Know your pearls: Classic jewelry adds luster to casual and dressy looks
\nAsheville Citizen-Times, NC
\nby Melissa Gagliardi, Gannett News Service
\npublished January 6, 2008 12:15 am<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A strand of pearls might be an old standard, but this classic accessory isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just for dressy occasions anymore. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time to dig out those strands your grandmother passed down to you, or, if your jewelry box is lacking pearls, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time to start shopping.<\/p>\n
Just as there are classic pieces necessary for a pulled-together wardrobe, there should be a strand of pearls in every jewelry box.<\/p>\n
And don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry about looking matronly \u00e2\u20ac\u201d these days, pearls go with just about anything. A simple pair of post earrings or a dainty pearl bracelet works for everyday wear, and when it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time for a more glamorous look, cascading pearls or even chandelier pearl earrings are both lovely and in vogue.<\/p>\n
Still, the most popular pearl jewelry might be the single strand.<\/p>\n
Many black pearls have been dyed. Jewelry author Renee Newman notes in her book \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Pearl Buying Guide\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (International Jewelry Publications, $19.95) that dyed black pearls have been sold in fashionable stores as far back as the 1930s \u00e2\u20ac\u201d long before black pearls were being commercially cultivated. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Dyed black pearls were considered elegant,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Newman writes.<\/p>\n
Pearls signify purity \u00e2\u20ac\u201d making them a traditional gift for brides, too \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and giving each woman in the bridal party a necklace ties the group together with an accent piece that can be worn long after the dresses are stored away.<\/p>\n
Pearl quality<\/p>\n
There is no standardized system for grading pearl quality. But whether you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re looking for pearls to wear on your wedding day or for any day of the week, experts say there are several factors to consider when shopping:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Avoid chalky-looking pearls that have a thin coating. Quality pearls are lustrous, so look for luster first.<\/p>\n
One way to judge luster is to look for the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153eye\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (the point where the light reflects off the pearl). The deeper that eye is within the pearl\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s surface, the higher the luster.<\/p>\n
The best quality pearl has a luster that reaches around the pearl. A pearl that looks flat and grainy with an eye on the surface has a lower luster.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Place the pearls on a white background to judge their true color. Other background colors could distort their true color. But, even white pearls come in shades of pink, gold, blue or green.<\/p>\n
Today there are three main categories of pearls: Chinese freshwaters, Akoyas and South Sea.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Chinese freshwaters are the least expensive and most common. They are cultured pearls (not naturally occurring) and come in round and other shapes.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Akoyas are relatively expensive, pure white and perfectly round with a standard diameter of 7 millimeters.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 South Sea pearls come only in large sizes \u00e2\u20ac\u201d 10 millimeters or more. To save money, buy baroque (irregularly shaped) South Sea pearls.<\/p>\n
Sidebar: (can run inside)<\/p>\n
Know how to shop and care for pearls<\/p>\n
Caring for your pearls<\/p>\n
The American Gem Society reminds us that pearls, like all fine jewelry, require special care.<\/p>\n
Pearls are exceptionally soft compared with other gems, so when they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re stored, they should be separated into their own cotton or silk pouch.<\/p>\n
Chemicals present in hairspray or cosmetics can damage cultured pearls, so wait until you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re dressed and ready before putting them on. After wearing, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove your skin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s oils and salts.<\/p>\n
Pearls might need to be restrung periodically to protect against breakage and possible loss.<\/p>\n
Source: American Gem Society, www.ags.org.<\/p>\n
How to clean pearls<\/p>\n
In \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pearl Buying Guide,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d author Renee Newman offers these tips for cleaning pearls (International Jewelry Publications, $19.95):<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t use commercial jewelry cleaners on pearls unless the label says it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s safe for pearls. Many contain ammonia, which can damage pearls.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner. It can damage them or even wash out the color in dyed pearls.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Never steam-clean pearls as they can be harmed by heat.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t use detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers or baking soda on pearls. Ditto with any abrasive material, such as a toothbrush or scouring pad, that can scratch their surface.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Use a soft cloth or chamois to wipe pearls. That will prevent dirt from accumulating and keep perspiration, which is slightly acidic, from eating away at the pearl nacre.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u201d If they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re very dirty, pearls can be washed in water with a mild soap such as Ivory or Lux liquid. (But some liquid soaps, such as Dawn, can damage pearls.) After washing, lay the pearls in a moist kitchen towel to dry. When the towel is dry, they should be dry.<\/p>\n
Do not wear pearls when their string is wet. Wet strings stretch and attract dirt, which is hard to remove.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Know your pearls: Classic jewelry adds luster to casual and dressy looks Asheville Citizen-Times, NC by Melissa Gagliardi, Gannett News Service published January 6, 2008 12:15 am A strand of pearls might be an old standard, but this classic accessory isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just for dressy occasions anymore. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time to dig out those strands your grandmother […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[411],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n