Category: Pearl Jewelry

Hailing from the country who knows fashion like no one’s business, Italian-inspired chocolate gold jewelry is reaching the shores of the U.S. and making real waves. This evolution is a new gold alloy in a warm brown shade. The cutting-edge, breathtaking color creates a deeper dimension to skin tones of all types, as well as today’s current fashions. The discerning jewelry lover who is seeking something truly unique will fall in love with the look of chocolate gold – a great twist on a timeless classic.

In fact, chocolate gold is so popular right now it’s the new black in jewelry design. Designers are creating some spectacular treats that look good enough to eat. Whether you prefer gold, pearls or gemstones, this irresistible color is one of the season’s hottest trends.

Chocolate gold, specifically, is created in a special process called PVD (physical vaporization and deposition). A designer begins with rose gold and applies the PVD treatment to produce the chocolate gold. While some pieces can range as much as $10,000 and beyond, there are also jewelry pieces that create the same look with 14K chocolate brown gold coating.

Chocolate diamonds are enjoying some well-deserved recognition recently on the red carpets. Celebrities such as Fergie, Halle Berry and Terri Hatcher have been seen wearing the gem that was once an object of disdain. Known as brown diamonds, these gems were once considered low grade. These naturally-occurring diamonds pair beautifully with white diamonds, chocolate pearls, turquoise and other colored gem stones. Chocolate diamonds possess the same properties and durability as white diamonds. The only difference is their color.

For several years chocolate pearls have been riding a popularity wave reserved only for those who could afford their pricey status. Recently, these beauties are being made available with the mainstream crowd at more affordable prices. These tiny delights are actually Tahitian and freshwater pearls that have undergone a proprietary, pigment-altering heating process, or organic dyeing process that transforms them into that delicious chocolate hue. Imitation pearls are created through a dyeing process with silver nitrate.

Like chocolate gold, chocolate pearls are favored by those with a fashion-forward sense when it comes to jewelry. Not to be confused with grandmother’s classic string of pearls, chocolate pearls have an unpredictable flair that goes well with today’s fashions. And fortunately, it’s a hue that wears well on nearly anyone. Worn against all the brown fashions available these days, brown pearls creates a tonal quality against camel, adds soft contrast to creamy white and gives the all-black urban style a new dimension. For the bride, chocolate pearls add a burnished dimension to wedding whites and creams.

The idea of chocolate and jewelry are certainly not new concepts. What woman doesn’t love a beautiful piece of jewelry accompanied by rich, dark cocoa treats? One Italian jewelry designer was inspired by these two elements in her recent collection. It didn’t hurt that the town she lives and works in is also known for its superb chocolate. In fact, the city’s first chocolate candy factory was founded in the 1800s. Using that as inspiration, the designer applied the PVD process and added elements of rose gold to her jewelry designs.

Wearable Chocolate Jewelry

Perhaps not surprisingly, this love for chocolate and jewelry has inspired a few notable European chocolatiers to create cocoa jewelry that is both wearable and edible. For example, a Belgium chocolatier has for several decades been creating chocolate diamonds, surely inspired by the city of Antwerp, Belgium, the historic center of diamond trading. The diamond-shaped confections come in milk, dark, white and marbled chocolate.

Combining chocolate and sugar paste, an English chocolatier creates edible, wearable necklaces and earrings. Meanwhile, in Switzerland two confectioners design chocolate, jewel-covered treats. Their collection includes pieces that are covered with edible foil in silver or gold, as well as edible diamonds or gemstones.

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As the popular saying goes, those pearls with a diameter less that 7mm are just beads, while those with more than 8mm are the right precious treasures. 7mm to 9mm pearls are the most popular ones, it is hard to abtain 10mm-pearl, not to mention those South Sea pearl and the Black pearl with a 11mm diameter.

It is hard and unscientific to define a pearl’s diameter just by our eyes. The precise figuure should be measured by a professional measure tool — Disc Vernier caliper. Measure three times and write down the average maximum diameter and the average minimum diameter.

