How to Make a Beautiful Necklace - Even If You Are a Beginner

As with making a bracelet, learning how to make a necklace can be just as easy and enjoyable.

I think a necklace is one of those accessories that everyone wears at one point or other. Fellows, gals, the aged and youngsters, all love to wear a necklace. However, like the rest in life it appears, necklaces are pricey. Sometimes metal necklaces leave a green ring around your neck when you have been in the sun, or taken a swim, or inadvertently hopped into the shower without taking it off.

One way to make sure you get a great necklace without the chance of a green tinge, is to create your own, and what better example to use for this article, than the instructions for an easy but classic, pearl pendant necklace.

Pearls can accentuate almost any fashion, and classics never go out of favor. However pearls are not typically a mans favorite, so this one ladies is for you!

When learning how to make a necklace, the very first thing to do is organize your list of necessities. This is what you'll need to construct your own classic pearl necklace. These supplies should be available from most craft stores, and are certainly available on the web.

1 x 8mm Swarovski drilled Cream Rose Pearl, 

1 x 8mm drilled pearl filigree gold filled bail, 

1 x 18 inch gold filled Figaro fine chain, 

Jewelers cement, 

Toothpicks, and Paper Towel.

The very first thing you want to do when learning how to make a necklace, is begin setting up your work area. The paper towel is because you'll be working with glue, and it is advisable to place the paper towel under the glue to stop the potential for the glue to leak or spill onto the hard surface you have selected to work on. When you are finished, it is a lot easier to simply throw away the paper towel.

The toothpicks are to wipe away any over spillage of glue as you bond your materials together. Keep them handy when you start gluing, but remember you may not even need them, they are simply a precaution.

Take a look at the "bail" and see that it has a small pin on it. This is what will fit into the half drilled hole in the pearl, so take a second to make sure that one fits comfortably into the other.

When you have confirmed the fit, take a small amount of the glue, and apply to the pin, the plate/cup under the bail, and slip the pearl onto the glue covered pin. Push the pearl hard up against the fastened cup under the bail, and use a toothpick to wipe away any excess glue. Permit the glue to harden for twenty-four hours, and when it is dry, simply insert the gold chain through the bail.

This is your finished necklace, and it really is that straightforward.

There is nothing too complicated when you know how to make a necklace. This is a classic piece of jewelry recreation, and many would say it is timeless. You can never have too much jewelry in your possession, and even if you do get extraordinarily creative and start making a lot of it, you can easily use the pieces as fantastic gifts for special friends and occasions.

How to Make a Beautiful Necklace - Even If You Are a Beginner By Alice Kline

Guide to Choosing Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces never run out of style. They are always classy, elegant and quite flexible as wardrobe accessories. They are one of the most popular gift choices for weddings, being the birthstone of June and they have a lasting, mystical appeal that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Pearls are rarer when they are produced naturally but while cultured pearls are quite affordable, their quality is in no way inferior to that of natural pearls. To an untrained eye, it is very difficult to tell a natural pearl from its cultured cousin. The only way to differentiate is probably to use x-ray where a ‘nucleus’ will be spotted in the cultured variety.

Some of the more common types of pearls used in necklaces are Mikimoto, Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls. Mikimoto is the highest quality pearls and come in different colors. Akoya pearls often come in white, cream or silver while Tahitian and South Sea pearls have darker colors. Saltwater pearls are more expensive than freshwater pearls.

Choosing pearl necklace lengths 

Choosing the right length of pearl necklace depends upon the wearer’s age, neck size and overall body composition. In general, long necklaces tend to elongate the neck and draw attention away from it, as opposed to shorter-length ones which flatter longer necks. Here are the different lengths of pearl necklaces recommended for every woman’s unique need:

Collar – typically 10 to 13 inches long and are quite flexible either for evening wear or casual day wear. These are worn high on the neck, above the base. Another style is the dog collar, which is made of several strands, quite popular in the Victorian era and slowly making a comeback.

Choker – 16 to 18 inches long, chokers surround the base of the neck. A good choice for ladies with long, thin necks because chokers can de-emphasize the throat’s length.

Princess – at 17 to 20 inches long, this is the most popular length, classic enough to match any outfit or neckline.

Matinee – 20 to 24 inches long. These work well worn with dresses, business suits and corporate wear and are a great choice for occasions requiring semi-formal wear.

Opera – 28 to 34 inches long, usually worn during formal events and occasions. Because of its length, this pearl necklace may be doubled to form two strands. When worn as is, it should ideally reach below the bust line.

