Quality Gold & Silver Pearl Rings & Jewelry
Fine & Elegant Tahitian Pearl Rings, Pendants, Necklaces & Jewelry
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Quahog pearls are amongst the rarest of gemstones but in fact, they are technically not pearls – they can still be very beautiful nevertheless, and they are typically stained a shade of purple, the only pearls that are so colored under natural conditions. Quahogs are pronounced “ko-hog”, and are clams which many of us have enjoyed in a variety of dishes, or simply steamed at an oyster bar or restaurant. They are native to the Eastern US coast, especially around New England, and have been exported to the Pacific and European shores as they lend themselves to “aquaculture”. Indeed, in New England they form an important part of the fishing economy and are a major export from the region.
It is thought that only 1 in 5,000 clams produces a pearl but, before a quahog pearl can be considered valuable, it also must possess visual appeal – many quahog pearls are misshapen, or not particularly pretty to look at, which precludes their use in jewellery. This makes those quahog pearls which are suitable for use in jewelry that much more valuable. Despite the huge commercial farming activity which processes millions of quahog clams every year, pearls are increasingly rare because of the automated nature of the process. Clams are cleaned and shucked mechanically, and this process usually destroys any pearls which may otherwise be uncovered.
Oyster pearls are formed by concretions being formed around internal deformities, parasites or other foreign piece of matter such as a grain of sand. The oyster reacts to this irritant by enclosing the body with layers of hardened pearl material, known as nacre and which covers the deformity or foreign matter and it is this which grows into a pearl. Cultured pearls use the same process but the oyster is stimulated to grow the pearl by man not nature.
Quahog pearls are formed in a very similar fashion to oyster pearls, though as quahogs are not oysters, quahog pearls are not considered to be pearls per se. The quahogs which are found along the coast of New England, especially those focused upon Rhode Island, are the only ones which possess the purple tint. This is because the quahog clams there are the only ones which produce the purple dye, and this can cause a quahog pearl to vary from a light lilac color through to deep purple to very deep black. As these quahogs are the only bivalve which secretes the purple stain, their pearls are the only ones to possess this coloration though the degree to which an individual quahog pearl is colored will vary widely.
Quahog pearls have been a sought after gemstone amongst New England jewelry makers for at least a couple of hundred years, but the quahog pearl has a much longer association with man than that. Native American Indians used the quahog pearl both for decorative purposes and as “wampum” or money. Native Americans would use the quahog pearl as a medium for exchange by carving the tabular beads and these could be used for trading.
Valuation and pricing vary enormously and ultimately, the price of any item is only that which a buyer is prepared to pay. An example will illustrate the point – in 2005 a rare quahog was discovered in a yard sale and bought for a mere $14 – when it came to auction, the piece was widely valued at anything between $8,000 and $1 million! The eventual sales price is unknown as it was sold to a private bidder in a sealed auction.
Surely the value really lies not in the price tag which is attached to a quahog pearl, but rather the beauty of this natural gemstone and the artisanship of the piece into which it is set. Beauty, in this instance, is clearly in the eye of the beholder.
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For years, pearls have been prized for their beauty; pearls have been ornaments to royalty and criminals alike. Regarded with great value in China, Greece, Europe and the Americas, these jewels have always been a popular choice as highly valued gems. With their variety of designs, we’ll show you how to choose the right kind of pearl earrings for the right occasion.
While naturally formed pearls come in all forms of irregular shapes and often cannot be used for jewelry, cultured pearls can be grown in a variety of shapes - spherical, oval, teardrop and baroque. Learning how to choose the right pearl earrings for the right occasion will involve finding a design or combining various shapes of pearls that suit your face shape.
Before you go about learning how to choose the right pearl earrings for the right occasion, it is imperative that you learn how to spot quality pearl drop earrings. Judging a pearl requires consideration of a few factors - color, overtones, size, luster, shape and surface quality.
When choosing the right pearl earrings for the right occasion, it is also important to determine your budget as pearls that have greater luster or have more reflective surfaces are more highly prized. The smoothness of a pearl’s surface is also a qualifying factor in judging its quality. From cream, champagne, pink, gold, blue and even black, choosing the right pearl earrings will depend on the occasion you intend to wear them to.
Pearls are delicate gems and are generally softer in composition than other jewels. Because of this, they are prone to damage like cracking and scratches. Its porous nature also makes it susceptible to other substances like perfume, sweat and makeup. Keep your pearls clean by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth and try putting on these accessories after you’ve worn your makeup and applied your perfume.
Accessories like pearl earrings are designed to draw attention to your face. Carefully choosing the right pearl earrings for the right occasion is important if you want to flatter your face and enhance your features.
