Classic pearls make a comeback (Photos)

[Cyril Roger Brossard]

If diamonds are a girl's best friend, then pearls must be her sister. This year, the organic "gem" is making a comeback like never before. All over Chicago, business women off all ages are sporting attractive pearl earrings, rings, and necklaces of all sizes and colors. No longer limited to traditional white, we see this favorite in brown, pink, and grey. Perhaps it is the classic look they provide. Ever since June Cleaver wore her string of pearls to vacuum the rug, and Julia Child wore hers to skin chicken on live television, the average woman has subconsciously attached pearls to a sensible alternative to the glitz of diamonds. They are a classy jewelry item that brings sophistication to any outfit without requiring an ultra fancy event and a formal gown.

As ladies throughout the U.S. pick up on the trend, everyone is on the hunt for that perfect pearl item to enhance their look. Naturally, many women opt for the costume variety, as they desire the look without the cost. Though Tiffany and Company's South Sea Double Strand Pearl Necklace is quite amazing, the average woman is not in a position to shell out the $42,000 needed to acquire it. Fortunately, the classic pearl look can be obtained in any budget. Tiffany's also offers a beautiful pair of pink cultured freshwater pearl earrings in the Elsa Peretti Pearls by the Yard collection for $295. They have a unique look about them, yet they maintain a classic charm. If that's still to rich for your blood, Target offers a lovely white freshwater pearl ring for only $25. A quick search on-line reveals complete websites dedicated to pearls, like thepearlsource.com which promises reduced holiday shipping, flawless merchandise, and below retail pricing.

View slideshow: Lauren's Beading

pearl necklace
Photo credit: Lauren's Beading
Let's look a little closer to home. Lauren's Beading features a shop on Etsy that is based right here in Joliet, Illinois. This boutique offers reasonable pearl necklaces for around $15, and earrings for around $5. With reasonable shipping, and speedy service, this shop makes "getting into pearls" easy for anyone. One of her most popular necklaces called "Not Your Grandma's Pearls Pearl Necklace" is a modern take on the classic pearl necklace. She also offers fun alternatives, like her pink pearl illusion earrings, or her necklaces that mix pearls with other beads or metals.

How do you incorporate pearls into your look? With all the options available, there is no excuse. Chose the look you love at the price you like, and dive right in.

Article by Catherine Taylor.

 

[pattye]

Cyril and all,

These photos accompanying the article by Catherine Taylor published in 2010 show fake, cheap glass, plastic and imitation pearls. The etsy store referred to appears to have made its last sale in 2009, and currently has no items listed. Catherine Taylor, who wrote the article left out some pretty important information.

Perhaps this article, because of the photos not identified as imitation and fake pearls, isn't appropriate for this thread??? What say you, Caitlin?

 

[Cyril Roger Brossard]

Cyril and all,

These photos accompanying the article by Catherine Taylor published in 2010 show fake, cheap glass, plastic and imitation pearls. The etsy store referred to appears to have made its last sale in 2009, and currently has no items listed. Catherine Taylor, who wrote the article left out some pretty important information.

Perhaps this article, because of the photos not identified as imitation and fake pearls, isn't appropriate for this thread??? What say you, Caitlin?

Agreed, but I think that for the information of potential buyers (the forum is spending a lot of time coaching buyers regarding their pearls), such article should be considered for the information of all. Maybe a "Reported Faux and Other imitation" Forum thread?

 

[pattye]

Cyril,

You find us many interesting and informative articles about genuine pearls and pearling, unfortunately, this article is misleading and not helpful to potential buyers, because it says you can have round shiny pearls for $5-$15. There will be a new thread started soon for photos and stories of fake, imitation and glass pearls.

 

[Caitlin]

This is the first article you have put up that I haven't liked. It is poorly written and really not informative. It intends to steer people away from cultured pearls to imitation ones.

However, it would be ok on that imitation pearl thread. With maybe a caveat about its problems - ie the Etsy store not being open any more.

 

[Cyril Roger Brossard]

Cyril... unfortunately, this article is misleading and not helpful to potential buyers, because it says you can have round shiny pearls for $5-$15. There will be a new thread started soon for photos and stories of fake, imitation and glass pearls.

Yes you are correct. I should have mentioned the fraud in the title.

This is the first article you have put up that I haven't liked. It is poorly written and really not informative. It intends to steer people away from cultured pearls to imitation ones.

However, it would be ok on that imitation pearl thread. With maybe a caveat about its problems - ie the Etsy store not being open any more.

Yes this is correct as well, it may have a negative effect on the business at large and would in short be detrimental to the pearl producers.
Feel free to delete it as it indeed as NO place in this forum.