Patti is the Vice President of Juergens & Andersen, the parent company of Add-A-Pearl. She became a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America in 1986 and has been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years with a special interest in natural and cultured pearls.
“We had tried for years to have a baby with no luck. Fertility treatments, multiple doctors, miscarriages, etc...nothing worked! We were giving my body a break and a friend of mine knew a girl who wanted to give her baby up for adoption.
I wanted to have something I could give to my daughter Madeleine on her birthday that would show her (obviously not then but when she got older) how much I valued our relationship and appreciated it. I wanted something that would be recurring throughout our life that would be "our thing".
"Did I want to play with worms, no...Did I want to hit the ball with my dad, no...I just wanted to be a princess. I would dress up and dream about that one day I would be one.
There's so much love shared with the tradition of Add-A-Pearl and our hearts are full of joy after hearing more about the sentiments behind the gift. Here are a few of the stories shared with us recently.
The reasons for starting an Add-A-Pearl necklace are endless and inspiring. Most often, the occasions are joyful while some are not. Regardless of the life event, the meaning of starting a necklace is always filled with love and hope. Here's what others told us about why they decided to start the tradition for someone near and dear to their hearts.
No longer are pearls reserved for formal occasions. They look just as confidently beautiful adorning your favorite jeans and T-shirt outfit as they are at a black-tie event. And while they may be blingy – especially if combined with diamonds or other precious stones – they can be simple and elegant too.
If you adore pearls like we do and want to start wearing them more frequently, our tips will help you make them a style staple. Find out how you can integrate pearls into your everyday wardrobe in a way that suits you.
With the summer wedding season coming to a close, we have researched some of the looks, venues, and details that you will be seeing throughout the 2019 wedding season.
Diamonds might be forever but pearls can last a lifetime with proper care. Our complete guide will describe helpful tips and techniques that will help keep your pearls in pristine condition. With a little care and knowledge, maintaining your pearls will ensure your pearls look their best for years to come. Our guidelines reveal the best methods to store, handle and clean your pearls in order for their beauty to shine forever. Find out how to care for your pearls and properly handle pearl jewelry for a luster to shine bright throughout the years.
This beautiful story of dreams, faith and courage was sent to us by Danielle Hamby of Phil Campbell, Al.She shared her story full of strength and struggle with us here:
"All my life I dreamed and prayed for a perfectly southern little girl. She would be strong, kind and a good friend. I knew I would dress her in beautiful smocks, bows, knee-high socks and pearls. I’ve always loved how classic and timeless pearls are and cherish the pearls my great-grandmother gave me. Of course, God gave me two boys first, Wilson and Lawson.
The holidays are such a joyful time for friends and family to come together and celebrate the magic of the season. We are grateful to all the participants for entering our Share Your Holiday Traditions Contest. It’s both heartwarming and inspiring to hear from others about the special ways spent with loved ones.
When my best friend first became a mother, I became an aunt. Not by blood, but through our friendship. When I was young, I remember my aunt giving me a figurine every year with the age I was turning.
As we approach 2020, pearls continue to grow in popularity. Royalty, movie stars, society women, business women, and young girls all wear pearls. What is the explanation for their continued appeal?
Pearls are unique among gemstones. Perhaps because of their origin and radiance, pearls have fascinated people from the time they were first found in artifacts in Mesopotamia until the present.
Pearls are among nature’s most fascinating creations. They are produced by mollusks and come from nature beautiful and ready to be worn.
Melanie Beasley expressed fondness for the tradition of Add-A-Pearl. She plans to add pearls for her twin granddaughters, Amelia Elizabeth and Butler Anne, for many years to come. She shared her thoughts with us below:
When I was 13 Add-A-Pearl necklaces were the rage. I was lucky enough to get one with five little pearls. This past June my twin granddaughters turned one year. I called the company because I still had (in the original box) my beautiful necklace. I wanted an exact replica of mine from 57 years prior. Your company made an exact necklace. My namesake was given the original and her sister a brand new one that looks just like it. I intend to add pearls for them for all special occasions so that they may hear a beautiful necklace to remember their grandmother.
My godmother is one of the most special people in my life, so when I got the chance to become a godmother myself (three times!) I was filled with pride and wanting to form a unique bond with each of them.
