Akoya Pearl Necklace - Akoya Pearl Jewelry

Akoya Pearl necklace is best known for its high luster and color brilliance. Akoya Pearls are commonly known as cultured saltwater pearls. Akoya pearls are the classic cultured pearls of Japan. In early nineteenth century, a Japanese man named Kokichi Mikimoto introduced to this world his bead-nucleating technique of culturing pearls in seawater - oyster's naturally occurring process of forming the pearl with human help thereby stimulating the process by producing the initial irritant or nucleus. Akoya oysters are small mollusks, so the pearls they produce range from sizes 3mm to 9mm. The oyster secretes nacre to cover the bead with layer upon layer of nacre. Thicker the nacre better is the quality. Akoya pearls are produced by Pinctada fucata oyster type.

In recent years China has come up with equally high quality akoya pearls. Every harvesting season, pearl farms growing akoya pearls often find small to medium size pearls of varying quality and it takes lot of efforts to choose the best quality pearls. The pearls are hand sorted, processed, and strung into hanks. Akoya pearl necklace made with quality pearls typically command higher values than freshwater pearl jewelry but comparatively cheaper than Tahitian and south seawater pearls.

With the new improved technologies and constant monitoring of pearl growth in pearl oysters, freshwater pearls often come in good quality and are available in wide array of colors and sizes but akoya pearls still typically command higher value. There is great demand for akoya pearls both in U.S and foreign markets. All akoya pearls are cultured pearls.

Higher grades quality akoya pearls that are known for their brilliant luster and nearly perfect round shapes make the perfect akoya pearl necklace. Each pearl is hand knotted and stringed together to make a beautiful akoya pearl necklace. Akoya pearl necklace is the preferred choice for many women and adorned all over the world. Although akoya pearls do come in cream, pink, rose overtones etc, yet white color is the standard classic color when it comes to buying akoya pearl necklace. It is always good to buy akoya pearl necklace with matching akoya pearl earrings and or bracelet. Akoya pearls are indeed very alluring and make excellent luxurious gifts.

http://www.pearlprincess.com/

Kheri

Jewelry Boxes - How To Choose The Right Style For Necklaces

If you are looking for a jewelry box that will accommodate numerous necklaces, we recommend a standing chest with a necklace carousel or necklace hooks. The tall chests range in height from 13 to 18 inches. We prefer the necklace carousel because it allows you to store more than one necklace on a hook and it will not diminish your ability to view your necklaces easily. The carousel also twirls allowing you to find what you are looking for quickly. The 2nd is a basic style with 3 to 5 hooks on each side of the box. You can also store more than one necklace on each hook with this style, but you loose the ability to view the necklace towards the back. The height of these chests will allow the necklaces to fully hang without a lot of "bunching" on the bottom.

We do not recommend a smaller jewelry box which allows necklaces to hang in the lid or in the back of the jewelry box. If you have a few necklaces, this style will be fine, but if you have a large necklace collection, this style will quickly become inconvenient. Mele Companies offers a great selection of jewelry boxes that will accommodate large or small collections of necklaces.

Another alternative is an Omega Necklace jewelry case. This type of case offers safe storage for your necklaces in the drawers. Each drawer can accommodate 1 to 4 necklaces, depending on thickness. The necklaces are secured by leather straps which snap into place. Wolf Designs offers a very nice leather Omega Necklace Jewelry Case.

Another alternative is to purchase a style with "open" trays. The "open" tray will allow you to lay your necklaces flat on the tray. You should be able to store approximately 5 to 10 necklaces per tray with this style. This is a great alternative for someone that prefers a smaller jewelry box.

TopShelf MarketPlace provides weekly updates and information on selecting the jewelry box that is right for you or your gift recipient.

Through my online business, TopShelf MarketPlace, I have been selling and marketing jewelry boxes since April 2003. I am knowledgeable in the various styles, finishes and woods, and in the art of choosing the right box to suit our customer's needs. A jewelry box is a piece that will last a lifetime and helping our customers make the right selection is our business.

http://www.topshelfmarketplace.com

Making A Beaded Necklace Or Bracelet For Beginners

I make all my beaded jewelry by hand, on my website I give many genuine gemstone beads to choose from so people can customize their necklaces (also bracelets & earrings). Whatever beads you might use the technique is the same, I personally use only sterling silver parts & genuine beads such as black onyx, turquoise, red coral, aventurine, amazonite (very popular), rhondonite, mother-of-pearls, freshwater pearls, etc...

I personally use only Beadalon wire which is extremely solid, it comes in many colors & variety some ticker & more solid... Much more expensive then most other wires but this is worth it if you want to make a necklace or bracelet that will truely last. Beadalon can be found in most jewelry findings online stores, Ebay, etc...

