Tag: Monaco

Choosing Pearl Necklaces

sterling silver peace sign pendantsDuring the 13th and 14th centuries, the use of pearls became very fashionable in Europe. The pearl necklace has been a particularly popular adornment worn by royalty, titled ladies and most recently, rich and famous women the world over. Another of his leading ladies, Grace Kelly, was rarely seen without her pearls. For his film ‘The Birds’ Hitchcock famously dressed Tippi Hedren in expensive furs, pearls, and high heeled shoes for the famous scene at the beach. Cultured pearls may be derived from either saltwater or freshwater molluscs. This trait continued long after she became a member of the Monaco royal family. This eventually forms the cultured pearl that is used in jewellery making today. Freshwater cultured pearls may be most commonly white or pink, though other colours are possible, including black. Clothing worn by the wealthy was frequently embroidered and decorated with pearls. These are produced by pearl farmers giving nature a helping hand. Almost all the pearls available today are cultured pearls. When considering buying pearl necklaces, it is worth looking upon this as an investment purchase. This variety of colours enables jewellery makers to introduce variety and pattern into their pearl necklaces, bracelets or earrings. The pearl farmer introduces a small bead of shell into the farmed oyster or mussel. The mollusc then deposits several layers of what is known as ‘nacre’ all around the shell bead. Film Director Alfred Hitchcock did a great deal to make pearls popular in the 1960’s. His leading ladies frequently sported pearls along with perfect hair-dos and immaculate outfits. The colour of freshwater cultured pearls is governed by the type of host mollusc.

"bracelet charm link silver sterling"Unlike items of costume jewellery, pearl necklaces are things you will want to cherish and hopefully pass on to future generations. As with your choice of clothing neckline, the type of necklace you choose can accentuate your best features and draw attention away from others. The style of pearl necklaces you choose will largely depend on your body type and personal taste. They are also items that you will want to wear for years, so avoid being swayed into purchasing a necklace that is too fashionable or current. If you tend to wear very detailed or patterned clothing, simple styles of pearl necklaces are best. If, on the other hand, you prefer simple, plain outfits, then you can afford to be more adventurous in your choice of pearl necklace. For some, the traditional round, white pearls are a perhaps a little too conservative. Look instead for the more classical style of jewellery that will still look good in years to come. Oval or irregular pearl shapes may be a more appealing option in such cases, Multi-stranded pearl necklaces or those that combine pearls with gold, sterling silver or semi-precious stones can also be very attractive and give a more modern feel to what would otherwise be a traditional piece of jewellery.

Sterling Silver Cutlery

Good jewelry boxes are works of art. The most common type of jewelry box is one with a wooden flip top lid. The type of wood used and the quality of craftsmanship determines the price of the jewelry box. Examples of such wood varieties are rosewood, ebony, blodwood, bocote, jatoba, kingwood, lacewood, olivewood, padauk and many more. There are several established firms who specialize in making wooden jewelry boxes. Wooden jewelry boxes are available in various finishes and textures. With exteriors made of good quality wood and the interiors lined with soft satins and velvets, wooden jewelry boxes make perfect nesting places for your jewelry. With time there have been several changes introduced in the designs and styles of jewelry boxes. The choices range from warm mahogany wood, white ash, cherry, maple, koa, walnut, birch, burl and other varieties found in America. The soft lining ensures that the delicate pieces of jewelry kept inside are not damaged in any manner. The musical jewelry boxes made of wood have their own special kind of charm. In many of these, once the box is opened, a musical tune plays lightly in the background. For those who want inexpensive wooden jewelry boxes, several can be found at local stores. Several special boxes are created with wood sourced from other countries. Some exquisitely made wooden jewelry boxes are antique pieces which have been crafted by master craftsmen and are collector’s items.

These pieces are made by bulk manufacturers. If you are an avid jewelry collector, wood jewelry boxes will definitely protect and store your precious items from wear and tear. Jewelry boxes are available in various price ranges to suit different needs. A well made jewelry box is a beautiful object to possess and to give as a gift. You can also use these boxes to store your jewelry when you are traveling from one place to another. Most of these boxes have an interior lining of satin, suede, or velvet, so you know you are giving your treasured baubles the best protection. Wooden jewelry armoires are tall units, with stacked drawers and often with hooks to hang longer items such as necklaces. Some innovative designs seen in wooden jewelry boxes are those with divided compartments and lift out trays or with frame and panel lids as well as raised “pillow-style” lids. There are those that are commonly available in stores and exquisite and unique pieces which can be bought only in renowned auction houses. You can always find music jewelry boxes made of wood for instance. Many of these boxes are available in a host of designs, and are also sold in a variety of types.