Created naturally by a living creature over many years, every pearl is unique in its color, luster, size and shape. Pearl is one of the most beautiful and surprising gemstones available. Pearls have a timeless appeal them and enduring and worldwide popularity. Buying pearls for the first time can be confusing you will be confronted by hundreds of different varieties at an enormous range of prices. The two most important distinctions are the pearls habitat (saltwater or freshwater) and how the pearls have been grown, are they natural or cultivated?
Knowing how many pearls you will need to complete a necklace is helpful for planning the amount of pearls you will need each year. Cultured pearl necklaces are available in varying pearl sizes. You can choose to build a pearl necklace using all small size pearls to create a dainty piece of jewelry or you might prefer a bold look of larger pearls closer to 8 or 8.5mm.
The Add-A-Pearl tradition in my family started about 50 years ago, thanks to my mom, Janet. I can't recall what exactly made her start but it must have been for my ninth or 10th birthday that she brought me home my pearls. We didn't have much and I remember thinking that they were the most beautiful thing I'd ever owned. Funny, but a half century later, I still feel that way.
My mother started the add-a-pearl natural necklace for Amanda when she was baptized in August, 1997. She bought pearls for birthdays and Christmas until she passed in February, 2002.
Seeing as pearl is the birthstone of June, the timing is right to highlight a precious gem whose lore, beauty, and mystique has been prized as far back as 2206 BC. During Ancient Roman times, Julius Caesar was fascinated with natural pearls. Being that they were associated with the goddess of love, Venue, Caesar would gift pearls to his favorite mistresses. At the height of the Roman Empire, when the pearl obsession reached its peak, the noted Roman historian writer Suetonius expressed that the Roman general Vitellius financed an entire military campaign by selling just one of his mother’s pearl earrings.
With proper care, your Add-A-Pearl necklace will last a lifetime. Pearls are delicate gems and need special attention to maintain their beauty and luster.
Add-A-Pearl is a way to create a complete strand of pearls over a period of time. The original gift is usually a single pearl necklace presented to a baby or young girl with one or more pearls on a 14-kt gold chain. Through the years, pearls can be added whenever friends and family wish to make an addition until the necklace becomes either a full strand of pearls or until the preferred number of pearls or look is achieved, perhaps at 16 or 22 pearls symbolizing a sweet 16 or college graduation. Most often, pearls are given for birthdays and at holiday time. Valentine’s Day, Easter, confirmation, graduation and other special milestones offer ideal opportunities to add pearls.
It’s not often where you get to say what was trending for your Grandma was also trending for your mother and for yourself. One of the best things about pearls are that they are a timeless piece of jewelry that never go out of style. The idea of tradition is embedded into the accessory and can be honored at your own wedding. The versatility of pearl strands is endless. Whether it serves as something new, old, or borrowed, pearls are the simple and perfect staple for your bridal wear.
In June of 2017, I found out we were expecting another baby. Unfortunately, in February of this year, we received the devastating news that her heart had quit beating at 39 weeks and 4 days, just 3 days before my due date. This loss has been heartbreaking in so many ways and we have purchased a pearl for our living daughter, from her baby sister. Albeit an incredibly sad memory, she is a very proud big sister and we wanted to include her in her precious necklace. At 3 Years Old, she doesn’t understand the significance of the loss or of the necklace, but I know that when she is older, she will cherish each of those pearls... especially the one from her little sister."
written by: Lindsey Risdon Bales
My daughter was very ill with anemia in 2006 at 10 years old and no one seemed to know what was going on. In January of 2007, right after she had turned 11 she was so weak at school that the nurse called for me to pick her up.
Pearls are often correlated with royalty, but it is not just the royal who wear pearls when they are out in public.
Anytime Queen Elizabeth steps out in public she is seen wearing pearls in some fashion. She typically wears a three-strand pearl necklace, but is also commonly seen wearing pearls on her clothing, pearl bracelets and everything in between.
But, pearls are also worn in the United Kingdom to distinguish oneself for a good cause.
In the 1870s, an orphan street sweeper named Henry Croft spent his days collecting money for charitable missions such as orphanages and hospitals.
