Choosing The Perfect Necklace

A necklace is an accessory worn around the neck. They are frequently in the form of metal chain with a pendant or locket often hanging from its end. Necklaces come in different styles and length that can change the look of your outfit. Of all your jewelry pieces, your necklace makes the greatest impact to your look. It gives flair and color to whatever you are wearing. The necklace you choose to wear could either make or break your outfit.

Your Necklace and Your Clothes

Necklaces can be chokers, princess necklace, matinee necklace, opera necklace, rope necklaces (Sautoir), dog collar, bib necklace, graduated necklace and uniform necklace. Collars are typically about 13 inches long but can vary. They are most suitable to complement v-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder clothing.

A choker is about 14 inches long. It is the most classic of all necklaces. It is wrapped around and lies on the base of the neck. It can be matched with any clothing from casual to formal evening wear. Chokers set off any neckline. It is stylish when used with a button-down shirt and trendy with a cocktail dress.

If you are wearing something with high necklines, crew or low necklines or if you are not sure what?s the best strand to use, a princess necklace is best for you. It is also the ideal necklace to hang a pendant.

If you are going out for a business lunch or dinner or if you are wearing something casual or something with a high neckline, a matinee necklace is best for you. It adds elegance for a more sophisticated ensemble. It also suits sundresses and formal gowns. It gives a certain zest to an outfit while giving the person wearing it a feeling of confidence.

Opera necklaces are perfect for both crew and high necklines. It can be used for both casual and formal wear. It can be doubled to function as a choker. To create an old yet classic look, you could knot it at the neckline or above the breast line.

Rope necklaces are chic and incredibly sexy. You can have clasps placed in different locations so that you could have different necklaces and bracelets or have a multi-strand choker. Like Opera necklaces, you could knot this necklace for a trendier look. If you are wearing a backless dress, you could knot this necklace and sling it over your shoulder to give your dress more flair.

Looking for the Perfect Necklace

The best thing about choosing your necklaces is that you don?t have to traipse through malls in search of your necklaces as you can always shop online for fine necklaces from the comfort of your own home and go out feeling confident and trendy. Online stores have a large collection of necklaces that you can choose from, and it is updated regularly to suit whatever the trend is right now. They also display vintage pieces if you are into a more classical look.

Now that you have an idea what necklace to put on with whatever you are wearing, choosing the perfect necklace to accessorize your dress is not that daunting anymore.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on jewelry and visit his associated site for unique jewelry.

Necklaces - Gold Is One Possible Choice

Discovery of Gold Nuggets

Gold was initially discovered in its natural state. They look like yellow nuggets which shines when the sun?s rays touches it. It was one of the earliest metals discovered by humans. The nice thing about it is that gold deposits can be located in different regions of the world. So that gold was discovered by different groups and anyone who saw it was readily impressed with its qualities.

Necklaces in General

A necklace is an object worn around the neck. In different cultures, necklaces can be in the form of clothing, indigenous materials or metal. Variations of necklaces have been created over time so that some of them can be as simple as a regular chain or circular object. It could also be more complex so much so that special designs come with gems or lockets attached to them.

Consumer Use of Gold Necklaces

A lot of people have in one way or another possessed a gold necklace or even several pieces of it. There are several reasons why people purchase them. One reason why people buy them is to wear accessories. Most people would wear accessories when they have some special occasions to attend or host. It somehow makes the wearer look better with it than without it.

Some people, on the other hand, invest in gold necklaces. A number would buy them for their value. Gold prices are bound to go up most of the time and so in a sense it?s like investing in real estate. Buyers are assured that they can wear them and still be able to sell them at a good price if and when they decide to do so.

Some religious groups like the Christians wear gold necklaces with a crucifix or cross attached to it. Although not everyone wears them as a rule, some wear them for purposes of showing their religious affiliations to people they meet without actually saying it.

However, there are some groups who wear gold necklaces with crosses attached to it as a pendant for decoration such as some singers of the hip hop genre. Wearing gold necklaces for the hip hop groups has become part of their distinctive attire. The practice of wearing loud gold necklaces is usually associated with them primarily because of mass media such as the television where the public gets the chance to see them in their full attire a good number of times.

