Wedding Pearls

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earls have been fashioned into beautiful jewelry throughout much of human history and have long been a favorite choice of brides for their wedding jewelry. They are cherished as symbols of purity and perfection, elegance and affluence. Pearls never go out of style and are a wedding keepsake that you can wear throughout your lifetime.

Types of Pearls

Natural Pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a wayward food particle becomes trapped inside living animals called mollusks, and the animal protects itself by secreting layers of a substance called nacre (“NAY-ker”)around the irritant. When the right conditions are present, the result is a beautiful pearl. Pearls are naturally formed in both freshwater and marine mollusks, but naturally occurring pearls are rare, found in perhaps only one out of every 10,000 mollusks.

Cultured Pearls are formed with the same process, but humans insert the foreign object into the oyster instead. The oyster does the rest. When cultured pearls first appeared on the market in the early 20th century, many people viewed them as second-rate “imitation” gems. Today, however, modern culturing techniques can produce pearls that rival or exceed natural pearls in size and beauty.

Imitation Pearls are manufactured and available in various qualities. High end imitations are made using a glass bead base which is coated with many layers of a pearl essence coating, that when dried and polished results in a finished pearl with a genuine look. Low end copies are made with plastic or wax, are lightweight and don’t have a genuine look. To find high quality imitations, look for pearls with a glass bead base, strands that are hand knotted between pearls, and ends that are finished with a decorative clasp.

Features of Pearls

Color - spectacular array of colors, including white, cream, gold, pink, purple and black.
Luster - the surface shine or “glow” resulting from the reflection of light rays off the surface.
Shape - various shapes of round, oval, and baroque.
Size - wide range of sizes, average size of cultured pearls is 8-10mm.
Nacre layers - the more layers, the bigger and more expensive the pearl.
Surface - the clearer from imperfections and blemishes the better.

Freshwater Pearl Set Blue Nile

Styles of Pearl Necklaces

Pearl strands are usually strung on silk cord and knotted between each pearl. On some expensive pieces, the pearls are knotted underneath each pearl, so the individual pearls touch. Less expensive pearls are strung on clear nylon thread and are not knotted between the pearls.

Pearl necklaces are classified into graduated and uniform types. A graduated strand consists of various size pearls strung together so that they gradually taper smaller toward the end pearl. The average length for this type necklace is 17", although they
Akoya Cultured Pearl Studs from Ice can vary in size and length. A uniform strand consists of pearls that are all the same size. They are available in many various sizes and lengths.

The Choker is the classic uniform necklace, it is one strand that hugs the neck and rests just below the collarbone. This style works well with a jewel or bateau neckline, but if too much skin is showing, a choker will get lost. The average choker length is 14" to 16".

The Princess length is a longer uniform strand that falls below the hollow of the throat in front and is the perfect length for adding a pendant. The average length is 18".

The Matinee is a uniform version that is longer than the Princess but shorter than the Opera. This style hits the top of the bust and looks great with a bateau, jewel, or a lower neckline with sheer fabric covering the decolletage area, but it shouldn’t hit the top of the dress or the fullest part of the bust. The average lengths are 20" to 24".

The Opera is a long single strand, average length 28", that falls below the bust and looks simply classic with a jewel or bateau neckline. The only drawback is that it will swing wildly when dancing.

The Rope is usually a 30" uniform pearl strand or longer that hangs below the waist. It may also be wrapped around the neck twice to make a double strand.

The Collar (also called a Bib) is a Victorian style made of three or more strands that fit securely around the neck. It looks great with a plunging neckline.

A Twist is when multiple strands of pearls are twisted together and worn as a choker.

A Pearl Pendant is a solitaire pearl that is set with a bail and suspended from a chain.

Freshwater Pearl Set Ice

If you love the look of pearls, but don’t necessarily want to wear a strand, look for a beautiful style of necklace that is fashioned with pearls that are combined with other gemstones or Swarovski crystals. The styles available include chokers, pendants, station necklaces (stones separated by a short length of chain) in both traditional and contemporary looks.

Of course, once you have found your perfect pearl necklace, complete the look by pairing it with complementing pearl studs or drops.

Origin of Pearls

Akoya pearls (from Japan) are the most representative of all cultured pearls. Most necklaces are strung with this variety.

South Sea cultured white pearls (from Australia and Indonesia) are from semitropical oysters that range in size from 10-20 mm, sold for premium prices because of their clarity and large size.

Freshwater pearls (from Europe, Asia and North America) are cultivated from freshwater mollusks that produce pearls that can rival those of marine mollusks in luster and diverse color, and relatively low-priced. They are generally oval-shaped, although they are succeeding in producing pearls that are large and spherical and naturally occur in colors white, pink, and wine.

Care and Cleaning of Pearls

Pearls are a soft substance, whether natural, cultured or imitation, and require delicate care as they scratch and discolor easily. Water is not good for pearls, especially if combined with soaps, bleach, or other cleaning substances. If pearls come in contact
Silver Freshwater Pearls from Mira Jewelry with vinegar and fruit juices, immediately wipe with a soft, dry cloth to avoid discoloration. Chemicals in common cosmetics such as perfume, hair spray, and make-up will also discolor pearls, immediately wipe with a moist cloth and wipe dry. Be careful not to get the silk cord on pearl strands wet or immerse into liquid, the silk cord will stretch and weaken. After wearing your pearls, wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove natural perspiration. Do not use any standard jewelry cleaners, they are too harsh, instead find a delicate jewelry cleaner specially formulated for pearls. Store pearls in a dark place, as bright light (natural or man-made) will discolor pearls in a matter of hours. Store them away from other gemstones or metal as they can scratch the pearl surface. Pearls should be restrung every few years. With proper care, pearls can be enjoyed for a lifetime and handed down from generation to generation.