In an effort to raise the most amount of money possible, Croft decided to wear a suit covered in pearls. Croft thought if he wore flashy or unique clothes he could draw attention, and people who would come talk to him would be likely to donate their money
Celebrities are constantly in the public’s eye, and many people consider them the face of fashion. Many celebrities push the fashion envelope, setting trends and even bringing back old trends.
In recent months an old trend has resurfaced with much thanks to the rich and famous. If you follow any celebrities on social media or through the press, you have surely noticed that moms are dressing their daughters to match them and posting pictures of their twinning outfits online.
Some people are jumping on board with this mommy-and-me trend, and some are put off by it. Let us break it down for you, and then, you decide.
Although they may look a lot alike and both are white metals, white gold and silver are two different types of metals. Each metal has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Halloween is lurking around the corner, and odds are you will take the kids trick or treating or will be heading to a costume party — or both!
For many of us, Halloween is like Christmas. We cannot wait to go all out, both in our attire and in home decorations. The anticipation is agonizing. For many others, Halloween is a dreaded time, when we are forced to participate and spend money. The planning is agonizing
Whatever category you fall into, we can agree Halloween prep gets expensive fast, especially the costume part. For something you will wear once for entertainment, spending more than $100 is not ideal.
There’s an easy solution: Don’t let money be the dictator on how elaborate and well executed your costume is.
Wearing a costume that is original and/or authentic can be done on a budget and here is how:
Do you have a story to share about your Add-A-Pearl necklace? Has your necklace been passed down through several generations or has it been lost and found again after many years. Was it given to you for a unique occasion? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Send us your story along with a picture of you or your sweet girl wearing your Add-A-Pearl necklace to inquiry@addapearl.com for a chance to be featured on our website. We’ll be selecting one story a month to win a special silver-plated heart shaped keepsake box with your choice of a personal message custom engraved on the lid! We look forward to hearing from you!
Pearls have been a much-loved symbol of beauty for centuries.
Although there is no universally accepted standardized grading scale, pearls are evaluated based on 7 value factors. The seven factors are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching. Each factor is important by itself, but it’s their relationship to each other that determines a pearl’s value. Of the seven value factors, luster is considered the most significant because it is what gives a pearl its unique beauty.
Once upon a time, Pierre Cartier had a pearl necklace. It took him years to assemble all the big beautiful Oriental Natural pearls. This was long before the time of cultured pearls. Daisy Plant wanted the necklace. Although, her husband was very rich, she couldn’t afford to spend $1.5 million, which is what Mr. Cartier wanted.
There are two main categories of cultured pearls: saltwater cultured pearls and freshwater cultured pearls. When shopping for pearls, it is important to understand the differences since saltwater and freshwater pearls vary greatly in price and luster.
(Natural Pearl Starter Necklace, photography by Zamier)
Pearls have been prized since ancient times for their natural beauty and their ability to embody timeless style without further enhancement. Symbols of love and glamour, they have been adored and admired by Emperors, Kings and Queens throughout history and across cultures.
"In April we celebrated our 25th Anniversary as you know. And as is tradition for us I gave Barbara her necklace during our dinner out on our Anniversary.
“I was in second grade when I overheard a conversation between two girls in my class. They were talking about their Add A Pearl necklaces that their grandmothers had gotten them. Even at that young age I thought it was such a beautiful idea but didn't think my parents or grandparents could afford it. I never mentioned it to anyone.
(Coco Chanel and her ropes of pearls, google images)
Known as the Queen of Gems, pearls have been coveted for centuries. Elegant, timeless, and mysterious, pearls come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors. Besides being the birthstone for June, the pearl is also frequently gifted on the 1st, 3rd, 12th, and 30th wedding anniversaries. Our overview will help you understand the basics to choose pearls just right for you.
I’ve had my Add-A-Pearl necklace for as long as I can remember. I received it from my godparents for my baptism with three pearls and the necklace grew as I did. Every year for my birthday and Christmas,
(photo of Skylar (top photo), 10 months old and Bettie, 4 months c/o Karen O'Hara)
I started my Grand Daughters Add a Pearl Necklace Christmas, 2016.
