Pearls since time immemorial have enticed women of all backgrounds with its magical qualities. Its shimmering colors have won the hearts of queens and celebrities alike. A pearl is a June birthstone, which makes it even more special for women born in this particular month.

Broadly speaking, there are four types of pearls; freshwater, Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian.

Among the four, Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian orphic gems are quite expensive. Whereas freshwater sea gems are extremely affordable as it does not command great price. Orphic gems are graded in A, AA, AA+ and AAA ratings; AAA being the highest quality. Most of the high quality sea gems are cultured in saltwater. Freshwater orphic gems tend to have blemishes and are rarely round in perfect round shape. But freshwater orphic gems offer craftsmen an array of shapes and colors to design trendy and casual adornments.

The grading of sea gems is based on luster, shape, color, size, surface blemishes etc.

Orphic gems are formed when a foreign object like sand particle enters an oyster. The oyster instantly secretes nacre, an organic compound around the irritant to protect its sensitive inner lining.

Pearl earrings are part of pearl jewelry. Unlike bracelet or ring which remains hidden, an earring is a piece of adornment that is visible all the time. A pearl earring enhances a woman’s beauty; it makes her look elegant, graceful and charming. Over a period of time a pair of pearl earring becomes an integral component of a woman’s jewelry box.

Below mentioned are some of the popular pearl earring designs.

1. Stud – Studs are classic beauties. They are timeless, graceful and high on simplicity.
2. Hoop – This design gives the wearer a classy look.
3. Cluster – A cluster design looks rich, gorgeous and authoritative.
4. Drop or Dangle – These designs are good for formal occasions.

A pearl is a birthstone for the month of June. It is also a birthstone for Gemini and Cancer sun signs. This does not mean people from other sun signs do not wear them. On the contrary adornments crafted from these orphic gems are adored and cherished by women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

Pearls are formed when a grain of sand or other foreign object enters a mollusk. An organic matter is instantly secreted to cover the irritant. This secretion is called nacre; concentric layers of nacre ultimately transform into a pearl.

Iridescence, lustre, sheen, radiance are some of the words associated with these sea gems. They are broadly classified as Natural or cultured. They are further divided into cultured freshwater and cultured saltwater, depending on the type of water bodies used to harvest them.

Pearl necklaces are typically categorized according to their lengths. They are made up from an array of orphic gems; each of them has their own characteristics. Women prefer necklaces that are crafted from white orphic gems.

Cultured saltwater pearls, such as the South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls and Akoya pearl are costly than freshwater pearls. The reason; they are uniform in shape and color, which can vary from classic white to silver. There are other orphic gems, such as Tahitian which are distinguished by their dark hues. The size of orphic gems range from 2mm to 20mm.

The shortest necklace is the collar design; about 12 to 13 inches long it is a perfect accessory for collared dresses. On the other end is the rope design. Its length exceeds 45 inches. A rope pearl necklace has several clasps which can be broken down into smaller pieces. It can also be wrapped around the neck in double or triple strands.

In between the collar and rope design there are other necklaces of varying lengths such as choker, princess, matinee and opera.

A pearl necklace radiates amazing glow; making a woman look fairer and lovable.

Rings are symbols of commitment.

They are worn, gifted or exchanged on numerous occasions. Rings are synonymous with love. These finger bands are made in several precious metals such as silver, white gold and yellow gold, suitably studded with pearls, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Of all the rings, a pearl ring creates a special place for itself. A woman cherishes a pearl ring more than any other piece of adornment; no jewelry box is complete without a pearl ring.

Pearl rings are popular with women due to the following reasons.

1. Pearls are closely associated with purity and sincerity. Its albumen color and high sheen mesmerizes the wearer and the onlooker. Embellishments crafted from pearls, especially rings are suitable for all attires.
2. Its diverse range of size, shape and color.
3. Affordable prices.
4. Rings and other jewelry crafted from pearls is a prized possession of any woman; over the years they turn into family heirlooms.

Apart from the above, pearl rings are eye catching and increase the glamour quotient of the wearer. Whether the wearer is sitting idle, or holding a glass a wine, a pearl ring attracts many pairs of eyes. It is a sure shot way of getting attention.

South sea pearls and Akoya pearls are typically used to craft rings for engagements, party wear or other important occasions. It is also a great piece of jewelry that can be gifted to your close ones. On the other hand rings made from black Tahitian pearls are suitable for cocktail parties or high profile occasions like operas, premieres and royal gatherings.