Marketing of Gold Necklaces

Gold necklaces of all types are readily available in the market nowadays. Jewelry shops can be seen in malls, business areas and even online. The public could take their pick of any type they want or find more designs that appeal to their tastes. Gold necklaces are marketed with long or short strands. They also come in various thicknesses and karats. Even the designs of the gold chains are not the same for all gold necklaces. This has opened the marketing of gold necklaces not just to the rich ones but also the average man. Go ahead and get one for yourself too. People will always find uses for them whatever the venue or occasion may be.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on jewelry, silver and gems and visit our associated site articles for free.

Guide On Buying South Sea Pearl Necklaces

Of all the pearls around the world, one is revered above all others: the South Sea Pearl. Grown in the deep seas off Australia's coast, the South Sea pearl is prized for its brilliant gold or white shine. Shopping for South Sea pearls can be confusing. An informed shopper should gather as much information as possible so as to make an educated decision.

Grading South Sea Pearls

Pearl necklaces are graded by the Five S's: Shine, Surface, Shade, Shape and Size.

Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects and shines through the pearl. Because a pearl is an organic object, it often has Surface markings such as nicks, scratches, small indentations and discolorations. (A pearl void of such markings is considered perfect and only accounts for 5-10% of the total amount of pearls harvested each year). Pearls have a wide variety when it comes to color and overtone, with different Shades being considered more desirable than others. Pearl Shape can range all the way from Baroque to Perfect-Round, with different shapes being considered more valuable than others due to their rarity. Size is the total circumference of the pearl, usually measured in millimeters. The combination of these qualities factors in to the total grade of the necklace, resulting in a rating of A, A+, AA, AA+ and AAA. The highest grade for a pearl necklace is AAA quality. AAA pearls are the most desirable and valuable. They are impressive gifts to give someone who especially cares about quality and value.

South Sea Pearl Luster

Shine (Luster) is the way that light reflects from the pearl. It is the most important factor in determining a pearl's value. Luster is what gives the pearl its iridescence and depth. Luster is determined by the thickness of pearl nacre, the coating that makes up the pearl. Very lustrous pearls have a deep-mirror like surface and a bright shine. Pearls with low luster look dull and foggy. South Sea pearls are in possession of thick, creamy nacre and are famous for their rich, silky luster.

One way to examine the luster of a pearl necklace is to lay the strand on a table and look at the pearls from 20 inches away. The sharper and clearer your reflection is on the pearls? surface, the higher the luster.

South Sea Pearl Surface

As pearls are an organic creation, they often have surface imperfections. Flawless South Sea pearls are very rare and command a much higher price. The surface of a pearl is graded by how many imperfections are visible and to what percentage they are distributed. These marks can range from small and nearly unnoticeable, to quite large and distinct. When buying pearl jewelry, be sure to examine the pearl surface carefully for these kinds of flaws.

South Sea Pearl Color

South Sea Pearls have a wide variety of colors and overtones, ranging from white, silver, yellow and gold with subtle undertones of pink, blue and green.

Among these colors, deep golden or white hues are the most desirable and valuable.

Golden South Sea Pearl Necklace: The deeper the golden color, the more rare and valuable the pearls are. Their beautiful glowing hue creates a sense of warmth; livening the complexion and creating a feeling of luxury.

White South Sea Pearl Necklace: Famous for their rich, creamy color, White South Sea pearls can have rose or silver overtones. While pearls with silver tones are more popular, South Sea pearls with rose overtones are considered to be rarer and more valuable.

When buying a White South Sea pearl necklace, keep in mind that pearls with white body color are more valuable than those with ivory or cream. Use caution, as some sellers may sell cream South Sea pearls as white ones for a higher price.

When choosing color, keep in mind the complexion of the wearer. For example, if the wearer has a dark complexion, the golden color would be a good choice. If the wearer has a fair complexion, a white or silver hue would be nice.

When examining the color of a South Sea pearl necklace, it is best to view it under natural light. Pearl color will look slightly different under various types of lighting. Pure morning light is the ideal time. Florescent light tends to give pearls a more bluish or yellowish hue, while incandescent light lends pearls a more reddish hue.

South Sea Pearl Shape

South Sea pearl shapes include perfect round, semi-round, circle, oval, button, drop, and baroque. Because symmetry is rare in nature, round shapes are the most highly valued. While a strand of round South Sea pearl necklace is the most classic and valuable, a nearly round necklace can create a similar look at a significantly reduced price. Another option to consider is a baroque necklace. Stylish and fun, it can be worn with everything from a pair of jeans to a Gucci bustier.