We had our first grandchild 7 years ago, a Boy. When we found out our daughter and husband were expecting their second child June, 2016 we were so excited. Months later they were told they were having another boy. After planning, shopping and a baby shower for the arrival of a baby boy, June 17th 2016 labor began and our daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby GIRL
My dad started this necklace form when I was a teenager and unfortunately he passed before ever being able to finish it for me. I never did finish it. My daughter was born and I just couldn’t do it for her. Then my children shared that I was going to have my first grandchild and it was going to be a girl and her name would be June, not born in June but I thought that being my first granddaughter that I would like to give her a pearl for every special moment in her life adding the final pearl on the day she gets married. It will be the largest and center pearl to have an entire strand to wear on her wedding day! I will set aside an account for this to be finished just in case! This is important to me. My dad always gave that one special gift and I want this to be my one extra gift for my granddaughter.
When I was 16 years old, I started working on Saturdays at a high-end jewelry store in my hometown. They had the most beautiful baby items—baby rings, rattles, lockets. The piece that always caught my eye was the add-a-pearl necklace. I loved the idea of being able to watch the necklace grow over time as the baby grows.
The elegance and perfection of pearls make them an ideal gift for many occasions. Grown and cherished for centuries, pearls celebrate life’s beginnings, life’s milestones, love that endures through the years, and personal successes and achievements with quiet beauty and classic elegance.
"My 3yo daughter's bone marrow transplant anniversary is just a few days away. We wanted an annual and tangible tradition to celebrate this life saving day. We decided on the Add-A-Pearl tradition necklace. They are also based in Chicago which is where she had all of her treatments and transplant for leukemia. When you start a new necklace you name it. We named it "Greer's Remission Celebration".
Mother’s Day is just weeks away. That means it’s time to make plans for the ways in which you’ll honor your mother and the other special women in your life–grandmothers, godmothers, aunties...whoever does the nurturing and loving in your family. To help you make sure Mother’s Day is a success, the Add-A-Pearl team has compiled some of our favorite ideas for making sure she knows just how special she is.
Quick guide? Well, while there are a lot of options out there, the perfect gift for this Mother’s Day is clear. It offers tradition, elegance, symbolism, versatility, and uniqueness.
My grandfather started necklaces for my sister and I, but didn’t finish it so I gave all my pearls to my daughter to start a necklace for her. We buy her pearls for birthdays and at Christmas. Other family members also buy pearls for her during the holidays.
My husband came up with the idea, and he thought I would really like it. He actually purchased the initial necklace and pearls. The necklace is for our daughter that I was pregnant with at the time. Arianna was born on January 15, 2015.
My daughter Ella will be 3 years old on June 24. We got her a starter necklace with first Pearl for her first birthday. We really wanted to start a tradition that was unique (not your typical charm bracelet, coins, etc) and special.
"My family has had a long tradition with Add-A-Pearl. When I was very young, it became clear to me that my grandmother (Lillian Brodsky Rubin)would purchase Add-A-Pearls as a gift for each birthday. This began the year of my birth in 1947.
“We have been getting both of our boys pearls for special occasions (and our 2 girls) to give to their brides when they get married. I'm hoping it will be a special gift she can treasure and know we have been praying for her for a long time and we are excited she is joining our family.”
“Seven years ago, after my wife died, I thought it would be a nice thing to give my brand new granddaughter two pearls each birthday with the idea she’d have a proper necklace when she turned 16 or 17. Little did I know my kids would bless me with FIVE granddaughters.
This heartfelt story was shared with us by Malinda Knight Clay.
"I placed my order last night so I would get the necklace in plenty of time for my granddaughter's first birthday. My son and his wife lost their first child (our 1st grandchild) at less than five months old so this little girl is a blessing in so many ways."
“We are celebrating Michael's graduation from high school here in this picture. Pictured left to right is my niece, Jennifer. Her mama, daddy, and I started her Add-A-Pearl necklace when she was twelve. She is now 45!
Add-A-Pearl is a thoughtful gift idea that can be started by anyone looking for a new tradition in their family. Here’s what Ashly Jackson Eakes had to say about how it began for her.
“My daughter is six. She received her first necklace with one pearl for Christmas from her grandfather. We had never seen or heard of Add-a-Pearl before then. He purchased from a small town family owned jewelry store here where we live. She loved it. She then received 2 more pearl from us (parents) for her Kindergarten graduation gift. Her birthday is not here yet, but she will receive one or two for her birthday and Christmas. We are trying to catch her pearls up to her age so that one day when she decides to get married her necklace of pearls will be complete. We love the fact that grandparents/parents can add to her special necklace for special memories one day as well.”