There are different ways to show the diameter of the different pearls. Use the minimum diameter for those perfectly round, round and off-round pearls, and both maximum and minimum diameter for other shape pearls, like oval, drop and baroque pearls. E.g. A round pearl’s diameter is 6.0mm, and a oval pearl’s is 6.0 – 7.5mm.

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Fashion cheongsam has strong Chinese classic feelings, wearing cheongsam can let you have a special charm, it is a kind of lingering beautiful complex of Oriental women. If you want to show the beauty of cheongsam completely, you will learn to ornament it with some jewelry.

Generally speaking, pearl is extremely Oriental classic flavor jewelry, and it is very suitable for matching cheongsam, but if you want cheongsam and pearl to matched perfectly, you have to learn some matching skills.

If you plan to wear a fashion style cheongsam, you had better to choose a pearl brooch or pear bead necklace to wear. if the color of your cheongsam is relatively dark, you could select a pure white pearl brooch, if your cheongsams color is quite light, it is suggest to select a black pearl brooch or the similar color pearl brooch with your cheongsam, which can show your elegance and charm as well as fashion. The shape of the face can also be decorated with the help of the pearl brooch.

Wearing a simple designed and single pearl brooch in the middle of your collar can makes your face looks thinner, while complicated designed pearl brooch will make your face more round.

There are some useful skills when you matching fashion cheongsam and pearl jewelry. Matching dark cheongsam with a pure necklace can show elegance and demure, that is the trait of Oriental women. If your cheongsam is a traditional style, you had better to choose a pearl beaded necklace, two in one pearl beaded necklace, or three in one pearl beaded necklace. In the aspect of necklace length, short pearl beaded necklace is about thirty-five centimeters, general pearl beaded necklace is about forty centimeters, Medium pearl beaded necklace is about sixty centimeters, and long pearl beaded necklace is more than ninety centimeters.

Usually, the style of the fashion cheongsam decides the length of the pearl necklace when you matching. Young ladies are suitable for wearing single pearl beaded chain necklace. Often pearl with 68 mm diameter is in the majority, while the pearl of the single series pearl beaded chain necklace is bigger than multi pearl beaded chain necklaces. In addition, what is worth mentioning is that it is not the more pearl necklace we wear the more beautiful we are, we should pay attention to the principle of harmoniousness.

The pearl jewelry only has the effect that makes the finishing point, if you decorate it too far; it will produce side effects. For example if you wear too much hair decorations, your head will look bigger than ever, disproportion will give people exaggerated feeling, and cheongsam lose its elegance beauty.

Cheongsam is one kind of Chinese womens dress; it originated from the Manchu (an nationality of ancient China) and it is developed in time of the republic of China, in 1929 the government of the republic of China identified Cheongsam as one of the national dress.

The time from the 1920s to the1940s, is the most glorious period of Chinese cheongsam. Especially in the the1930s, cheongsam laid its irreplaceable foundation in the Chinese womens dress, and became the typical representative of Chinese womens dress. 1940s is the golden time of cheongsam development. After the first half of the 20th century 20 century changes, the various basic features and elements Chinese cheongsam gradually stabilized. Cheongsam become a classical Chinese womens dress. But 1949 years later, the Chinese cheongsam was gradually marginalized in mainland China, especially in the Great Cultural Revolution, it is considered to the typical representative of feudalism and capitalism. Until the recent past decades, cheongsam has become popular again.

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Purchasing a pearl necklace can be a daunting task because if you really want top quality pearls there are a number of questions and steps to take to ensure you do get the quality that you are seeking. Pearls are beautiful and a very stylish accent to any wardrobe. The questions and steps with some explanation will be addressed below.

Do you want natural, cultured, or imitation pearls. Please note that imitation pearls are custom jewelry and they don’t have much value. Natural pearls are next to impossible to find in stores they are also of a lesser value than cultured pearls.