Black pearl rings look rich and mystical. Its metallic sheen casts a magic spell on people. Pearl is a stone of June; which makes it popular among people who are born in that month.

A pearl ring is a true symbol of femininity; a tribute to women.

Planning to attend a wedding, a high profile cocktail party or maybe an engagement ceremony of your close friend? Whatever maybe the reason, a pearl necklace is a great way to enhance your beauty quotient.

Pearl necklaces and women are made for each other. Wear a pearl necklace if you want a quick personality switchover. The radiance from these sea gems will make you look younger, sophisticated and regal.

A pearl necklace is made from the following orphic gems.

1. Akoya pearls

   These highly lustrous pearls are the preferred choice of many craftsmen. It’s perfect round body and spotless surface makes it a perfect candidate for designing necklaces. The size of Akoya pearls ranges from 2mm to 10mm. White and cream are the two popular colors.

2. South Sea Pearls

   South Sea pearls are found off the coasts Australia and South-East Asian countries including Indonesia. They range in size from 9mm to 20mm and are available in white, cream and golden colors.

3. Tahitian Pearls

   Tahitian Pearls, also called South Sea Black pearls are available in dark shades such as grey, blue and green. Necklaces created from these pearls have great metallic sheen that creates a mystical charm around a woman.

4. Freshwater pearls

   Grown in fresh water bodies, these are available in an array of shapes and colors. These Akoya look-alike orphic gems are quite affordable and necklaces created from them look trendy and suitable for casual wearing.

Necklaces crafted from pearls are categorized according to their length. Mentioned below are some of the popular categories.

1. Collar type necklace is 10 inches to 13 inches long and look good on collared dresses or low cut strapless outfits.
2. Choker type necklace is 16 inches to 18 inches long. It can be worn on any dress.
3. Princess pearl necklace is about 17 to 20 inches long and can be worn on collared or low cut dresses. Its more than average length makes the wearer look tall.
4. Matinee pearl necklace is 20 inches to 24 inches; most suitable for corporate women.
5. Opera pearl necklace is 28 inches to 34 inches and looks great on low cut gowns.
6. Rope pearl necklace is 45 inches and above; its flexible design allows many options. It can be broken down into two or three pieces; to be worn as a bracelet and a necklace. It can also be wrapped around the neck in double or triple strands.

Women just love pearls. The reasons are many; rarity, mystical charm, status symbol and its close association with human emotions such as love and purity.
The reasons do not end here. They are also idolized because of their diverse range of shapes, such as pear, drop, round, button, oval and baroque, which are all unique in their own rights.

Black orphic gems are as mysterious as a woman’s personality.

Typically there are four types of sea gems.

1. Akoya orphic gems – White or cream colored; their size ranges from 2mm to 10mm.
2. South Sea orphic gems – White, with silver or pink overtones; these are found in big sizes, starting from 10mm onwards.
3. Tahitian sea gems – Typically dark with sensational overtones and found in large size; up to 20mm.
4. Freshwater sea gems – Available in an array of shapes, sizes and colors.

The first three are cultured in saltwater and therefore known as saltwater sea gems.

Orphic gems are formed when a foreign object enters an oyster. It is immediately covered with an organic compound in concentric layers. This compound is called nacre. Over a period of time this nacre transforms into a solid pearl.

A pearl’s quality is judged by the thickness of its nacre and luminosity. Generally, a perfect round shaped pearl is rare to find and therefore commands high price.

Akoya pearl earrings in cluster design, interspersed with other precious stones are the most adored embellishments. A woman’s jewelry kit is incomplete without one of these pairs. They are also ideal for gifting someone; especially on wedding anniversary.

A dangle earring design typically utilizes pear-shaped orphic gems. These tear drop orphic gems enhance the hanging effect. It suits women who are short; makes them look taller.

A stud design is crafted from a single large pearl. Even though the design is simple, it looks extremely elegant, regal and sophisticated. It increases a woman’s feminine quotient. These are typically set in white gold. South sea orphic gems and Tahitian sea gems are the preferred choice while crafting stud earrings. Their large form factor makes them a perfect candidate for this type of a design.

Stud design is suitable for parties and corporate meetings. They go well with low cut dresses and gowns.