My wife and I married while still in college. The original necklace had only 5 pearls. That was July 1978. Through finishing college, Time spent living in Omaha, Riyadh Saudi Arabia and now back in Council Bluffs IA I have always tried to add a pearl or two to her necklace for every anniversary. While it is never really a surprise it’s almost a record of our life together. Small pearls during our leaner years and larger pearls when things were going well. My wife is now looking at eventually giving it to our granddaughter at some appropriate time in her life. As a side note my son gave his wife an Add-A- Pearl for their wedding and has been adding to it through you folks for a few years now.
An Add-A-Pearl necklace is a cherished tradition and a lovely accessory for many styles. But, like most things, pearl necklaces need a little love to keep the high-quality pearls looking good throughout the years. Pearls are a soft gem, and though quite durable, do need special attention to maintain their luster and condition over time. Here are our top three tips for keeping your pearls perfect and pristine:
When buying a diamond, the conscientious consumer learns the 4Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS), the 4Cs give consumers and jewelers confidence in the quality of the diamond they purchase.
Can you guess one of the biggest myths we hear again and again here at Add-A-Pearl? Here’s a hint, it’s about who should give and get an Add-A-Pearl necklace and when it should happen. But, honestly, we promise there’s no right answer.
"I remember so well as a little girl getting Add-A-Pearls from my grandmother. I looked forward every year on my birthday to have another one added. It was so much fun to watch the strand grow.
When my daughter was pregnant, she found out about Add-A-Pearl and asked us to do that so we would add pearls on every special occasion. We started Add-A-Pearls for my granddaughter Gemma and one for her cousin Katie 2 years ago at Christmas.
“Katie Beth’s grandmother, CiCi, purchased an Add-A-Pearl necklace for her last year on her 1st birthday. She wanted to get her something every year that was a little more sentimental than ‘just a toy.” Every lady needs a strand of pearls and how neat is it to know that she is building hers every year. An heirloom at such a young age is so precious. We just love the necklace and the meaningfulness behind it.”
“I decided to start an Add-A-Pearl necklace for my granddaughter last spring on my son and her mother’s wedding day and I purchased a freshwater pearl necklace for my younger granddaughter as their wedding gifts on this very special day. Imagine how touched I was as we watched our son and his new bride walk down the aisle with my beautiful granddaughters as attendants wearing their new necklaces with their sweet bridesmaids’ dresses.
“Next Tuesday, February 14, 2017, my husband and I will be married 47 years. We were married on Valentine's Day in 1970. I have a heart shaped diamond as my wedding ring. I will turn 72 on Wednesday, Feb 15th.
“After having 3 sons, my husband and I were blessed with twin daughters Chloe and Sophia. We wanted something special to give them and add a pearl was perfect! We started their necklaces on their christening day and they get 1 for Valentine's Day and Easter every year."
(Baby playing on a laptop while holding a cellphone, shutterstock image)
If you’re considering starting an Add-A-Pearl necklace, you might be baffled by lifestyles, behaviors, and values of younger generations. Plenty of research is available on the characteristics of millennials (defined as "twenty-somethings')) and post-millenials (dubbed Generation Z), so by now, we’re aware of their likes and dislikes. Often described as self-expressive, upbeat, passionate, tech-savvy and civic-oriented, they often have a strong sense of community and a focus on societal needs.
I received my Add-A-Pearl necklace from my parents as a first birthday gift. My necklace is now 34 years old and I am always sure to wear it for special occasions. I wore it when I got married in 2008. I have since had a daughter of my own and she now has a necklace her grandparents and great grandmother have added to. I am excited for us both to wear our Add-A-Pearl necklaces together in the future!
I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to have kids. I ached to be a mother and dreamed of having a daughter. My hope ebbed and flowed over the years; wavering some days then firey and solid the next, fading to only a shadow on others.