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People used to wonder if there was such a thing as etiquette for wearing pearls. Such a question was directly and clearly answered by “No.” Today, you can wear pearls of any size with any outfit ranging from T-shirts to formal dresses. It was and still is the tradition that bigger pearls go with the more casual wear. Smaller pearls are geared towards more formal things. The fact remains that the pearl is always a good accessory to wear during Christmas parties.
It is said that diamonds maybe a girl’s best friend but pearls will make you glow like moonlight. There is something always mysterious and alluring about pearls. It is in their luster perhaps as they are taken from the bottom of the sea.
Perhaps it is tradition again or etiquette that dictates pearls to be always worn in odd number of strands. Wearing a single or triple strand is sought to be more appropriate than wearing a double strand. Pearl in strands of opera length may be wrapped multiple times around the neck or tied across the shoulder to a plain black cocktail dress strap. That surely would be a fascinating statement.
In wedding occasions, pearls seem to have been making a good impression oh brides. For some people, wearing pearls is believed to deliver good future for their marriage. Pearl jewelry is classic wedding jewelry.
Flashy jewelries are a no-no in offices. But pearls can effectively deliver a professional and classy look in such places especially during significant business meetings. Specifically, necklaces accented with small sized pearls make a significant impression on the people you are doing business with. You will be oozing with subtle sensuality while driving a point. In a manner of speaking, the pearls highlight every word you utter.
Pearls are very appealing. This aspect is important especially if you are to land a good project with a prospective client. The pearl may be soft and mellow but the defining pearls assure you of that professional look while at the same time charming.
Before, only older women wore pearls. Nowadays even younger ladies are charmed by pearls. Pearl pendants are very much in vogue today. Pearls will always fascinate people perhaps it is because of their origin being the deep seas.
There are a number of occasions when one chooses to buy pearls or gift somebody. Christmas is the perfect time for you to give your loved ones a pearl jewelry gift. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and graduations are also such occasion. Be it for casual or for an evening out with your loved ones, pearls will always add luster to any ensemble.
For young girls, the spring prom is the first opportunity for wearing a formal wear. Such occasion is clearly full of fashion providing a good chance for wearing pearls. The formal wear represents the entrance that connects youth to adulthood with traditions and memories never to be forgotten. Prom goers will fill the campus hall to the rafters all in their beautiful pastel designs and of course, the usual string of freshwater pearls.
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A wedding anniversary is truly a monumental occasion as not only does it signify another year of wedded bliss, but it’s also the day to really celebrate the marriage and fondly remember the entire wedding day. If you’re getting ready to hold a remembrance of the day you got married then you need to reserve time to find the gift that will suit her just right. And over the years, diamond rings and other gemstones or similar pieces of fine jewelry have all become excellent choices for anniversary gifts
Anniversary rings, no matter if combined with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or any other sort of amazing gem on the market were at one time save for certain occasions like the 25th However now there are many people that opt to celebrate the day with not only these, but also other amazing things to remind them of their affection
While diamonds are indeed a popular choice, they aren’t the favorite of everyone and anniversary rings can be found in all different gemstones and styles . To begin narrowing down your many options, first choose from popular metals such as white or yellow gold, silver, and platinum for the band itself and then decide on the actual style or setting of the ring .
Some styles and designs to consider include antique, modern, and traditional with various settings such as channel-set, pave, or baguette. Also remember that you’re not limited to white diamonds as the sparkling gem may be found in interesting colors such as pink, yellow, and champagne as well .
Depending on her personal likes and dislikes, you may want to forgo diamond rings completely and opt for a blue or black sapphire ring, or a deep red ruby ring that will really stand out against her wedding band and engagement ring and also complement other pieces of jewelry .
There are a substantial number of females that like to put their rings on their right hands instead of their lefts, and if you are with a woman like this then you have a lot of options at your disposal, especially in the area of setting and size since you really don’t want the ring to be so loud that every other piece of jewelry she wears is overlooked. If you choose a style that is completely different than her other rings, then she’ll have to wear it right handed.
In addition to diamond rings, you may also want to consider other options for an anniversary gift such as diamond earrings in any number of carat weights and shapes, or perhaps one of the gorgeous types of diamond pendants to choose from. Pendants may be ornate and elaborate or dainty and delicate and can be found in varying lengths .
Pearl jewelry is yet another option for an anniversary gift that’s sure to be a cherished keepsake for many years to come. Pearls convey a timeless sense of elegance that’s unrivaled by few other types of jewelry.
Perhaps one of the very best things about shopping for anniversary rings is simply the sheer number of choices you’ll find available. This gives you plenty of unique options to consider, and allows you to choose that one perfect piece that will complement her personal style as well as pay testament to the joyous memory of your wedding day.
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