Baroque orphic gems are a craftsmen’s delight. Their irregular shape allows artisans to create unique, trendy and versatile earrings.

A hoop design can be crafted from any orphic gems. These sea gems are attached to a ring which is made of white or yellow gold in various formations. This design looks good on gowns and evening wear.

Earrings are one of the oldest forms of body decoration accessories.

An earring, like other adornments, makes a woman look beautiful. Earrings are crafted in different designs; each design transforms a woman’s personality in a different way. Some designs make her look innocent, some make her look attractive and mystical while there are other designs which gives her personality a “difficult to get” aura.

Pearl earrings are versatile adornments.

Earrings come in five basic styles.

1. Clip-on earrings: There are women who do not like to pierce their ears. Clip-on earrings are meant for such people. These easy to wear and maintenance free earrings not only enhances the facial value but prevents disfigurement of earlobe. It can also be worn by women who have their ears pierced. Clip-on earrings are easy to clean and complement younger women extremely well.
2. Stud Earrings: Stud earrings are classic jewelry pieces. These are typically designed with a single large pearl such as white South sea pearl or black Tahitian pearl set in white gold. Stud earrings make a woman look younger and innocent. It can be worn on all occasions including engagements and birthdays. These are simple yet elegant. Stud earrings are timeless beauties. Another advantage with this design is that it doesn’t get caught up in the hair.
3. Hoop Earrings: Perfect round Akoya pearls set in 24 carat ring or a single Akoya pearl hanging from a sterling silver ring looks great on any outfit. Hoop earrings are meant for women of substance. Regal, sophisticated and enchanting they can be worn for parties or corporate meetings.
4. Drop or Dangle: White gold is the preferred precious metal while crafting drop earrings. These are generally interspersed with other precious stones such as diamonds and emeralds. A drop earring comes in many intricate designs. These creative pieces of pearl jewelry change a woman’s personality by making her look mature and authoritative. Drop or dangle earrings are good for formal occasions. It complements gowns very well.
5. Cluster Earrings: Clusters of South Sea pearls hanging from silver sterling wire is one of the most popular design in this category. The other designs which are equally popular are the chandelier, water fall and grape clusters.

Black pearls ooze sensuality. These pearls are mystical, exotic, daring and adventurous. So it is not surprising that these sea gems are the preferred choice of many women.

Black pearls nucleate in the black-lipped oyster called the Pinctada Margaritifera, found off the exotic lagoons of French Polynesia in the South pacific.

The oyster that produces these pearls is large; growing almost twelve inches in size. Black pearls are not really black, but a combination of dark hues such as blue, peacock green and charcoal grey. Although true black pearls do exist, they are extremely rare to find these days.

Some of the other dark pearls such as Akoya and Freshwater are dyed or treated black.

Typically, black pearl earrings are crafted with diamonds and other precious stones. The contrasting colors of black pearls and diamonds create a mesmerizing effect, which further enhances the beauty of pearl earrings. The wearer’s face lights up with mystical and alluring charm.

Whether it is a simple stud design or a more intricate cluster and dangle creation, black pearl earrings are famous for their intense opalescence.

A Black pearl necklace emanates power, mystery, and charming beauty. All these qualities of black pearls can be summed up in one word: enchanting..

A matinee black pearl necklace worn for a boardroom meeting can signify a woman’s authority and reach. It gives her an aura of boldness. In every avatar this black orphic gem necklace creates ruptures of excitement.

A single large black orphic gem, set in sterling silver, and interspersed with diamonds is the ultimate finger band accessory. Rings symbolize love and commitment. This single accessory generates more emotions than all the other accessories combined together.

A black pearl ring, whether gifted on a valentine’s day or worn during engagement, is meant for eternity. Romance is the other name for these gorgeous finger bands.

Freshwater pearls are small, irregularly shaped and multi-colored. These sea gems were once used to craft inexpensive embellishments. Today, they are cultivated as premium pearls with great sheen and roundness.

One of the biggest advantages of crafting jewelry with freshwater pearls is the variety available to the craftsmen, allowing for stunning and unique designs.

These are cultivated in fresh water bodies such as lakes and ponds. The bulk of pearl demand is fulfilled by China,the leading producer.

Their affordability makes them a popular choice with the young buyers.