I recently lost my adult daughter and my adult son within a year of each other. Both were unmarried and had no children, thus severely curtailing the possibility of grandchildren,
(Lola and her Grammy and Poppy on her 5th birthday. Photo c/o Ashely Williams)
I started necklaces for my 2 girls for their 1st birthdays. I have two girls, a 5 and 2 year old and we have been giving them pearls for special occasions like the first day of kindergarten! I purchased a pearl for Lola (5 year old) for becoming a Big Sister. I take a picture of us giving them their pearls and keep the card in an album that will be displayed on their wedding day…
(Melanie Baker Jolly and her grandmother both wearing their pearls in 1995, photo c/o Melanie Baker Jolly)
"My grandmother loved pearls (I think because her name, Marjorie, means "pearl."). She started an Add-A-Pearl necklace for me when I was a toddler. Before she died, she gave me a full strand of pearls, but I have continued to add pearls here and there to the Add-a-Pearl necklace she started. Currently, there are 17 pearls on it. When my daughter turns 18, I plan to add one more and then give it to her."
(Freshwater pearl bracelets, photography by Harrison Jones, Chicago, Il.)
As one of nature’s most prized and sought-after gems, pearls can materialize in a wide variety of colors. And with cultured pearls, colors can span every hue!
“I first saw an Add-A-Pearl necklace in a jewelry store in rural Mississippi. I live in Mississippi but not in that town. Both my granddaughters are a little over 1. One will turn 2 in March and the other will turn 2 in August. I'm already 61 so I got to thinking that I may not be around for their weddings. Then, I remembered the necklace I had seen at the store. I began a search in store after store hoping to find one for their 1st Christmas. After much looking, I decided to search online. I started their necklaces for their first Christmas and added one for their first birthday. My plan is to continue this until their necklaces are complete!!! So, now it's time to order them one for this Christmas!!! Praying I'm around for their weddings but if not, they will have something to remember me by and something beautiful to wear on their wedding day too!!!”
Kim with her husband Caleb and their Goddaughter Brianna (photo cred Kim Weaner)
This necklace was actually given to me by a family friend as a baby in 1979 with 3 pearls but my parents didn't add to it. My mom gave it to me a few years ago and when my sister asked my husband and me to be godparents I knew I wanted to give it to her. Our Aunt gave her granddaughter an add-a-pearl necklace at Christmas and at the time, I didn't realize what it was or that what I had was an add-a-pearl necklace. After doing some research and talking to my mom, I figured it out and was so happy to pass this on. We added 4 pearls for her Baptism and will continue to add on each year.
Karla and her husband Jason with Madison, age 10, and twins Callie and Cooper, age 1. (photo c/o karla Marion)
This is a tradition that my 10 year old daughter, Madison, wanted to start with her new baby sister, Callie. She gifted her the first pearl on Callie’s 1st birthday. I look forward to the day that she hands the necklace over. What a special moment between sisters. Thank you for making that moment possible! We look forward to ordering for many years to come.
Vicki's granddaughter Chloe has been receiving pearls since 2002 and was able to have them all strung into a complete necklace for Christmas in 2012. (photo c/o Vicki Wadsworth)
Each of my granddaughters gets 100 pearls. With each pearl they get 6 Bible verses that coordinate with the beginning of the letters ... PEARLS.
One of the questions we get asked most frequently is how pearls are added to a necklace. Add-A-Pearls, like the finest strands of pearls in the world, are always strung on silk thread. Unlike costume jewelry or imitation add a bead type products, Add-A-Pearls do not slide over the clasp of the chain. Sure, it’s tempting to be drawn to the ease of adding pearls to your necklace at home by sliding them over the chain, but buyer beware, the easy way is not necessarily the best way especially when dealing with a sizable investment such as a pearl necklace. To preserve their value and beauty, pearls should always be strung on silk thread. Here’s why:
COMPLETED PEARL NECKLACE, PHOTO C/O DAWN FLOWERS GRATZKE
My mother told me about the add-a-pearl necklace and when my niece was born. I bought the gold chain with the single pearl. I added pearls every year for her birthday in January. Usually i added anywhere from 3-6 pearls trying to gauge what might be needed to finish the necklace at 16".
With a little care, pearls can last a lifetime – or two or three. In many families, it’s traditional to pass cultured pearls from one generation to the next. Cultured pearls are not the most durable of gems, but if they are properly cared for, they can retain their original beauty for generations.
