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Baroque and Other Unique Or Different Pearl Earrings

For well over 4000 years, pearls have been a favorite jewel to use in creating earrings and other pieces of jewelry. The desire to own and wear a pair of unique and different pearl earrings continues to be popular choice for unusual jewelry. Earrings made with pearls make perfect gifts for any holiday and it has become traditional for brides to choose pearls as the accessory of choice on their wedding day. Pearls are available in hundreds of shapes, styles and colors each with its own special quality. Different shaped pearls get the shape from such things as the position of the pearl inside an oyster or mollusk shell.

Antique Earrings

Earrings that are classified as antique pearl earrings as those that are over 100 years old. Any jewelry dating back to the early 1900s is considered to be antique. Some earrings, however, are considered to be antique at fifty plus years such as those from the Victorian or Edwardian eras. Antique earrings come in hundreds of styles that have been designed with pearls ranging from the smallest to the largest. When shopping for antique earrings, they can be found at a variety of places such as auctions, estate sales, yard sales and second hand shops. Many people buy earrings with pearls, in the hopes that they will someday become antique heirlooms that are passed down throughout their future generations.

Pearls And Other Gems

Earrings that are created with a combination of materials such as pearl and rhinestone pearl earrings create a unique and unusual pair of earrings. There are several different materials that are often combined with pearls to create one of a kind styles such as pearls and rhinestones that are alternating on a pair of dangle earrings. Brides may choose to wear a combination of pearls and diamonds for their wedding day earrings and give their bridesmaids a pair of smaller earrings with pearls and cubic zirconium settings. An elegant look in earrings is a combination of white pearls and black onyx which is perfect for a pair of drop earrings being worn to a formal affair. For a fresh and young look, pearls may be combined with different colored jewels to create an eye catching pair of earrings. For a traditional look shop for earrings that are a combination of silver and pearls.

Coin Pearls

Coin pearl earrings are fun, fashionable and unique. A coin pearl can range in size from as small as a pencil eraser to several inches. Coin pearls come in a wide range of colors and can either be shaped in perfectly round circles or in unique and unusual shapes such as a teardrop shape, oblong or oval. Earrings made with coin pearls are perfect for young children and teenagers because they are available in cute shapes that children adore such as hearts, crosses and diamond. A coin pearl is typically light in weight and can be used to create earrings that simple in style and worn everyday to dramatic chandelier earrings with several pearls or shapes in the design.

Double Pearls

Pearl earrings come in a vast array of designs, from simple and elegant to elaborate. Double pearl earrings are often elaborate in design such as a hanging earring or a chandelier style. They may have pearls that are all the same size or increase/decrease in size going down the strand. Pearls often are thought to be out of the price range for someone on a budget, however, a pair of double pearl earrings that are designed with small, about 3 mm in size can be found for under $75 and still be quality earrings.

Symmetrical Pearl

Although it is often assumed that pearls are always round, the fact is pearls come in a variety of unique and beautiful shapes. Pearls that are shaped with a drop shape, oblong, oval or a pair of pear shaped pearl earrings are often referred to as being a symmetrical pearl. The shapes are usually fun and make great starting points for a pair of unique earrings. A drop pearl is shaped like a pear or a teardrop and can be found in a variety of sizes. This shape is typically used in a single setting or they are often seen in chandelier style earrings with drop pearls in various sizes.

Baroque Pearls

A Baroque pearl is irregular in shape with an asymmetrical shape. This type of pearl is grown in both saltwater and freshwater shell fish. The pearl becomes irregularly shaped depending on how the pearl forms inside the oyster or mollusk shell. Some Baroque pearls may have the appearance of glass pearl earrings because the shape is so unique that it is mistaken for being glass or not a real pearl. A double pearl earring is also a Baroque pearl and is formed when two beads are close together, become coated with nacre and becoming permanently joined, creating a “Siamese” or double pearl. The most expensive baroque pearls are the Tahitian peals, often found in a black color with very unique shapes. A Keshi pearl is a poplar type of baroque pearl . Keshi pearls are free-forming and do not have a nucleus, meaning there are no beads that have embedded inside the shell so the pearl is composed completely of several layers of nacre.