Rope or sautoir – the longest, starting at 37 inches, worn best with pantsuits. Rope-length pearls don’t have to hang from the wearer’s neck alone. They could be doubled or knotted for more style flexibility. Some even come with multiple clasps, which allow the wearer to use the necklace in shorter lengths.

Short necks will do well wearing pearl strands that sit at least 2” below the collarbone while thick or heavy necks will look good in graduated chains with lengths beginning at 18”. Long thin necks are flattered by shorter lengths, especially those that sit at the base of neck, following the curve of the throat.

Fleshy necks look better in necklaces that lie below the base, especially if the strand is segmented or comes with a square, rectangular or any pointed pendant. Necks that are wide at the base need necklaces that are at least 1” below the collarbone or longer strands.

Other pearl necklace styles

Other styles of pearl necklaces are the bib which, as the name implies, covers the base of the neck and the upper part of the chest in several strands of varying lengths. Another option is the graduated necklace which consists of pearls in graduated lengths, usually with the biggest pearl/s in the middle. A popular style is the uniform necklace where pearls of similar size are strung together.

Choosing pearl colors and size

While white, cream, pink or silver pearls generally will look good on anyone, they can best enhance fairer skin. Gold or yellow pearls will look best on darker-toned skin.

Generally, younger women should wear smaller pearls. At this point in their lives, they could show off their youthful necks with smaller-sized chains and pendants. Older women may want to use longer-length pearl necklaces to draw attention away from their necks. They can also wear bigger pearls with wider, double- or triple-strand chains.

Pearl necklace sets

One of the best ways to buy matching jewelry is to get ones that come in a set. This way, you have a necklace, a pair of earrings and either a ring or bracelet that come in matching styles. However, if you prefer just the necklace, some jewelers will allow you to buy one off a set.

Guide to Choosing Pearl Necklaces By Nathalie Fiset

How Much Does a Pearl Necklace Cost?

Great question

And the answer is...

You can spend $15.00 for a freshwater pearl necklace of genuine freshwater cultured pearls made from slightly round freshwater pearls, or a record braking price for a South Sea pearl Necklace made of record breaking size pearls from 16mm to 20mm that sold at Sotheby's for $2,310,000.00 But here is the thing, you can buy a perfect, round, matched, Freshwater Cultured Lavender Pearl Necklace and spend $10,000.00. or more And if one were to buy a Cultured South Sea Pearl necklace of milky, pitted, non-round pearls, $100.00 might be paying too much.

The experts agree that "luster" is the most important trait to consider when buying pearls. Buy the pearl with the best luster, before insisting on perfect roundness.

You should know the answer to this before buying. And it is not a difficult question to answer.

Experts say Luster is the single characteristic unique to a pearl. It is the quality of the Luster that gives the pearl its radiant glow. Pearls are not merely shiny. Pearls have glow that comes from light reflecting off of the many layers of nacre. A beautiful pearl will have a great luster that glows.

Good luster also means the pearl will last longer because the quality is directly related to the thickness of the nacre. The thicker the nacre, the better the luster and the longer the pearl will last because thin nacre equals short life. Thin nacre can quickly peel or chip.

The experts will base 70% of their appraised value on luster.

As much as 30% more can go towards shape. Since pearls can be shaped like a rice crispy to near perfect roundness. And a perfectly round pearl is a rare pearl. And rarity equals high price. Since many of the not-round freshwater pearls have such fantastic luster, at times roundness is not given as much value.

Color is relatively important, because color is subjective. Color is not as easy to objectively measure as luster or shape. Color is unique to the type of pearl, and colors are somewhat trend oriented. What may be in style now may be out of style next year. Color is a complete study in itself.

How Much Does a Pearl Necklace Cost?By Patrick Cavanaugh

The Beauty of Cultured Pearl Necklace

The timeless jewelry that speaks of elegance and beauty is none other than the pearl necklace. It is the only jewelry that never goes out of fashion and can be worn on all types of occasion. It can be match with any kind of clothing may it be formal or just plain casual.

Pearl is the birth stone of June. That is why most brides prefer to wear it especially if they are June brides. It gives out the impression of simplicity and chastity. The pureness of pearls radiates from the bearer.

Pearls used to be very rare and at the same time expensive. Nowadays, there are the so-called cultured pearls already which make the once so expensive now an affordable jewelry.

The pearl necklace usually comes in a various styles. One of which is the bib which is made up of several strands of pearls in various lengths. The Collar or also known as the dog collar is made up of multiple strands of pearls which are worn on the neck higher than usual.

