When you are considering diamond gifts for someone close, you may wonder whether to choose diamond necklaces or diamond rings. The choice that you make depends upon the statement that you want to make. While diamond necklaces say that you care, diamond rings are often used as a proposal of marriage. Being aware of the meaning behind diamonds has much to do with giving diamond gifts.
Diamond necklaces usually consist of pendants. They can be given to anyone on your gift list. Pendants contain diamonds and, in some cases, other gems. They are worn on a gold necklace. There are many different styles when it comes to diamond necklaces. Giving diamond necklaces to someone does not constitute a promise of marriage. These necklaces are usually treasured by the owners and are often handed down to descending generations. Diamonds are a valuable gemstone and retain their value, if not gain in value. Unlike other gifts that are worth less once they are used, diamonds can even be worth more over a period of time, than when first purchased. This is why it is important to get first quality diamonds from a first class jeweler.
While diamond necklaces can be a gift for anyone, the same is not true when it comes to diamond rings. Unless the couple is married, diamond rings are usually indicative of a marriage proposal. If a man gives a woman a diamond ring, it usually means that he wants to get married. The exception is if the couple is already married. If the couple is already married, diamond rings have the same significance as diamond necklaces.
Like diamond necklaces, diamond rings are set in precious metals. Good diamonds are set in 18 karat gold or platinum. White gold is often used today by fine jewelers as this gold is preferred over yellow gold today. White gold resembles platinum in appearance. It can be brushed or polished. Diamond rings also often have other precious gems set in with the setting.
Diamond rings can also be purchased for men. Men will wear diamond rings as wedding bands and as pinky finger rings. While you do not have to know a size to buy a diamond necklace, you do have to have a rough size estimate when you are buying a diamond ring. A good jeweler will be able to size the ring for you. It should slip comfortably on the hand of the wearer and should not be too loose so that it falls off. In some cases, the recipient can get the ring sized at a local jeweler so that it fits right. It is often helpful to have a ring size before you buy diamond rings.
Both diamond rings and diamond necklaces make excellent gifts for someone special in your life. You should be sure of the quality of the diamond and deal with a jeweler that has been in business for a while. Be sure that the diamond rings and diamond necklaces are top quality and make the statement that you want to make to the person to whom you are giving the gift.
Tahitian pearls are named after the island of Tahiti and they are highly prized for their beauty and the unique charm of their darker tones, thanks to the island’s black-lipped oysters that produce black, gray and green-black pearls. Recognizing their value, pearl farmers used the pearl culturing techniques pioneered by the Japanese to cultivate Tahitian pearls. Since then, Tahitian pearls have become one of the most sought-after gems in the world.
Factors to consider when choosing quality Tahitian pearl necklaces, in order of importance:
Nacre thickness ideally, the minimum thickness of nacre in Tahitian pearls is 0.8 mm. A thicker nacre covering means that the pearl’s luster will last long. Thinner nacres have a tendency to wear off easily. Tahitian pearls which are thinner than the required minimum are not exported from French Polynesia.
Surface texture and quality Tahitian pearls, like all pearls, are graded according to the quality of its surface. Pearls could have thick nacres but if the surface is flawed, their value decreases. Flaws include bumps, spots, discolorations, scratches and other irregularities. The more a pearl has, the less valuable or lower-grade it becomes.
To rate the quality of Tahitian pearls, jewelers use a grading system, consisting of A, B, C and D as the marks, with A-grade pearls being the highest quality. A-grade pearls have the cleanest, nearly flawless surface, virtually free of spots, discoloration or bumps. These pearls have a high luster and reflective quality.
B-grade Tahitian pearls have slightly (but still imperceptible) imperfect surfaces, with only 30% of the surface affected by flaws. C-grade Tahitian pearls have medium luster and imperfections are already quite perceptible while D-grade pearls are those with 60% of its surface affected by quite obvious imperfections, including scratches.
Luster one quality of pearls that sets it apart from other gemstones is its unique brilliance. As opposed to other gems like the diamond, for example, pearls shine with a softer light. And since they reflect light, they also look like mirrors, reflecting everything in their immediate surrounding.
Generally, the thicker the nacre, the more brilliant and mirror-like the shine. Good quality pearls are clear and almost metal-like in their sheen.
Size the largest Tahitian pearl ever produced is 25mm, although this in not a round pearl. The largest round Tahitian pearl is at 21mm. Generally, the bigger the size of the pearl, the higher its value is. Most Tahitian pearls are in the range of 8 to 14mm, although a few are measured at 16mm.
Shape pearls follow the shape of the irritant or nucleus that enters the mouth of the oyster or mollusk that produces it. But to meet jewelry standards, most pearls are produced following three major categories: round or spherical, symmetrical and baroque.
Spherical pearls are those that are round or nearly round. A perfectly round pearl, whether natural or cultured, is quite rare and therefore highly prized. Spherical pearls are the most familiar and popular shapes. Nearly-round pearls are categorized as sphericals, although they may be slightly elongated or flattened.
Symmetrical pearls are so-called because if you cut one in half, each piece will mirror the other. Included in this category are oval pearls, which taper at the ends and are wider at the center; button pearls, which are slightly more flattened and often used for earrings; and drop pearls, which look like teardrops or pears, usually included in jewelry as pendants.
Baroque pearls may also be semi-baroque and include all other shapes that cannot be classified as either spherical or symmetrical. These are the favorite pearls of artists because of their irregular shapes. Baroque pearls may resemble sticks, studs and even crosses.
