Cultured pearl necklaces
Once pearls were the result of natural phenomena but today most Pearls are cultured by man. This process was first developed by Tatsuhei Mise Tokishi Nishikawa in Japan, and later perfected by Kokichi Mikimoto, who was granted a patent for the process on May 1st, 1916. A shell bead or mantle tissue is placed inside an oyster to serve as an irritant and the oyster is returned to the water. The oyster covers the bead or tissue with layers of nacre and the pearl is then harvested.
Pearls fit into two categories: Freshwater and Saltwater. As their name implies, fresh water pearls are formed in freshwater mussels that live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water.
Saltwater pearls grow in oysters that live in the ocean, usually in protected lagoons
Thanks to the huge demand for Multicolor strands and new styles of pearl jewelry, today cultured pearls come in many beautiful colors, from palest cream and white to rose, lilac, green, gold, gray, and black.
Pearl necklaces are named in a unique way, each name pointing to distinct characteristics of style, length and pattern of the design. Where all the pearls are of the same size necklaces are termed as UNIFORM. Necklaces are classified as GRADUATED where in pearls are arranged according to their size with the big ones in the center and the smaller ones at the end. TIN CUP is the term used to identify necklaces that are made up of pearls of the same size but separated by lengths of chain.
TYPES OF NECKLACES
A COLLAR sits directly against the throat with a length of 12-13 inches and is made up of 3 or more strands. These types of necklaces go best with off shoulder dresses or those with V-neck or boat neck.
A CHOKER is a single strand pearl necklace that sits at the base of the neck and is about 14 to 16 inches in length and normally is suitable to be worn with most outfits.
PRINCESS is a style of pearl necklace that rests on or just below the collarbone with a length varying from 17 to 19 inches. It goes best with dresses sporting high necklines and is ideal to have a pendant attached to it.
A MATINEE is a design that can be worn with both casual and formal dresses and comes in a length of 20 to 24 inches.
Any strand of pearl with a length varying between 28 and 34 inches is called an OPERA and offers the advantage of doubling up as a choker when doubled upon itself to form a two strand choker.
Of course wearing multiple strands of pearls has its own beauty and elegance and has always been a favored style with most women. Multiple strands of pearls work for both day and evening.
Another style that is fast catching up is the pearl LARIATS, which are open necklaces that you wear like a scarf. They give a sophisticated and chic look. Of course they can be worn either as long strands of pearls which can be knotted like a necktie or substituted with gold chains with colored pearls hanging at the ends.
Caring For Pearl Necklaces
Remove pearl jewelry when applying cosmetics, hair spray, perfumes and while swimming and showering.
Heat and dry air can damage pearls. Always store them in soft pouches.
Wipe them with a soft cloth after removing them from your person to protect them from skins acidity and to remove sweat if any.
Every once in a while take your pearls to the jeweler and check if the string is still strong enough.
Always use a soft cloth and never a brush or abrasive material to clean your pearls.
Never use harsh detergents, soaps or liquids to clean them because chemicals can damage them.
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