There is also the choker. It is quite similar to collar but the worn lower on the neck. Usually it is just 14 to 16 inches long. The princess type of necklace on the other hand is the most common length of pearl necklaces. It is worn which lies slightly below the neck.

The matinee type of necklace is worn mostly during the semi-formal occasions. It matches very well with suits and dresses. The opera necklace is the one used for formal occasions like the evening gowns. It usually falls below the bust line.

The last type of necklace is the rope which is the longest among all pearl necklaces. It can be worn by doubling or knotting it. There are rope necklaces which have multiple clasps which are use to shorten the strands.

The pearls that are used as necklace can sometimes have the same size. Or they can be styled or graduated with a much larger pearl on the center and then the succeeding smaller pearls will run on the back on each side to the clasp. Whichever style you choose, good matching is very important both for fashion or beauty reasons and as well as for the value.

There are six factors which add up to the value or price of a pearl which are surface texture, luster, shape, nacre thickness, color, and size. Pearls achieve their most distinctive beauty which comes from the reflection of light through the layers of crystalline nacre. The transparent nacre provides the deep shine and the high reflection. The luster is the essence of beauty of all pearls. A qualitative pearl will emit a brilliant and equal reflection with fine radiance.

The reflection of the pearl surface gives a dominant or prevailing color of pearls. The overtone is the deeper light reflected in which it draws the innermost color of the pearl.

The light shade pearls are cream, white and even golden in shade. The most valuable are white with association of pink and silver colors. On the other hand, the most fetish darker shade pearls are the black with association of green or blue colors.

The shape is also essential. The perfect round shape with a very smooth surface pearls are the most qualitative. It should have a very few imperfections.

There are different types of cultured pears. One of which is the Classic Akoya pearls. Another is the large black Tahitian pearls. Both of these pearls grow in salt water ocean so obviously they are called saltwater pearls.

There is also the large Golden or white south sea pearls and the decorative freshwater pearls which are inexpensive.

The pearls usually have four grading when it comes to quality. It is called as A, AA, AAA, and the AAA+ quality. The pearls with AAA and AAA+ grading of quality are the highest quality.

It is still advisable to buy pearls in stores that have certification on being an expert with jewelries and of course from those with license. This is for you to be rest assured that you will buy the authentic ones.

The Beauty of Cultured Pearl Necklace By Nathalie Fiset 

The Wonderful Beauty of Pearl Necklaces

A pearl is a beautiful stone of mother nature that is very popular and usually sported by the wealthy. Pearls, because of their origins, are precious and rare. The rarity of pearls is due to the fact they are not found in oysters regularly; it takes a lot of effort, time, and manpower to get enough pearls to make a pearl necklace. Because of the rarity in discovery, pearls are rather costly and not always available. Pearls are valuable in many cultures and seen as a symbol of the privileged.

 Pearls are available in a slough of kinds, like: Freshwater Pearls, Seawater Pearls, Akoya Pearls, South Seawater Pearls, Tahitian Pearls, Black Pearls and Synthetic Pearls. The cost of pearls is dictated by quality, size, rarity and popularity. No matter what type, pearls are all quite delicate and have to be handled with care; any deficiencies can reduce the quality and value of the pearls. Earlier pearl was considered to be available exclusively to wealthy people but nowadays technology has made pearls affordable for almost all people. There is an old adage that states wearing pearls can bring about luck and success in life; many still believe this to be true.

 Almost all woman's jewelry, of any kind, have the option of pearl inclusion, however, necklaces are the most popular ornament for the lady's neck. Women nowadays wear a vast collection of necklaces that coincide with their own style and essence. Because of the vast offerings in neck wear, pearl necklaces are sold in a vast array of styles, like: a pearl rope, pearl collar, opera necklace, matinee necklace, princess necklace, and pearl choker to name a few. These various types are really specific to specific occasions. Also, partial pendant necklaces are available as an alternative to the costly full-chained pearl necklaces. These styles are available in shapes like: heart, round, and oval.

Pearls are typically quite important to brides because of the added white elegance they let off; they match very well with the bride's gown. Pearl necklaces and pendants are a great present for loved ones as well. Pearl necklaces are very popular at parties because they can be formal and casual at the same time. Pearl necklaces are usually worn by popular celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. Most jewelry makers who include this level of clientele have a wide range of them. Many of the rich part of our world own and have these necklaces made exclusively for a specific individual; these can cost much more than any other piece of jewelry there is.

Nowadays original pearls are very rare and a good majority of pearls in stores are altered in some way. Though cultured pearls are put together with the same process as natural ones, a pearl's originality with size and shape make them each one in a million. Pearl necklaces are crafted throughout the planet in nations abroad, for instance: China, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan. The previously mentioned nations have a good and long reputation for pearls and have been the 

leaders in this industry for many years.