Also, you need crimps (can be found in sterling silver, plated silver & other metals) and crimps covers (to hide the crimps & give it a nice professional look). There are special pliers sold to use with crimps & crimps covers which makes the job easier but I have done it before with regular pliers well.

Start by measuring the correct height of wire you want cut it with about 2-3 inches extra to what you need. The extra will be cut at the end but will make it easier to work with & do the tips. Always have a ruler with you, it will be helpful many times. So if you want a 16" necklace cut about 18-19" long of wire.

I always start in the middle, so if you have a pendant or a centerpiece for the necklace put it on now. Make sure the bail or loop is solid. Usually I put a sterling silver ball on each side of the pendant large enough to stop the pendant from moving. Look at the bail or loop, make sure the beads you add on each side are larger. Now is time to add all the beads you want, using the ruler make sure you stop at the desired height. Also don't forget that there will be a clasp at the end which will add some height.

For the clasps, there are many on the market. I usually use sterling silver lobster clasp or spring clasp. Also you need a jump ring soldered to fit with your clasps.

So once you are done adding all those beads start ending the tip on one side. insert a crimp, then the clasp loop, then fold your wire back into the crimp. Tighten the wire so there is no loose wire between the crimp & clasp. Then squeeze the crimp shut with some pliers. Once that is done it should be solid. I always pull a little on it to double check.

Ok now you cut the extra wire on that side leaving about 4-5mm. Using the pliers you fold it over the crimp. Now grab a crimp cover open it wide enough using your finger & set it on top of the folded 4-5mm wire, covering it & the crimp. Close the crimp cover using your pliers delicately. Once that is all done one side is totally finished. Do the same on the other side using once again a crimp but of course a jumpring instead of a second clasp! Then a crimp cover again. Don't forget it must be tight at the end. You shouldn't see any of the wire. Then again don't make it too tight or the necklace will be stiff.

I hope this is easy to understand. It is quite easy to do but the first pieces you make might need a little work redone later when you get better at it.

Shop around before you buy any findings, some places are making way to much profit on people. Search for "jewelry findings" in search engines, and take a look on Ebay also, compare before you buy!

I usually use sterling silver beads of size 2mm, 3mm & 4mm. And for my stone beads I use 4mm & 6mm.

Thank you, It you think this is too much trouble visit my website! My prices are very reasonable. www.sterlingsilverart.com

Blue Crockatt silversmith artist showcases her art at http://www.sterlingsilverart.com

At Christmas Time A Black Pearl Necklace Makes A Stunning Gift

Christmas is the time for giving! Whether you've decided to purchase a black pearl necklace to treat yourself during the holidays or give that special necklace to a loved one, this article will give you a few suggestions for the Christmas season. Let's look at the 24-inch turquoise necklace extender. If you're looking for a brilliant rush of color, such as red beads separated by brightly-hued turquoise stones, you're going to love what this necklace can do for your wardrobe. The genuine turquoise nuggets are patterned with red beads, along with fluted sterling silver beads on both ends of the necklace which is 24 inches long. The 4 inch extender chain of .925 market sterling silver has turquoise nuggets that measure approximately 3/8" in diameter, and close with a lobster claw clasp. Now, that's a classy piece for the holidays! This necklace extender comes in numerous styles including a bright, silver-plated, brass curb-chain necklace design that you can attach to your jewelry. This silver-plated extender is a very popular item. All you do is attach one of these to the end of your necklace using a jump ring or split ring. You can fasten the clasp to any part of the chain, and voila, you automatically have an adjustable necklace. What a great Christmas gift.

Why not make Christmas a very special time for that very special lady in your life, gentlemen! Have a look at the black pearl necklace. This time of year is especially good for purchasing online as there are many Internet retailers with some great buys. Cultured black pearls are stunning and will complement just about any wardrobe your wife may have. The classic pearl necklace is usually 16 inches long, with cultured pearls that exhibit a very vivid black color. Each one is exquisite, an individually crafted work of art. This great christmas gift features AAA-quality, solid nacre, fresh water cultured pearls that are carefully matched for color, shape, luster, and size. Finished with a .925 sterling silver clasp plated with 18k white gold, the pearls are available in 6.5 or 7.5mm. The black pearl necklace, complete with multicolors that shimmer and shine with colors of the sea, will bring out your wife's eye color like never before!