South Sea Pearl Size

The most common sizes for South Sea Pearls are 10mm ? 15mm. South Sea pearls in 16mm - 20mm are very rare and extremely valuable. Ultimately, the size of a necklace is a personal preference as it reflects individual style and personality. When choosing a size, you should consider the wearing purpose of the necklace. Generally, larger necklaces are more extravagant and create a statement; while smaller necklaces are more for everyday wear.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Matching and Workmanship

It is important to examine the workmanship of a pearl necklace. Poorly matched pearls with obvious color differences will lessen the beauty of your necklace, causing its value to drop dramatically. When you receive your necklace, examine it by letting it hang off the tip of your finger. Examine whether the line of the necklace is straight, the knotted tie too tight or too loose and whether the finish is beautiful.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Graduation

Graduation means that the pearls are strung from smallest to largest, starting at the clasp and ending with the largest pearl in the center of the necklace. This is traditionally done to capture the elegant, interesting look it creates.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Length

When choosing pearl necklace length, keep in mind both the size of the wearer and the effect you wish to create. Traditionally 16 inches, or choker necklace length, is considered the classic look, while longer lengths are ideal for casual, business, or evening wear. It is an ideal choice for those with high necklines as well. The most popular length for a pearl necklace is 17 inches; a length that is not quite a choker yet does not drape extravagantly low on the wearer.

Millimeters Vs Inches

Pearls are measured in millimeter. 1 inch is equivalent to about 25mm. Therefore, a 10mm pearl is equal to 0.4 inches.

South Sea Pearl Necklace Pricing

Due to their size and rarity, South Sea pearls can be expensive. Here are some quick tips to help you in the decision making process: When selecting a necklace it is wise to choose quality over size.

High quality South Sea pearls are a statement of perfection and sophistication. Also, they are rare and have investment value. A high quality South Sea pearl necklace can last for generations.

Where to Buy

When buying South Sea pearl jewelry, compare prices from both online sellers and local stores. On average, local dealers tend to charge considerably more than online sellers. It is best to buy from a trusted online source. Make sure to check the sites? return policy, customer support, and customer reviews.

About the Author: Yan Berry is a seasoned pearl expert and designer from http://www.premiumpearl.com, a leading online pearl jewelry retailer.

The Myth and Mystique of a Black Pearl Necklace

Since recorded history, man has coveted the luminous white gems we call pearls. Revered the world over for their rare beauty, otherworldly sheen and understated elegance, pearls are as popular in modern society as they were with European royals and Egyptian princesses centuries ago. Today, pearl jewelry connoisseurs have a new love: black pearls. Exotic, luxurious and rare, a rich black pearl necklace presents a striking picture?the gems definitely lack the demure, chaste image of their classic white counterparts. For the woman who has everything, a black pearl necklace, whether showcased alone in a pendant or in a perfectly matched strand, makes a wonderful addition to her jewelry collection. Think of how lovely a black pearl necklace will look on any skin tone!

Where do jewelers get the pearls they use in a matched black pearl necklace?

?Black? pearls are also known as ?Tahitian cultured pearls,? but both names are misleading. Not only are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they?re also not grown in Tahiti. Called ?black? because of their exotic dark colors, Tahitian cultured pearls can be gray, blue, green and brown. And they?re grown in the lagoons of small islands that are part of a group known as French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, serves as the group?s center of commerce, and not as a pearl growing mecca. Interestingly, fine Tahitian cultured pearls have only been on the market since the 1970s. Yet they have become quite popular in that short time.

Growing Tahitian pearls

Tahitian pearls are cultivated for around two years in Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a large saltwater mollusk that is native to French Polynesia. One of the ways this unique oyster differs from other species is that its interior shell color is dark. This so-called ?black lipped? oyster also has black mantle edges?the ?lips? that give the animal its descriptive name. Due to overfishing, adult wild oyster populations aren?t as plentiful as they used to be. In an effort to reverse this trend, the government protects the animals; pearl farmers in French Polynesia who wish to culture the black lipped oyster must raise the oysters from spat (baby oysters). If the farmer is successful in nurturing the spat to adulthood, at around two and a half to three years old, the oysters are implanted with mantle tissue and a mother-of-pearl bead to start the pearl growing process. This delicate operation is performed by specially trained workers called nucleators; even so, according to the Gemological Institute of America, more than 50 percent of the oysters die or reject the nucleus.

