in the shell have a more consistent coloring that goes deep into the nacre. Those dyed after harvesting from the shell may be blotchy and the color may fade over time if pearls are not properly stored. So be watchful when shopping for these. There has been a great surge in the popularity of pearls as a natural adornment because of the color options and the varying shapes. In China they are experimenting with forcing shapes and symbols by seeding the pearl with a small shape (such as a cross, heart, or Chinese character) so that nacre is formed over it. The results are an incredible pearl but not all are regular in shape (part of the coolness factor) and some tests of complicated replicas are unsuccessful. However, freshwater pearls are more abundant as a single mollusk can often accommodate growing multiple pearls in a relatively short timeframe.

The oysters that grow saltwater pearls often only grow one pearl, which is why they are so rare. I have heard that their growth is also slower than that of the cultured freshwater. Typically one year per millimeter size. Saltwater pearls may be best known as Tahitian, South Sea, or Akoya and come in various grades. You can find a more-affordable freshwater cultured-version of these larger, high-luster pearls by searching for some of the trademark names: Edison (harvesting video), JTV's Genusis (not the same as Pearls of Genesis stye), or Honora's Ming.

Another interesting thing about pearls is where mother of pearl comes from. Mother of Pearl (MOP) is the iridescent inside (nacre) of the shell in which pearls are grown. Nacre is also what pearls are made of as the mollusk will cover any item that gets in it with nacre to reduce the irritation caused by that item. Thus the origin of the name “mother of pearl” which is used in jewelry as pendants or pearl enhancers, often carved into a flower, animal, symbol, or scene. Once the shell has passed the age of producing pearls, it is can be cut and used as MOP. Man-made MOP pearls are also available, these are pearls made by crushing the MOP shell and reconstituting it into perfectly round pearl shapes. If shopping for pearls, check the description carefully to see if those low-priced pearls are saltwater, freshwater, or MOP.

For another traditional June birthstone, see Alexandrite and Simulant Variations.

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