Other notable variations in Tahitian pearls are those that have ‘rings’ tiny grooves that encircle the pearl’s surface. For this reason, these pearls are called circled or ringed, although this quality is only used as a descriptive device, to distinguish one pearl from another. For example, a ringed pearl may be described as a ‘ringed oval’ or ‘circled drop’.
Color when Tahitian pearls are mentioned, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is black pearls although they do come in other colors, albeit in darker tones. Some of their interesting colors are gray, green, brown and blue.
The pearl’s color is determined by two things: the main body color and its overtone. A pearl can have one or more overtones. The main body color is the predominant color of the pearl while the overtone is the hint of iridescent color that is seen on top of the body color and can affect or enhance the dominant color of the pearl. Pink, gold, blue, silver and purple are some of the most common overtones.
A combination of the body color and overtone is used to describe a pearl. For example, a greenish black pearl is called a peacock while a yellowish gray is called a champagne.
When buying Tahitian pearl necklaces, keep the above considerations in mind. Aside from quality, you might also want to consider design and setting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and information in detail. If the jewelry shop is reputable, they will be more than glad to answer your questions.
On your own, shopping for real Tahitian pearl necklaces can be quite a challenge. To help you make your decision, here are a few tips on real Tahitian pearls:
- they have overtones over the main body color. Fake or imitation pearls don’t and their color looks flat. Real Tahitian pearls also glow with a faint reddish color when examined using crossed filters.
- Tahitian pearls feel cool, although they do adapt to your body temperature. Imitation pearls maintain the same temperature as their surroundings, so when they are touched for the first time, they won’t feel cold.
- To test for real Tahitian pearls, hold them in the palm of your hand and take note of their weight. They are heavier than imitation pearls. If you rub Tahitian pearls across your teeth, they will feel grainy or coarse and not smooth. Their holes are also smoother around the edges.
Pearl necklaces are a timeless staple every woman should have in her wardrobe. Unlike the puka shell necklace or goth style necklaces, it is the accessory that transcends the ages. This is no more evident than in the seven women who have made pearls apart of their style and grace. These women are the same that women of all ages often look to for classic, simple fashion that never goes out of style. Each makes and carries the pearls in her own unique way, but the look they exude still works today, even some 50 years later.
First Lady Barbara BushAs our first lady, Barbara Bush proudly wore her set of pearl necklaces virtually wherever she went. Who could forget her famous blue suit with the simple pearl necklace accent up top? Whether it was the simple single layered necklace or her triple strand necklace that became her signature, you could find Barbara always with her pearls as First Lady from 1988 to 1992. She showed us chic style can be achieved at any age.First Lady Jackie KennedyJackie Kennedy during the 1950’s and early 60’s introduced America to a new kind of Presidential style that brought a different type of elegance to the White House. Jackie’s personal style always seemed to be put together and very polished. Her style ranged from comfortable day clothes ideal for time with her children, to a simple sheath dress for an afternoon press conference, to imported gowns for Presidential balls. Whichever the event, she could generally be found wearing a classic white pearl necklace to pull the look together. She made pearls an essential part of her outfits and took them from casual wear to chic.
Princess DianaRemember Princess Diana in that stunning black dress by Christina Stambolian that became known as the “Revenge Dress”? Princess Di looked drop dead gorgeous at a time when the world’s eyes were directly upon her. She chose to accessorize that bold dress with a simple pearl choker that easily brought the chic factor up even further. Princess Di’s use of simplistic jewelry like pearls with daring dresses is what helped propel her out of the traditional role of a royal into the fashion world as an icon. Had she chosen to pair her outfits with the bold chunky jewelry of the 80’s and early 90’s, she may not have made the same type of impact on the fashion industry as she did.
Barbara BillingslyYou know Barbara best as Beaver’s mom, June Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver. No matter what Mrs. Cleaver was up to, whether preparing breakfast, vacuuming, or eating dinner, she always had her pearl necklace on. So much was this apart of the character that the necklace is apart of television history. However, few people know that the pearl necklace was actually Barbara Billingsly idea and something she continues to wear to this day!
Audrey HepburnWhen Audrey Hepburn came out in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with that little black dress and dramatic set of pearls, it was an instant moment in fashion history. Her look was so timeless and sophisticated that it still continues to transcend era’s of style. This set was a triple strand of pearls that created a bold addition to the dress. Today, you can find this look continuing to be emulated with women layering long single strand pearl necklaces or other types of necklaces over each other to create the same effect.
Princess GraceGrace Kelly started off as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses’s but then transformed into royalty when she became the Princess of Monaco. As Princess, Grace’s style needed to be impeccable at all times and is something she achieved with what seemed like little effort. She brought her classic American style into a foreign kingdom and captivated the world with her use of clean lined dresses, elegant evening gowns, and simple jewelry. She often adorned herself in simple pearl necklaces that complimented her classic American style.
Sarah Jessica ParkerWhat fashion list is complete without Sarah Jessica Parker? In the Sex and the City movie, Sarah Jessica dawned a long Akoya pearl necklace in a variety of scenes. She showed us that pearls are still very much apart of modern fashion. She accessorized everything from pretty dresses to even underwear with her pearl necklace. And in real life, she has been using pearls as apart of her red carpet accessories showing us true, classic and innovative style.
These seven women clearly show that pearl jewelry is here to stay and that classic, simple style is always in fashion. Investing in a simple pearl necklace that compliments you is something that you can carry with you throughout your lifetime. Look to these women for inspiration and we’re sure you’ll be able to create your own unique style using classic elements with modern trends.
