Pearls have had a long history as precious gemstones – as gifts for ancient royals or prized possessions sought-after by anxious criminals – from China, to Europe, to the Americas. Learning how to choose the right pearl earrings for the right occasion is a skill you can benefit from if you want accessories that flatter your best features. Pearls are naturally created when foreign particles enter oyster shells. The oysters produce a calcium-type substance around the foreigner and this substance coats the particle in thin concentric layers, creating a pearl. Naturally formed pears are rarely symmetrical or well shaped enough to be used as jewelry. As such, pearls are generally cultured and grown so that their shape and size can be regulated. If you’re interested in choosing the right pearl earrings for the right occasion, it pays to familiarize yourself with how pearls are valued, whether they are pearl drop earrings or otherwise. Pearls are measured based on their diameter with larger pearls being more highly valued. Several factors determine the value of a pearl – color, overtone, size, shape, luster and surface quality. The color of a pearl can range from white, cream, silver, blue, pink, gold and black. Choose a color to suit your skin tone and the occasions you may be wearing your pearl drop earrings to. Luster refers to the reflective quality of a pearl and the more luster a pearl has the more valuable it is. Surface quality is also an important consideration; the less imperfections like bumps there are on a pearl, the more highly prized it is. Remember that pearls are delicate because of the material they are made from. They tend to be softer than other jewels and therefore more prone to cracks and scratches. Try cleaning your pearls with a soft, damp cloth and you can also wash them on occasion with some water and soap. To further protect your pearl drop earrings, wear them after you’ve worn your makeup, perfume or even moisturizer. When trying to understand how to choose the right kind of pearl earring for the right occasion, bear in mind that earrings always draw attention to the face. It is important, therefore, to choose something that will flatter the shape of your face. The shape and design of a pearl earring can flatter your face or accentuate its flaws, so choose wisely.
Oct 23