Literature from GIA says, ?Add those oysters to the ones that don?t meet the implantation criteria: The farmer?s potential pearl-producing stock is less than half the number that lived long enough to be considered for nucleation. When the pearl growth period begins, after three years of work, the farmer has only 20 percent of the oysters he collected as spat.? No wonder a fine quality Tahitian cultured pearl is so rare!

Tahitian pearl growth generally takes place in a closed lagoon that is ringed by coral reefs. Such a setup offers protection and a stable environment for the implanted oysters to complete the pearl-growing process. After the oysters have been submerged for 22 to 26 months, they?re hauled to the surface, where any pearls they managed to grow are harvested. The farmers then clean and lightly buff the gems prior to offering them for sale. Farmers also sort the pearls by color, shape, etc. and grouped with like pearls.

In the end, only one to two percent of the Tahitian cultured pearl crop consists of fine quality round cultured pearls.

Color

Today, the most sought-after Tahitian cultured pearls are dark green-gray to blue gray with ros? or purple overtones. But how do pearls get their color? No one is completely sure, but we do know that pearl colors are determined by several factors, including variations in the host oyster, color variation of the implanted donor mussel tissue, the number and thickness of nacre layers, and variations in growing environment such as temperature and water quality. Tahitian pearls are most often variations of gray, black, green and blue, but other colors exist. Search on the Internet for Tahitian cultured pearl images, and you will see they are not all black!

Buying a black pearl necklace

At an average size of 8mm-14mm, Tahitian cultured pearls?especially those specimens that are gem-quality and round?are very expensive. (GIA estimates that one first-quality, unusually large Tahitian cultured pearl will set you back thousands of dollars!) If only one to two percent of the harvest produces a fine quality round Tahitian cultured pearl, imagine how long it takes to make a matched strand! No wonder a black pearl necklace is so costly. Choose carefully, keeping in mind that pearls with a desirable overtone (secondary color) and pearls that are larger than typical will be more expensive. Look for pearls that are well-matched, not pitted or marked in any obvious way (minor surface characteristics are acceptable). Be sure to check return policies up front, too, in case you have a problem. Ask your retail jeweler for his or her store policy or, if buying online, check the site?s guarantee prior to making a purchase. Once you receive your pearls, be sure to examine them closely. After wearing, store your pearl necklace away from other gems; while fairly durable, pearls are prone to scratching and their nacre will erode over time, especially if exposed to harsh chemicals like bleach, perfume and chlorine. Black pearl necklaces in modern fashion

Although slow to catch on at first, thanks in part to publicity from stars such as actress Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned jewelry collector who wore a striking black pearl necklace in publicity photos for her Black Pearls perfume launch, Tahitian cultured pearls are wildly popular today. It?s not hard to find examples of fine black pearl jewelry in modern society. Look around and you?ll see black pearl necklaces on everyone from businesswomen to moms to Hollywood A-list actresses, models and celebrities. Take Kiera Knightly, for example, who wore a stunning black baroque Tahitian cultured pearl choker at the premier of her movie, The Black Pearl. Stars like Christy Turlington, Naomi Watts, Heidi Klum, Michael Michelle, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Shalom Harlow are also pearl fans.

Perhaps black pearls? popularity is why designers like David Yurman, Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso (for Tiffany & Co.) are incorporating stunning black pearls, and even black baroque and black keshi pearls, into modern designs like long chain necklaces, brooches, chokers and charm bracelets. Black pearl drop earrings and pendants are also favorites, as they require little matching?or none at all. Whimsical designs on cufflinks and in popular frog, dragonfly and other animal pins incorporate black pearls as well.

Black pearl necklace alternatives

When most people think of black pearl jewelry, they naturally think of Tahitian cultured pearls. But prices are high for these rare gems, in part due to their large size, unusual colors, and the high cost of producing them. If you want to wear real Tahitian cultured pearls, one way to do so without breaking the bank is to choose a pendant-style necklace with a single pearl; black pearl stud earrings; a single black pearl ring, or black baroque (non-symmetrical) pearls. These designs are every bit as exotic yet much more affordable than a matched black pearl strand.

For customers for whom Tahitian pearl jewelry is beyond reach, there are some inexpensive yet beautiful alternatives to the classic black pearl necklace. Today, freshwater pearls?round, drop, button and baroque?are color-treated to produce a look that closely resembles the hue of Tahitian cultured pearls. The natural-looking result is beautiful and looks great in such pieces as a baroque black pearl bracelet, black pearl drop earrings or black pearl necklace. Every bit as real as their Tahitian cousins, black freshwater cultured pearls? color is man-made, but keep in mind that nearly all pearls are treated somehow (bleaching is the most common enhancement).