The Wonderful Beauty of Pearl Necklaces By Jim Samposzi

How to Spot the Perfect Pearl Necklace

Throughout centuries, women have always been captivated by the luster of gorgeous pearls. Even men couldn't help but adore its timeless brilliance and reflective quality. A pearl necklace was always associated with business wear or formal wear. That's still true today. But aside from that, some pieces are now made to accessorize even the most casual attire.

Have you ever wondered how a pearl is formed? It actually comes from inside an oyster. When a foreign object enters its shell, it reacts to the intruder by forming a "nacre" substance around it. The result is what we now call "pearl". Divers discovered that these pearls have unrivaled beauty and elegance, especially if put together and formed into a beautiful pearl necklace.

Types of Pearls

There are 3 basic types of pearls:

• Akoya Pearls - cultured from the sea in China and Japan. These are smooth, expensive pearls with a perfect round shape. It is a favorite jewelry collection for brides-to-be.

• Tahitian Pearls - came from a black-tipped oyster. It comes in a variety of colors ranging from gray to black, green to blue, or brown to pink. It's not easy to match the hues of Tahitian pearls. If you want a unique collection, the price would be very high.

• Freshwater Pearls - cultured in lakes, rivers, or other fresh water sources. Although it comes in a variety of colors, it is the most common and the least expensive among all pearls.

Price Factors

There is no strict rule in determining the prices of pearls. Each piece is different in color and shape. But normally, some standard factors are considered so that merchants can put a price tag on their value. These pearls are scrutinized according to their size, roundness, and type. Of course, the jewelers need to lessen the price if there are some flaws. The most expensive pearl is the largest, roundest, and the flawless one.

So when you are shopping for a pearl necklace, you have to remember these qualities to get the best value for your money. However, everyone has a different taste for different things. So as long as it makes you feel good, go ahead and buy it.

Choosing the Right One

On the other hand, you wouldn't really be comfortable when your shopping is just based on feelings, right? So here are some tips to spot the perfect one for you:

- For those with long necks (such as slim or slender women), a collar or choker pearl necklace is best for you. A collar pearl is usually worn for evening wear, and it's about 10-13 inches long. A choker necklace is slightly longer, and it is most suitable for casual wear.

- The standard necklace length is called "princess". It's about 17-20 inches long.

- But if you have a short neck, you should choose long necklaces to elongate your neck (more than 20 inches).

- Finally, everything else depends on your budget. Sea water pearls are very expensive. Fresh water pearls are quite affordable due to their large production. If you consider yourself a practical person without sacrificing your style, then it's about time to start accessorizing with freshwater pearl jewelries.

How to Spot the Perfect Pearl Necklace By Tina Ko

5 Ways to Wear the Pearl Necklace

Pearl necklaces are no longer limited to black and white but now with the advent of fresh water pearls, come in many different colours giving us more choice and variation in wearing this fashion accessory. As an accessory, the pearl necklace can be underutilized as it is still viewed as a fashion accessory for the rich and famous and ladies still envisage it as a dress up accessory. Depending on your outfit and whether you wish to achieve elegant simplicity, haute couture, fashion goddess or casual Fridays looks here are some tips for wearing the pearl necklace.

1.To achieve simplicity, wear single stranded or double stranded pearl necklaces in a single colour like black or white or in hues of the same colour like varying shades of grey and black.

2. If you want to make a statement then go for big pearls in single strand.

3. For that glamorous goddess look, wear chunky choker pearl necklaces with various strands, sizes and hues of the similar tones.

4.To achieve that haute couture look, layer your pearls with other necklaces. For instance take a long single stranded pearl necklace and wear simultaneously with another necklace of a slightly shorter length. Ensure that the necklaces have some element in common like beads used or similar colours. Nothing says runway fashion like eclectic inventive fashion.

5. For that casual look, wear pearls with simple top and jeans.

As a fashion accessory, pearls are no longer a fashion symbol for royalty, affluence and fame. You can use pearl necklaces to achieve varying looks from official portrait of first lady Michelle Obama to the casual Friday look in jeans and pearls.

5 Ways to Wear the Pearl Necklace By Arline James-Thomas

Types of Pearl Necklaces

Pearl necklaces are always trendy. They are classic, elegant and versatile pieces of jewelry. They re commonly used for wedding gifts, since it is also the birthstone of people who were born in June. They possess a mystical and lasting appeal that has been adored for thousands of years.