Real or Fake

With the popularity of Baroque and symmetrical shaped pearls, it often difficult to distinguish between a real pearl and a fake pearl. There are a few different techniques to keep in mind when shopping for pearls and you are unsure if the pearl you are interested in, is real or not. The first tip is to hold the pearl, a real pearl has a slight heaviness to it regardless of the size. Feeling the pearls will also help to determine if they are real. A real pearl is cool when touched, but after holding for a minute or two will begin to feel warm. Real pearls are not perfect. If a pearl doesn’t have any blemishes, has unified color and no markings, it is most likely a fake pearl.

Different Gold Pearl Earrings: Yellow Gold, White Gold & Sterling Silver

Earrings are one of the types of accessories that can be worn in hundreds of different ways. By wearing different gold pearl earrings, a simply everyday outfit can be instantly transformed into a special occasion outfit. Earrings come in various types of metals, jewels, gemstones and other decorative elements. Choosing the style and type of earring will depend on a few different factors such as the type of metal used for the setting, the length of the earrings and the overall design. When buying earrings as a gift it is beneficial to know the different types of metals and the shape of earring the recipient prefers to wear. Earrings also come in styles such as antique, costume or trendy designs.

Earring Types

Some people are allergic to various types of metals or are sensitive to wearing a particular metal, so if you are giving a pair of yellow gold pearl drop earrings, it may help to first determine if the person will be able to wear yellow gold as well as if they enjoy wearing drop style earrings. Drop earrings are those that hang below the earlobe. They are known by several different names such as chandelier, hanging, loose, long or dangle earrings.

Antique Earrings

Shopping for a gift to give to an older adult, styles such as white gold pearl stud earrings are a great choice because they have somewhat of an antique look to them. Antique earrings with pearls can be made from either sterling silver or gold and they may have a combination of pearls and other gemstones in the design. Antique earrings have a special gracefulness to them that make them appealing to almost everyone. New earrings can also be found that have an antique design to them. They are as lovely as an original pair of antique earrings, however, they are typically less expensive.

Costume Jewelry

When you are on a budget, buying a pair of 14 karat gold pearl drop earrings may be out of the budget, however, a pair of quality costume jewelry earrings may be the perfect alternative. Costume jewelry has improved in quality over recent years and often times looks extremely similar to real gold earrings. When buying earrings that are costume jewelry it is important to keep in mind that the metals are not typically real gold, but instead gold plated silver or another less expensive metal. If you or the person the earrings are for is allergic to metals of lesser quality, the gold plating may cause an allergic reaction.

Gold Earrings

Earrings made from gold are always going to be a classic, fashionable style. There are different variations of gold available including different classifications known as karats and there are different colors including yellow and white. The purity of gold earrings is determined by the karat number including 10 karat, 12 karat, 14 karat, 18 karat and 24 karat. The karat classification determines the gold percentage in each piece of jewelry. Earrings that are crafted from 24 karat gold are considered to be pure gold. The higher the gold classification, the softer the gold, therefore, although a pair of 24 karat gold earrings would be expensive and gorgeous, it is not recommended that this high of a gold content be used for earrings that are worn daily as they may be easily damaged due to the softness of the gold. Some earrings may also be either gold plated or gold filled. These are less expensive and not as high of a quality and they will likely either fade in color or tarnish easily.

