Word Count:1040
Summary:
A lot of time, talent and hard work went into getting the graduate where she is today. Mark the occasion with somenthing more memorable then money...gorgeous pearls. Learn how to choose an affordable, quality pearl pendent, pearl strand, pearl earrings, and more.
Keywords:
graduation gift, graduation girfts, pearls jewelry, choosing pearls, cultured pearls, freshwater pearl, affordable pearls, pearl sests,pearl pendants, pearl strand, pearl earrings.
Article Body:
"The only real failure in life is one not learned from."
Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book.
Ah, graduation. A lot of hard work, time, talent, money and drive have led to
this point: a milestone that will be celebrated, photographed and remembered
forever. Whether fron high school, college, law school, medical school, or what
have you, graduation is a wonderful time of excitement and change.
How to mark the occasion? You can always write a check. (What new graduate
doesen't need money?) Before you whip out your wallet, however, remember that
cash is practical, yet very impersonal. Because you're reading this, it's a good
guess that the graduate is a specialwoman in your life, she worked hard to get
where she is, and she deserves a graduation gift that is truly memorable.
How about somenthing memorable, practical, meaningful and beautiful? Try pearls.
Pearl jewelry-whether pearl studs, a pearl pendant or a beautiful pearl
strand-is a classic and wonderful addition to any woman's jewerly box. Whether
she's heading off to college, interviewing for jobs, about to embark on a
career, or planning a wedding, the recent graduate can wear pearl jewelry for
instant polish. Addeb bonus: She'll remember you every time she wears them.
Which pearls to choose
Pearls come in many beautiful styles, shapes and designs, but for graduation, a
simple classic style that will stand the test of time is best. (They don't call
them staplesfor nothing.) Because classic pearls are so popular, there are a
variety of options from which to choose. The following are classics she'll reach
for again and again.
. Pearl stud earrings: The great thing about pearl studsis that they go
whit everything. Round, white pearls with a rosè overtone flatter most skin
types, and make a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. Some stores even carry
pearl studs for non-pierced ears.
. 16 inch pearl strand: A matched pearl strand is a jewerly staple for a
reason:it's a classic-not to mention a no-brainer accessory that a woman can
reach for to instantly add polish to an outfit. Shorter strands worm closer to
the throat draw attention to the wearer's face and skin; with their dewy
complexions, young women look fantastic in pearl chokers. This style sits close
to the throat and looks great with aq business suit, v-neck sweaters, tee-shirt or
open-collared dress shirt.
. 18 inch pearl strand: This slightly more versatile, "princess" length
necklace can be worn with most any neckline,and will serve the graduate well
throughout her life. The princess length is a very popular choice for a great
reason: it works well with everything from turtlenecks to sweaters, business
suits, dress shirts, and more.
. pearl pendent: A pearl pendant necklace featuring a single, large pearl
is a great option that can be worn with many different styles. Choose a thin
sterling silver or white gold chain for a modern loook.
. pearl bracelet: A perfect complement to a bold watch, and slightly more
affordablethan a pearl necklace, a pearl bracelet adds polish and class.
. pearl ring: A pearl ring can make quite a bold and sophisticated
statement, especially when the ring featuresa single, large pearl. The only
dowside to buying a ring is that you need to know the graduate's ring size.
Classic pearl rings look fantastic with both white and yellow gold.
Many retailers and anline stores sell classic pearl jewerly in sets. Not only is
this great because you pay less for the set than if you purchased a necklace,
earring and braceletseparately, but buying a pearl jewerly set provider the
added bonus that the pieces will match.
What to look for
No matter which style you choose, or whether you buy pearls from a local jewerly
store, large retail chain or Internet store (which should offer adequate
descriptions of what you're buying a long with a monet-back guarantee), keep in
mind these tips when you're shopping for pearls and you won't go wrong:
. You'll pay more for larger pearls. In general, a larger pearl takes
longer to form, and the chances of finding a perfectly round, large pearl are
slim. After the 7.5-8mm mark for freshwater cultured pearls and akoya cultured
pearls, the most popular pearl types, prices rise dramatically. A 6.5mm strand
is both lovely and affordable-and perfect for young women.
. Pay attention to luster and surface. Pearls should have a high luster,
or surface sheen, meaning they reflect light well. They should also be free from
large blemishes such as chip and pits, althought small blemishes are acceptable.
An absolutely perfect strand is likely faux. Pearls are, after all, a natural
product, and small variations are to be expected and do not detract from the
pearls' value.
. Round is the hands-down favorite shape. While baroque pearls are
gorgeous, and button and coin pearls are modern and affordable, when it comes to
classic pearls, round is still in. To check that pearls are uniformly round,ask
the jeweler or read the Internet description. If you can handle the strand, roll
it on a table. Matched pearls will roll smmothly.
. Thickness is important. Most pearls sold today are cultured pearls, and
the best ones are formed in oysters or mussels that have been implanted with
small, mother-of-pearl beads and mantle tissue or mantle tissue only and left in
the water long enough for a sufficient coating of nacre to form. Avoid pearls
that have been implanted with large plastic or glass beads or harvested
prematurely; thei will flake and peel easily.
. Pay attention to uniformity. Make sure that pearls in a piece of jewerly
are the same size, color, shape and luster.
. Beware: Some jewerly makers try to hide smaller or imperfect pearls near
the clasp.
. Choose color carefully. Pearls look best if they flatter the skin tone
of the wearer.
Follow these pearl-buying tips, choose wisely, and your graduate will have a
jewerly staple she'll treasure forever.
A graqduate of the Gemological Institute of America's Graduate Pearls program,
Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for
www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at
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