Now, making the choice of which kind of pearl necklace to wear would depend on the age, neck size and body type of the person who will be wearing it. Generally, longer necklace elongate the neck unlike shorter necklaces, which actually flatter long necks. Here are a couple of the different lengths for pearl necklaces.

1. Collar

This kind of pearl necklace is usually 10 to 13 inches in length and could be for casual wear or formal wear. They are worn high on the person's neck, above the base.

2. Choker

This pearl necklace is around 16 to 18 inches in length and they surround the neck's base. This would be an ideal choice for those ladies who have long and thin necks as they take away the attention from the length of the throat.

3. Princess

This pearl necklace is around 17 to 20 inches in length. This is the most common and popular length, which are classic pieces of jewelry that could match whatever neckline or outfit.

4. Matinee

This pearl necklace is around 20 to 24 inches. They are great to be worn with business suits, dresses and other kinds of corporate wear. They are also good accessories for semi-formal wear.

5. Opera

This pearl necklace is around 28 to 34 inches in length. They are usually worn for formal gatherings and events. Because this kind of pearl necklace is long, it could be doubled so that two strands.

6. Rope

This would be the longest of the pearl necklaces, which start at a length of 37 inches. They are best worn with pantsuits.

Types of Pearl Necklaces By Bill Pratt

How to Care For Pearl Necklaces

 

For many ladies and collectors of jewelry, adding a pearl necklace, earring set or even pearl bracelet to a collection can be one of the highlights of life. Whether you were able to purchase the piece from a standard dealer, get it wholesale market or maybe even inherited it from a relative that has gone home, keeping your pearls in pristine shape is important. And like most expensive items in life, there are several easy ways to make sure this happens.

Always Store Your Pearls Flat 

Unlike other necklaces or bracelets, you don't want to allow your pearl jewelry pieces to get bunched up and piled upon while in your storage. If you purchased your pearl necklace from a retailer they may have given you a flat box you can use to store it in, and if not, you may be able to buy an appropriate storage box at a mall jewelry store.

Pearl Necklaces Should Be Taken Off Immediately 

If you wear your pearls out to a formal event or dinner, make sure you remove your pearls as soon as you get home. Because a pearl is a much softer material than a diamond or other stones, they are much more susceptible to damage by perfumes, natural skin oils and cosmetics. Also, make sure your pearls are the last item you put on when getting ready. This will keep them from being sprayed directly with perfume or hair spray.

Cleaning Your Pearls 

There are several different theories s on how to best clean a pearl necklace or bracelet. Many stores will tell you to only use mild, soapy water and to use a very soft, lint-free cloth to dry them off. If you use this method, do your best to make sure water doesn't get into the drilled holes as it can cause the pearl to discolor. If you don't want to use a liquid, most pearls can be simply wiped with a gentle cloth and will hold their shine and attractiveness.

Simply because quality pearl necklaces and other pieces are so rare, keeping them in good shape is a requirement for almost all owners. Follow some of these rules and your pearls will look good for several generations.

How to Care For Pearl Necklaces

By Dexter Michaels

Pearl Fashions

Pearl Necklaces

A pearl necklace radiates a certain mystical charm when worn around the neck. There are generally six types of pearl necklaces - collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope. Collar pearl necklaces are usually 10 to 13 inches in length and worn casually or in the evening. Choker pearl necklaces are about 16 to 18 inches and suitable for formal wear. Princess pearl necklaces can be about 17 to 20 inches long. Matinee pearl necklaces are nearly 20 to 24 inches in length and go well with business suits. Opera pearl necklace are 28 to 34 inches and appropriate for special occasions, formal events or parties. Rope pearl necklaces are generally 45 inches or above and match well with pantsuits. From elegance, fashionable to luxury, different looks are created by the versatility of pearl necklace lengths that can be worn on different occasions. Princess pearl necklaces are 17 to 19 inches, and they are the most popular among necklaces.

Choosing a right pearl necklace depends on many factors such as age and occasion. Pearl necklaces are chosen and worn differently varying with age. A pearl necklace, like a diamond necklace is available in a variety of styles. A strand of pearls, or a single pearl on a chain are the two most common types. There are also collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope pearl necklaces.

When buying a pearl necklace, there are a few things one should keep in mind such as the surface, color, size, luster and shape of the pearls. Some colored necklaces complement a women's skin color better than others. For example a woman having a fair complexion looks better in a light color pearl necklace, as compared to silver, gray or black.

Pearl necklaces come in various colors such as white, white rose, cream, golden, black, silver and gray.

Pearl Necklaces By Jimmy Sturo