If you?re after not only the color but the size of fine Tahitian pearls, consider a black ?pearl? necklace made from black mother-of-pearl beads. Their generous size, lustrous sheen and affordable price make them a popular alternative to a fine Tahitian pearl necklace.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America?s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com

What Every Woman Must Know About Pearl Necklace

Well, we all know women love jewelry and it is perhaps their inner passion to wear gorgeous piece of jewelry. Among many other choices, pearl necklace is the preferred choice of many women because of its natural lustrous appeal.

When it comes to pearl necklace, usually it?s a white color pearl necklace. White color pearl necklaces are classic, traditional and generally designed with round shape pearls. Pearls come in other natural colors too, like gray, black, golden, light green etc. However, pearls can be colored-dyed, as per fashion demands, in lavender, pink, peach, gold, black and blue as well. But natural original color pearl necklaces are always preferred and command higher prices. A typical pearl necklace is hand knotted with about 40 pearl beads.

Pearl necklaces are not restricted to round shape pearls only and other shapes like tear drop, pear, potato, coin and irregular baroque shape pearls are equally popular among women and commonly used by jewelers and designers alike.

When it comes to pearl size the most popular sizes are between 6mm to 8.5mm. Small sizes are very common among younger girls and larger sizes are preferred choice of many women.

Besides pearls shape and size, the length of any pearl necklace is very important and paramount:

Pearl Collar ~ 12 to 13 inches

These lengths are normally made up to 3 strands to snugly fit high around the neck. They were very popular during Victorian era and are now again in fashion.

Pearl Choker ~ 14 to 16 inches

They are similar to collar but hang little lower on the neck. They look very fine both for casual and formal eveningwear.

Princess Necklace ~ 17 to 19 inches

A very classic and versatile length indeed. This style length is neither short nor long and is preferred choice of many women.

Matinee Necklace ~ 20 to 25 inches

They are good for casual, business or semi-occasions attire and are very traditional. The extra length of matinee necklace gives the appeal of luxury and sophistication.

Opera Necklace ~ 26 to 36 inches

They fall below the bust line, good for formal evening occasions and go very well with evening dresses. Best is they can also be worn as double strand too. Woman has the luxury of choosing her own style.

Pearl Rope ~ 37 inches or longer. Women have many options. These can be doubled or knotted to suit one?s style. Some of the rope type pearl necklaces come with multiple clasps hence can be made into shorter strands. They can also be slung over the shoulder to give a sexy and stylish look and are back in high fashion again.

Kheri

www.pearlprincess.com

Personalized Necklaces of Today

I am what I am, or so goes the saying. A popular trend in jewelry is to personalize the pieces you wear. With necklaces, this is all about displaying your name.

Personalized jewelry is extremely popular these days. From simple initial pendants (and some not so simple, such as those offered by Tiffany and Co) to longer words, people are getting more and more pieces created that mean something to them. Many choose to get names written in precious metals, such as silver and gold, in order to show off either their own moniker, or that of someone they love. Name necklaces can be made to suit any style or budget.

The simplest type of name necklaces is made with gold or silver wire. These are often plated wires, and they need to be soft enough to be bent into the various shapes of the letters. This type of necklace has a more rustic feel to it, with the name being literally written by the crafter. Letters will always be in a cursive or script style, but rarely have a limitation on the number of letters in a name. Another advantage to this type of necklace is that they can often be much less expensive than other name necklaces.

Most name necklaces today are made of sterling silver or gold, and are cast for the individual by jewelry companies. The types of lettering and size of the letters are nearly limitless – these companies usually have many different styles for you to choose from, with block, script and multi-color styles all being available. These names can also be found on bracelets and even on earrings, so you can show off your name in any place you wish.

Name necklaces can be made simply, with just silver or gold, or they can have various additions. Some styles allow for you to choose a birthstone to be added to your name, so that it can be even more personal. Other styles showcase names within a heart or other design – offsetting the name while still making it the focus of the piece. There are even some styles that allow you to use two names, great for couples. For those who really want the ultimate in name jewelry, there are even some styles that are diamond encrusted – to make your name sparkle.

Name necklaces are popular among all different age groups and areas of the world – although most of the wearers are female. These necklaces are a great way to show off the name of someone important to you (which may be yourself!) while also having a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear.

Find more information about necklace jewelry at JewelryStoresforyou.com.