White Gold

A pair of while gold pearl earrings is crafted from white gold which has been made by alloying yellow gold with silver, palladium or rhodium, all of which are used to enhance the white color of the gold. White gold is an excellent option for people who prefer the light color of sterling silver, but would prefer to have gold. When white gold is properly cared for, it can last a lifetime. White gold earrings should always be removed before showering or swimming to avoid damage from the chemicals. If a pair of white gold earrings happens to begin fading, by simply taking the earrings to a jeweler, they can apply a coat of rhodium to the earrings to bring back the white gold effect.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold has been a popular fashion accessory for centuries and will continue to be a favorite for centuries to come. A pair of yellow gold and golden pearl earrings is an attractive design and has a very elegant appearance. Also appealing to wearers of all ages are a pair of gold stud and gold pearl earrings with a single pearl. Yellow gold comes a variety of price ranges which makes it affordable for everyone. A small pair of 10 karat gold stud earrings can typically be purchased for under $50 and they are going to last and be as lovely as a pair of 24 karat gold earrings valued at thousands of dollars.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver earrings are simply stunning and can be worn for everyday use as well as a special occasion. The majority of brides choose to wear sterling silver jewelry on their wedding day because of the light color and the beauty a pair of silver earrings provides to the overall accessories. Silver typically contains about 92% of the silver metal and about 8% of another type of metal such as copper or nickel. The  mixture between the two metals provides strength to the silver as well as makes it easier to shape and provides a luster to the silver. The combination of silver with another metal also makes the jewelry last for years.

Earrings are so versatile in style, design and craftsmanship. There are as many different styles of earrings as there are the amount of people to wear them. When buying earrings for yourself, always buy what appeals to you in regards to gold or silver as well as the size of pearl or other gem that is part of the setting. When you buy a pair of earrings with a pearl, diamond or other gem, it is important to care for the jewel and the gold correctly to avoid damaging the earrings.

How To Buy, Protect and Clean Childrens Pearl Earrings

Children, regardless of their age, adore receiving and wearing jewelry. Many children get their ears pierced while they are babies and as they grow enjoy wearing a variety of pearl flower earrings or other childrens pearl earrings. During the holidays it is easy to buy gifts for children who have pierced ears because there is such a variety in childrens earrings to choose from. It is important, however, to buy earrings that are safe for children to wear such as those that are hypoallergenic.

Metals for Sensitive Ears

When choosing pearl earrings for kids and pearl earrings for babies, it is important to choose earrings with metal that is safe for their sensitive ears. Nickel is a primary metal used in many pieces of jewelry and someone who is allergic to nickel will have a sever reaction. It is also common for children who are allergic to gold to be able to wear silver and vice versa. It is recommended that childrens earrings be made with a quality metal such as 14Karat gold. 24 karat is not recommended because it is a soft metal and will not be as durable when used in a pair of earrings worn by a child. The best earrings to buy for children with sensitive ears are typically made from sterling silver, plastic, high quality gold or Niobium, with sterling silver being the first choice.

Children’s Earrings

Children adore jewelry that is created in the shape of hearts, animals, birds and insects which is perfect when trying to choose a pair of childrens pearl earrings because there are so many various designs to choose from. For toddlers, earrings should not be any larger than a post to avoid them getting the earring tangled in their hair or pulling the earring from their ears. When children reach the dress up age, they enjoy having their own earrings, necklaces and bracelets to wear during dress up. Earrings for playing dress up can be made with a clip on style, however, always remove pierced earrings from a Childs ears before letting them wear a pair of clip on earrings to avoid injury.

Earrings for Babies

Many parents are opting to have their babies ears pierced when they are a few months old. For babies with pierced ears, Christmas, birthdays and Christenings are the perfect times to buy a pair of pearl earrings for baby. There are hundreds of cute options when it comes to earrings with a pearl in the design for babies. They are able to wear a small pearl stud or a shaped pearl on a stud. For a Christening, a favorite for grandparents is to buy a pair of baby earrings with a cross shape. When you give a baby a pair of pearl earrings, the earrings can become a heirloom for them to pass on down to their children.