For another Christmas gift idea during the holidays, how about the 14k gold necklace extender? This is an excellent solution for ladies who are just fed up with tight or short necklaces. You can attach this extender to your chain and make it up to 3 inches longer. One excellent feature about the extender is it's not permanent. You can use it on different chains and also adjust for shorter extension by just clasping to a link and letting some of the chain dangle. Or, you may want to have a look at the versatile gold-filled extender with a clasp on each end, so it can be multipurpose. This great Christmas gift can be used to convert your bracelet to an anklet or use it as a necklace extender. You can also use it as a safety chain for that special necklace or bracelet you don't want to lose and the chain comes in a beautiful, delicate filigree design which will enhance almost any piece of jewelry you own. The chain comes in 3 mm wide and 1 ? inches long. From clasp to clasp, it will add 2 1/4 inches and is a great way to dress up any piece of existing jewelry. So whatever piece of jewelry you have in mind for gift-giving during the holidays, you may want to consider the black pearl necklace or a necklace extender. It will help add to an existing necklace collection in both a dressy and economical way!

Terry Price is a successful publisher and author on the topic of jewelry at: http://www.diamond-silver-necklace.com/pearl-necklace.html. Christmas gift giving doesn't have to be expensive! http://www.diamond-silver-necklace.com/gold-necklaces.html. Did you enjoy this article? http://www.digg.com/about.

Tips on Choosing Tahitian Pearl Necklaces

Tahitian pearls are named after the island of Tahiti and they are highly prized for their beauty and the unique charm of their darker tones, thanks to the island's black-lipped oysters that produce black, gray and green-black pearls. Recognizing their value, pearl farmers used the pearl culturing techniques pioneered by the Japanese to cultivate Tahitian pearls. Since then, Tahitian pearls have become one of the most sought-after gems in the world.

Factors to consider when choosing quality Tahitian pearl necklaces, in order of importance:

Nacre thickness - ideally, the minimum thickness of nacre in Tahitian pearls is 0.8 mm. A thicker nacre covering means that the pearl's luster will last long. Thinner nacres have a tendency to wear off easily. Tahitian pearls which are thinner than the required minimum are not exported from French Polynesia.

Surface texture and quality - Tahitian pearls, like all pearls, are graded according to the quality of its surface. Pearls could have thick nacres but if the surface is flawed, their value decreases. Flaws include bumps, spots, discolorations, scratches and other irregularities. The more a pearl has, the less valuable or lower-grade it becomes.

To rate the quality of Tahitian pearls, jewelers use a grading system, consisting of A, B, C and D as the marks, with A-grade pearls being the highest quality. A-grade pearls have the cleanest, nearly flawless surface, virtually free of spots, discoloration or bumps. These pearls have a high luster and reflective quality.

B-grade Tahitian pearls have slightly (but still imperceptible) imperfect surfaces, with only 30% of the surface affected by flaws. C-grade Tahitian pearls have medium luster and imperfections are already quite perceptible while D-grade pearls are those with 60% of its surface affected by quite obvious imperfections, including scratches.

Luster - one quality of pearls that sets it apart from other gemstones is its unique brilliance. As opposed to other gems like the diamond, for example, pearls shine with a softer light. And since they reflect light, they also look like mirrors, reflecting everything in their immediate surrounding.

Generally, the thicker the nacre, the more brilliant and mirror-like the shine. Good quality pearls are clear and almost metal-like in their sheen.

Size - the largest Tahitian pearl ever produced is 25mm, although this in not a round pearl. The largest round Tahitian pearl is at 21mm. Generally, the bigger the size of the pearl, the higher its value is. Most Tahitian pearls are in the range of 8 to 14mm, although a few are measured at 16mm.

Shape - pearls follow the shape of the irritant or nucleus that enters the mouth of the oyster or mollusk that produces it. But to meet jewelry standards, most pearls are produced following three major categories: round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque.

Spherical pearls are those that are round or nearly round. A perfectly round pearl, whether natural or cultured, is quite rare and therefore highly prized. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular shapes. Nearly-round pearls are categorized as sphericals, although they may be slightly elongated or flattened.

Symmetrical pearls are so-called because if you cut one in half, each piece will mirror the other. Included in this category are oval pearls, which taper at the ends and are wider at the center; button pearls, which are slightly more flattened and often used for earrings; and drop pearls, which look like teardrops or pears, usually included in jewelry as pendants.

Baroque pearls may also be semi-baroque and include all other shapes that cannot be classified as either spherical or symmetrical. These are the favorite pearls of artists because of their irregular shapes. Baroque pearls may resemble sticks, studs and even crosses.

Other notable variations in Tahitian pearls are those that have 'rings' - tiny grooves that encircle the pearl's surface. For this reason, these pearls are called circled or ringed, although this quality is only used as a descriptive device, to distinguish one pearl from another. For example, a ringed pearl may be described as a 'ringed oval' or 'circled drop'.

Color - when Tahitian pearls are mentioned, the first thing that comes to most people's minds is black pearls although they do come in other colors, albeit in darker tones. Some of their interesting colors are gray, green, brown and blue.