Freshwater pearl necklaces come in an array of designs. Typically necklaces crafted from these pearls measure between 12 and 16 inches. These necklaces have an extra silver chain which is called the extension. The purpose of providing this extension is to accommodate extra pearls. A typical design consists of a combination of pearl colors. These necklaces complement any attire, especially when they are worn with matching bracelets and earrings.

Fresh water pearls generally range from 6mm to 10mm in size.

A saltwater pearl ring is generally more expensive than a freshwater pearl. But the advantage with freshwater rings is its diversity. There are tens and hundreds of designs to choose from.

Freshwater pearl rings are crafted with between one and three pearls set in silver. These rings are versatile and can be worn on any occasion.

Baroque drop dangles, semi-round pearl chandeliers, studs and hoops are some popular freshwater pearl earring designs. These are available in pink, lavender and other pleasant colors. A stud earring is generally crafted in white. Freshwater pearl earrings complement other adornments which are made from the same type of pearls.

A pearl is an organic gem. It is also called by other names such as orphic gem and sea gem. It is formed when a foreign object enters an oyster. In a typical defence action it secretes layers of nacre around the intruder. Over a period of time this layered nacre becomes a pearl.

Today, these are produced naturally as well as artificially. Man-made pearls are produced by placing a bead in an oyster. Once this oyster in left in the sea it forms thick nacre around the bead which later takes the shape of a beautiful sea gem.

The term “black pearl” is generalized to a large extent. These orphic gems are not literally black but made up of several dark hues such a blue, green and grey. Because of its dark reflective property they are termed as black pearls. Black freshwater pearls, black Akoya pearls and black Tahitian pearls are some of the important variants. Typically these are used to craft embellishments for party wear.

Tahiti pearls are famous for their dark hues. They are commonly called black Tahitian pearls. These black beauties come from the famous lagoons of French Polynesia in the South pacific. They grow in a black-lipped oyster called the Pinctada Margaritifera and are graded according to the thickness of their nacre and surface quality. These orphic gems are adored for their large size and mystical charm.

The South Sea Pearl is the king of all pearls. It is the most sought after sea gem because they are found in such gorgeous colors as white, silver and gold. They are also adored for their absolutely stunning sheen and large size; generally available in the range of 8mm to 16mm. These pearls come from the largest oysters in the world called the Pinctada maxima, which are found off the coast of Western Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Akoya pearls come from Akoya oysters, typically found off the coast of Japan. These sea gems are usually white but they can also carry a cream overtone. These are the third most popular pearls after the South Sea and the Tahitian. Akoya orphic gems were the first cultured pearls used to make affordable adornments.

Unlike gold or diamond embellishments, pearl jewelry suits women of every age, body shape and color. In short, it can be worn by women who want to add a touch of elegance and mysticism to their look.

Pearl jewelry includes rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. These are crafted for almost all occasions, especially for engagement parties and other informal gatherings. Pearl adornments never become outdated.

Of all the pearl embellishments a pearl necklace is a must for any woman who wants to enhance her personality. That is the aura and the magic of pearl necklaces. South sea pearl necklaces look regal while Tahitian pearl necklaces add mystery her character. Freshwater pearl necklaces are generally worn on trendy and casual clothes and are extremely affordable. These necklaces are available in 5 major form factors; collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope. They range from twelve inches to over forty five inches.

Pearl rings enhance the beauty of the wearer’s hand. Fingers dazzle under the luminance of these orphic gems. Tahitian or South sea pearls, due to their size and high sheen, allow craftsmen to create amazing designs in 14K white gold; as a solo piece or in conjunction with other precious stones.

A pearl engagement ring is synonymous with love, romance, commitment and loyalty. A woman feels special when presented with one these rings.

A Pearl pendant makes an excellent gift. A single large orphic gem hung from a white or yellow gold chain looks enchanting on every woman. Akoya and Tahitian are the two most popular sea gems that are used in crafting pearl pendants. Drop and cluster pearl pendants are examples of other popular designs. They look simple yet charismatic. There are also other more intricately crafted options for women who are fashion oriented.

Pearls are an excellent jewelry option for high profile events like premieres, and award nights such as The Oscars. These adornments complement all types of formal dresses. It is therefore not surprising to see many celebrities wearing pearl embellishments on these occasions.

Pearl earrings are available in stud, cluster, dangle and ring designs. Cluster pearl earrings are generally crafted in 14K white gold interspersed with other precious stones such as diamonds.