Delicate Earrings

Pearl earrings are becoming increasing popular due to the vast array of types, styles and shapes available for children. A pair of earrings made with pearls is an excellent choice for childrens earrings. The design can be simple and delicate as well as cost effective when the pearl is small in size. The earrings will last a lifetime and be cherished for years by the child. It is common for parents to buy their child a pair of earrings with pearls and only let the child wear them on a special occasion which gives the child something to look forward to when they have to dress up.

If you are planning to buy your daughter a pair of earrings with a pearl settings, it is best to start with a sterling silver setting in case she is allergic to other metals and sterling is less expensive than gold, so if she happens to lose an earring, the replacement cost will still be in the budget.

Spend The Day Shopping

For a fun day shopping, take your daughter with you to pick out her first pair of pearl earrings. For smaller children, let them look at pearls shaped like flowers and/or hearts and for older children, they may find a more formal style more appealing. Keep in mind that pearls vary in price and size. It is recommended that small children wear a pearl that is about 3mm or 4mm in size as this size fit’s a Childs ear size. Older children can wear a pearl that is about 6mm or 7mm in size without the earring being to large for their ears. Remind the child of the importance of caring for their new jewels and perhaps buy them a small jewelry box to hold their new earrings.

Protecting The Pearls

It is important to teach the children how to clean the jewelry in order to help preserve the beauty. Children should not wear their pearls while playing outside because the perspiration and dirt may damage the pearls. Also have the children remove their earrings before swimming because the chlorine may damage the surface of the pearl. Pearls can get quickly damaged by chemicals such as lotions, perfumes and hairsprays so remind teenage children to not put their earrings on until they are done spraying hairsprays and perfumes. Avoid letting children sleep in their earrings with a pearl design as it will help to prolong the life of the jewelry.

Cleaning Childrens Pearl Earrings

Pearls will get dirty over time and in order to prolong the life of the pearl, it is important to not only clean them regularly, but correctly. Do not ever scrub hard to clean the pearl and always use a soft cloth as opposed to a sponge, toothbrush or other type of scrubber. The pearl should not be cleaned with soap or harsh detergents. Simply rinse the pearl with cool water and wipe dry with a soft dry cloth to remove perspiration and dirt. If the pearl is extremely stained or dirty, it is recommended that you have  a jeweler clean the pearl to avoid possibly scratching the pearl while cleaning.

Some Of The Popular Brands Or Distributors Of Pearl Earrings

A pearl is can be either a natural or a cultured product and are coveted either way. A pair of earrings with pearls can either be simple and elegant or extravagant and precise. Wearing pearls is thought to promote loyalty, integrity and promote a sense of calmness. For centuries, pearls of popular brands or distributors of pearl earrings have provided pearls that are the symbol of wealth, success and social prominence throughout history. When shopping for cultured pearls you should take into consideration whether you would prefer to have saltwater or freshwater pearls and it is important to verify the distributor of the pearls. Examine the pearls before buying and take into consideration the shape, the luster and any imperfections the pearl may have.

There are numerous places to buy a pair of earrings with pearls including online auctions, websites, jewelry stores and from individual sellers. There are also considerations to think about when purchasing from any of these distributors such as who the manufacture of the pearl is. When shopping for pearls, always take into consideration what type of pearl it is, how big the pearl is and what type of setting the earrings are in. Keep in mind that the bigger the pearl, the more expensive it will be. A typical size pearl is about 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm in size. Pearls can be freshwater or saltwater and where they come from will also have a factor on the price.

Online Auctions

An online auction would be a great place to find Mikimoto pearl earrings or Judith Jack pearl earrings, if you are shopping for quality cultured pearls. Buying from an online auction is typically less expensive than buying from a jewelry store, however, it is very important to determine the quality of the pearls before buying them and to verify that the earrings you are buying are indeed the name brand product you are paying for.