There are choices of the shape of the pearls that you want. Pearls can be symmetrical, baroque, or irregular. Sphere like pearls are most costly and they are greatly sought after. Symmetrical pearls and tear drop shaped pearls should be even all over.

The size of the pearl is a great issue involving the price. The size of the pearl will affect the price. Bigger is better and they are also more expensive. If money is not a big issue size will only matter by your choice.

Depending on how much you want to spend, what kind of necklace do you want? Do you want a multiple strand with smaller pearls which are less expensive or do you want a single strand of larger pearls which are more expensive.

When inspecting pearls under direct light and on a flat white surface. Check every pearl for luster. Lustrous pearls have shiny surface. There should be good contrast between light and dark, as well as strong and crisp reflections. Avoid pearls that have white and cloudy look to them.

What is the pearls orient a play of iridescent rainbow with high quality colors. Ask whether the color is natural or dyed. The latter is less expensive. More exotic natural colors are more effective.

What is the pearls overtones a tint secondary to the main body color. Pink tones can increase the price and blues can reduce the price. You can verify that the pearls are clean by making sure there are minimal defects such as nicks, cracks, pits, or discoloration.

Turn the pearl around and check it at all angles. The color, the shape, smoothness, and luster cannot all cannot be different on a single pearl. Roll a strand of pearls on flat surface to test them for roundness. If they are round they will roll more smoothly and evenly. If they are not round you will feel it when the pearls are rolled, it could feel like going over a bump.

There are three steps you need to take to recognize real pearls from imitations. Run the pearls along the bottom edge of your teeth. A real pearl will feel gritty and or sandy. A fake pearl will feel smooth.

Look at and feel the pearls. Flawless pearls and those that feel light when you bounce them in your hands are probably fake. Check out the pearl under a number 10 magnifier ( a loupe). Imitation pearls appear grainy. This is definitely a process and it is up to you to do whatever you can to check the value of the pearls. If necessary bring someone who is knowledgeable with you.

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Pearl Earrings Require Gentle Care
Pearl jewelry such as a pair of pearl earrings or a pearl necklace may be the most valued piece in your jewelry collection. Special attention to the care of your pearl earrings will ensure they will retain their original luster and provide years of enjoyment. Pearls are much more fragile than other gemstones therefore must be treated differently than other jewelry. Rough handling, improper cleaning, or exposure to foreign substances can easily damage your prized possession and detract from their original beauty. >

Last On, First Off
One such foreign substance can be the harsh chemicals found in today’s cosmetics. Hairspray, perfume, and body oils can also be the enemies of pearls. Don’t take the chance of hairspray overspray or perfume mist coming in contact with them. It is strongly recommended when preparing for your evening that your pearls should be the last item you put on, and the first item you take off when returning home.
It’s a Jungle Out There

Avoid any unnecessary contact with outside elements that could endanger the beauty of your pearl earrings. Avoid cigarette smoke filled rooms and any other environments where you might place them in jeopardy.

Don’t Sweat It
Perspiration is another threat to a pearl’s surface. It is acidic in nature and will erode the outer coating of the pearl and cause it to discolor or diminish its smooth texture. Avoid hot humid places and if you do perspire, take care to cool down and occasionally dry the area under the pearls to lessen the exposure.

Take It to the Cleaners
Pearl earrings should be wiped off with a soft damp cloth at the evening’s end and will also need to be cleaned periodically. When that time comes, don’t use just any jewelry cleaner. It may be too harsh and cause harm to the pearls. There are special cleaners available especially for pearl earrings. Be sure to follow the label directions carefully. After cleaning, make sure the pearl earrings are completely dry before placing them in their original storage container. Finally, the golden rule of pearl earrings is this: Take care of your pearls and they will adorn you for many years. A pearl reflects a woman’s beauty, and a woman reflects a pearl’s beauty.

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