The pearl's color is determined by two things: the main body color and its overtone. A pearl can have one or more overtones. The main body color is the predominant color of the pearl while the overtone is the hint of iridescent color that is seen on top of the body color and can affect or enhance the dominant color of the pearl. Pink, gold, blue, silver and purple are some of the most common overtones.

A combination of the body color and overtone is used to describe a pearl. For example, a greenish black pearl is called a peacock while a yellowish gray is called a champagne.

When buying Tahitian pearl necklaces, keep the above considerations in mind. Aside from quality, you might also want to consider design and setting. Don't be afraid to ask questions and information in detail. If the jewelry shop is reputable, they will be more than glad to answer your questions.

On your own, shopping for real Tahitian pearl necklaces can be quite a challenge. To help you make your decision, here are a few tips on real Tahitian pearls: - they have overtones over the main body color. Fake or imitation pearls don't and their color looks flat. Real Tahitian pearls also glow with a faint reddish color when examined using crossed filters.

- Tahitian pearls feel cool, although they do adapt to your body temperature. Imitation pearls maintain the same temperature as their surroundings, so when they are touched for the first time, they won't feel cold.

- To test for real Tahitian pearls, hold them in the palm of your hand and take note of their weight. They are heavier than imitation pearls. If you rub Tahitian pearls across your teeth, they will feel grainy or coarse and not smooth. Their holes are also smoother around the edges.

For more information go to: http://www.unlimitedpearls.com www.bestpearlnecklaces.com or www.bestpearlearrings.com

Sparkle with a Diamond Necklace

A diamond necklace is an elegant piece of flawless craftsmanship, and having one is almost every diamond lover's cherished dream. The unmatched radiance of a diamond necklace brightens a women's personality like and give her a graceful look. The growing popularity of diamond necklace makes jewelers to offer better and innovative styles every fortnight.

Every woman deserves a diamond necklace to celebrate her womanhood with this eternally wonder stone. A prefect way to complement your women and make her feel how special is she, gift her diamond necklace. Looking for elegant and finely crafted diamond jewelry but in an affordable range, internet has made your dream of buying diamond jewelry into a reality.

Find a Diamond Necklace just meant for you

Buying a diamond necklace is not a tough job, if you plan out well. Firstly you must have a clear estimate about how much you are going to spend on a diamond necklace. Not every can afford to burn millions, so the key concern is budget for your diamond jewelry. If you really want to enjoy your first diamond necklace don't cross your budget line or ready to pay interest for a long time.

Once you've clear picture about your budget, you can easily decide which necklace is best for you. Diamond necklace are available in number of unique styles, you can even design your necklace suits your style perfectly. A diamond necklace gives a dazzling looks to a bride and make her feel like queen on that special day. You can reward yourself with a well crafted diamond necklace to enjoy you accomplishments in life.

If you're looking for the low price diamond, get some expert recommendations online. Recommended sites can guide you in a better way.

You'll get number of good options online; it will make you to think thousand times before stepping into a mall next time.

for more information on Engagement Rings, plz visit:http//www.preciousglow.com

Freshwater Pearl Necklaces

 

Freshwater pearls make pearl jewelry the perfect gift for every woman and young girl. Pearls are rare commodities that were once possessed only by the rich and famous. Because of the pearl’s aesthetic appeal, they are reputed to have medicinal properties. In China, women ingest freshwater pearl powder every morning and night to maintain their youth. The powder purportedly makes their skin smooth and less wrinkled. The powder is also used to treat various diseases.

Freshwater Pearls are small and sometimes irregularly shaped, as they are grown in various species of freshwater mussels. The colors range from pink, gray, black, bronze and lavender to white and off white. Due to the variety of freshwater pearls and the availability different shapes and sizes, freshwater pearl necklaces are in demand and easy to make. Because fresh water pearls are not very large, when beaded into a necklace they look very elegant and unique. Pearl necklaces can be beaded in different lengths, depending on the size of the pearls. Chinese freshwater pearls make the best necklaces. These pearls are tiny and not always round. Freshwater pearls are also available in various colors such as gold, silver, aqua blue, black, white, pink and cream yellow. Because of the different colorful pearls, these necklaces are extravagantly beautiful and a woman can have one to go with every color dress in her wardrobe.

Today, cultured freshwater pearl jewelry is a must for every woman’s jewelry wardrobe. Fashionable, feminine and freshwater pearls enhance a woman’s palette of styles. Rich and adaptable, a lustrous star in the world of fine jewelry, a simple pearl necklace can take a woman through every moment in her life and compliments any outfit in her wardrobe.

Pearl Necklaces provides detailed information on Pearl Necklaces, Black Pearl Necklaces, Freshwater Pearl Necklaces, Cultured Pearl Necklaces and more. Pearl Necklaces is affiliated with Cultured Pearl Earrings.