Jewelry Websites

A jewelry website is often a great place to find bargains on earrings and there are many well known stores that also have a website to sell jewelry online. Buying Overstock pearl earrings or Macy’s pearl earrings, are both two well known websites that will guarantee the merchandise they sell. When buying through an online store, always remember to inquire about shipping and make sure the website will guarantee the cultured pearls will arrive in the same condition as they were when you purchased them.

Jewelry Stores

A brick and mortar jewelry store will typically sell quality pearls including name brands such as Cartier pearl earrings. Keep in mind that when you shop at a jewelry store, the price will be expensive, especially if the pearls are made by well known designers such as Ann Taylor pearl earrings. However, the earrings will typically be of a high quality and well made.

Wholesale Jewelry

A wholesaler is typically a company that sells a large quantity of pearls at a somewhat discounted price. Wholesale jewelers typically sell to department stores or they may advertise through an online auction for the public to buy a large quantity of pearls. Wholesale pearls are usually quality, but are sold at discounted prices because of the amount being bought. Keep in mind that when you buy from a wholesaler, you may not be able to purchase a single pair of Marcasite pearl earrings, but instead will be able to buy a large amount of loose pearls to make earrings with.

Tiffany’s

Some of the most popular jewelry stores also have an online website that allows you buy from. For example, if you would love to own a pair of Carolee pearl earrings purchased from Tiffany’s, but cannot make it to the store in New York, you could shop online at the Tiffany store and receive the same merchandise as if you would have shopped at the store.

Bill Barnes

Bill Barnes also has a well known shop online that allows to purchase the same items as you would from the brick and mortar shop. Their items are all handcrafted and made from quality materials. You could expect to find a pair of earrings resembling the same style as Cartier, meaning the pearls are top notch and the craftsmanship that went into the jewelry is perfect.

BiJoux

Also an excellent collection of quality jewelry created from the finest pearls, silver and/or gold. The jewelry is typically very trendy and of the newest fashions. Many brides adore the Bijoux collection of jewelry because of the uniqueness and beauty in each piece.

Know What You Are Buying

As more and more people are choosing to shop online, the stores carrying designer brands of jewelry are also starting websites or online stores. Websites for a jewelry business are quickly becoming more cost effective for the business owners as well as making it convenient for customers who otherwise could not have shopped at the particular brick and mortar store. Pearl jewelry is quality jewelry and simply because the item is being purchased online, does not mean you should settle for anything less than top quality. It is important that you are aware of what type of pearl you are buying, what type of pearl you want, the size of the pearl, the color of the pearl and the type of metal the earrings are made with. For example, if you go to a website, spot a pair of “gold earrings with a pearl” selling for $50, this could be either be an excellent bargain, a small pearl or gold plated. The pearl should have a size listed as well as the type of pearl it is. For example, the advertisement should read “6mm freshwater pearl in 14 k setting” this is a more detailed description of not only the pearl but the setting as well which will help you determine if the pearl you are buying is real or fake as well as type and size. Once you have bought the pearls, it is important to take care of them, clean them correctly and store in a dry area to avoid any damage to the pearl which can cause it to decrease in value.

Where Pearl Earrings Of Different Colors Are Created

Although the most commonly associated color for pearls is white, there are pearl earrings of different colors available. The different colors of  pearls vary depending on various factors such as where they were created and the water quality. Pearls can be found in amazing colors including blue, red, black, green, pink, purple and yellow as well as specks of color combinations.

Black Pearls

Black pearl earrings are becoming very popular and can sometimes be found with dramatic touches of white combined with the deep black luster. A black pearl is  sometimes referred to as a Tahitian pearl. Both saltwater and freshwater pearls can be found with a black color, however, there is a difference between the two. A saltwater black pearl has a deeper, more ebony color while a black freshwater pearl is slightly faded with a light gray tone. Saltwater pearls also have more of a prominent round shape with more luster. Earrings made from black or gray pearls, that are saltwater pearls are more expensive than a freshwater pearl. Earrings with black and white pearls are also higher priced than a solid black or solid gray pearl.