Pearls can be part of your wedding day in a number of ways, from extravagant and complex to subtle and original.
Wedding season is upon us, but it’s far from over, and brides-to-be are still looking for more ways to incorporate class and originality into their wedding day.
There is an old tradition that says wearing pearls on your wedding day ensures happiness and no tears throughout your marriage. With that in mind, it is common for mothers to pass down pearls to the bride to wear as she walks down the aisle.
Pearls not only represent traditions, history and fashion, but they also are known for adding a special kind of elegance to any outfit.
While pearls are commonly worn as necklaces, earrings, rings, headbands and bracelets, they can also be used in numerous ways to decorate for the wedding ceremony or reception.
Dressing it up or dressing it down, adding pearls to your attire is as timeless as it is attractive
It is no secret that women put a lot of time and effort into deciding what to wear on a daily basis. We care, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Whether you are heading to an important business meeting, a wedding, run errands or a backyard barbecue, your look matters. And adding a pearl can help.
Before deciding on the type of pearl you want to wear, it is important to already have your outfit picked out.
Finding the perfect photographer for your baby is like finding a needle in a haystack. The right place, right price, and right person poses quite the challenge. We’ve covered below some of the most important topics and questions you need to be asking before you hire.
Cultured pearl come in a variety of colors and shapes from round to baroque. image c/o shutterstock
Pearls aren’t just for necklaces anymore.
A tradition the world over, pearls are often passed down through families, expanding their reach. But their uses have expanded, too. Growing popularity in fashion and decorations make pearls versatile and elegant items.
They can be seen worn with casual or formal wear or as part of wedding, home or party décor.
While pearls can been seen just about everywhere, different pearls can be used for different occasions.
Understanding the different types of pearls is the first step to finding the perfect pearl for any event or space.
Natural pearls
A wild, natural pearl is extremely rare, so if you get your hands on one, hold on to it!
Natural pearls are made almost completely of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, with no human assistance.
These pearls come in a variety of shapes, and perfectly round ones are the rarest.
Cultured pearls
You are probably familiar with cultured pearls, which are created on a farm and made in either freshwater or saltwater. Not all mollusks create pearls, and when they are created, they may not be of high quality.
Cultured pearls are typically a uniform shape and size, but can be dyed any color.
Cultured pearls are sold at a variety of prices based on quality and rarity of the type. There are 4 distinct types of cultured pearls. They are Akoya (saltwater), freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian. Here’s a closer look at each.
Akoya pearls
Commonly seen with white color and rose overtones, the finest Akoya pearls come from Japanese pearls farms.
The roundest and most lustrous of these saltwater pearls are considerably more perfectly round and smoother than other types of cultured pearls.
South Sea Pearls
Found in Australia, Philippines and Indonesia, the South Sea pearls are among the rarest and most valuable of pearls. South Sea pearls are hard to miss and they stand out from other pearls usually due to their ability to grow larger than other types of cultured pearls.
South Sea pearls are large in size and range in color from optic white to a deep, honey gold. These pearls have a soft, luxurious reflection.
Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for these rare, but high-quality pearls.
Tahitian Pearls
These pearls are known for their natural exotic black color — but don’t be fooled, they can come in any color including light creamy white, greens and deep black. The color comes from the oyster’s black lips.
Tahitian pearls are farmed in French Polynesia, not Tahiti like the name suggests.
Freshwater Pearls
This varietal of pearl grows in mussels that live in rivers and lakes and are most commonly found in China. Mussels can create more than one pearl at a time.
Pearls found in freshwater will look less lustrous and glossy than saltwater pearls.
Freshwater pearls come in a variety of shapes and colors and are usually cheaper than saltwater pearls therefore they are commonly used for multi-strand necklaces and bracelets.
Now take this knowledge — and your pearls — and go impress some people at your next party.
single cultured pearl with high luster / shutterstock image
Pearls are categorized and sorted based on 7 value factors: size, shape, color, nacre, luster, orient and surface quality. Nacre and luster are the most important indicators of quality; however, most people do not understand what nacre is. Nacre is the hard, iridescent coating that oysters (and some mollusks) use to line the inside of their shells. Nacre is also what pearls are made of.