Scallop Pearls

If you are buying a pair of earrings with a cream pearl or a pair of pink pearl stud earrings, the pearl may be a scallop pearl. A marine bivalve scallop, found on the coast of Baja California, is new to being harvested for producing a natural pearl. The pearls produced by this scallop vary in shape and size. The colors of these pearls are somewhat mosaic ranging in a cream color to a deep mauve color and the sheen produced is semi-metallic. A Nodipecten Subnodosus scallop produces natural pearls known as Lion’s Paws pearls. These are found off the coast of Baja California. The natural pearls from this scallop are usually symmetrical in shape, including shapes such as drop, oval, button and round. Sizes can range from the smallest seed pearl to one that is 20mm. Lions Paw pearls can be found in  magnificent colors such as those used to make deep yellow pearl earrings and pink pearl earrings or jewelry that is made from varying shades of orange pearls.

Quahog Pearls

If you own a pair of purple pearl earrings, the pearls may be a Quahog pearl. The quahog clam is primarily found in the Atlantic ocean near the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The quahog shell is a gorgeous dark purple on a white background and the pearls it produces are also stunning shades of purples and lilacs. The clam itself is often marketed to be used in chowder or eaten raw. The habitat in which the Quahog clam lives is responsible for the unique patterns and colors of the pearls they produce.

Cultured Pearls

For those who prefer traditional white or ivory pearls for earrings as opposed to the more exotic colors, will fair well with a pearl from the South Seas. Akoya and South Sea pearls that are a light rose color or a silvery rose color seem to be the most popular colors. A cultured pearl that is produced from freshwater shells in China, also often produces various colors but,  white, cream or ivory colored pearls are the most predominant.

Abalone Pearls

An Abalone is  a sea snail that looks similar to a garden snail in that it carries a shell on its back. The snail lives in a shell approximately 30 cm big, lives in both cool and warm waters and is typically found in Mexico, Korea, Japan, Western USA, Australia, South Africa and/or New Zealand. The pearls produced by the Abalone snail are formed just like those that come from an oyster or a mollusk. The inner part of the snail’s shell has a mother of pearl effect and they produce magnificently colored pearls. Green or blue pearl earrings may have been created from the pearls of an Abalone snail. The snail also produces pearls that are pink, purple or silver. The shape is usually a unique baroque or horn shape and a round abalone pearl is extremely rare as they take a number of years to form. These pearls are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Gems and Pearls

A combination of various gems included with pearls in a pair of earrings is common for those who have a preference to gems such as diamonds or rubies, but also like the look of a pearl. For example, a pair of pearl and ruby earrings can be found in different styles ranging from a small pair of stud earrings to a pair of dramatic chandelier earrings with alternating rubies and pearls. Diamonds are also popular gems that are used in a combination with pearls to make simple and elegant to dramatic pairs of earrings. When there are gemstones used in combination with pearls for jewelry, there are usually two different colors combined. For example, rubies or sapphires may be combined with white or cream pearls while black pearls may be placed in a setting with diamonds to create a contrast look.

Buy Pearls You Will Enjoy

Whether you are interested in finding a pair of red pearl earrings to give as a valentine’s day present or a pair of earrings with different colored pearls, it is important to buy pearls that are genuine. Imitation pearls are fine if they are being used for an aesthetic look only or perhaps as a gift for a child, however, if you are buying pearls as an investment or something that can be passed down in future generations, buying only genuine pearls is advised. There are different types of genuine pearls such as cultured, natural or akoya, or freshwater. These all come in different colors, sizes and prices, but the pearl earrings you buy should be a pair that are going to be enjoyed as opposed to simply buying them because of the rarity, size or color. All factors associated with a pearl should be considered when shopping for them and only buy a pair of earrings created with pearls from a reputable dealer.