Wedding party decisions are perhaps the toughest wedding-related tasks
you'll tackle. Must you include the groom's horrid sister? Will having
twelve bridesmaids make you look too Liza Minelli? Do you have to pair
your beautiful favorite sister with that drunken slob of a best man?
What to do about eight-months-pregnant Donna? And should you force
your nearest and dearest into ugly bridesmaid's dresses for sheer
retaliation? (Hel-lo giant royal purple taffeta butt-bow!)
Phew! A girl could elope just thinking about it.
If you haven't yet chosen gifts for your bridal party, you're in luck.
Read this and you'll have one less wedding dilemma. The perfect
solution not only doubles as wedding attire but will thrill your
bridesmaids and stay in style forever. This wonder gift? Pearl jewelry.
Before you flip out and cross the filet off your list, consider this:
Real pearls are extremely affordable, especially when they're
freshwater cultured pearls. And no, that doesn't mean they're Rice
Krispie-shaped either. For years now, the Chinese have been producing
high luster, round freshwater cultured pearls that rival the beauty of
Japanese akoyas. Gift your bridesmaids with pearls and not only will
their accessories match on your big day, they'll be thrilled with a
gift they can actually use.
For gorgeous quality pearl jewelry your bridesmaids will flip over,
keep these pearl buying tips in mind:
*Size counts. Pearls are measured in millimeters. A larger pearl takes
longer to form, and the chances of finding a perfectly round, large
pearl are slim. After the 7.5-8mm mark, prices rise dramatically.
Choose a 6.5mm strand--it's lovely and affordable, or, if you love the
look of a larger pearl, pick a more affordable pendant.
*Pay attention to luster and surface markings. The higher the
luster'een in the sharpness of the reflection off the pearl's
surface'the more desirable it is. As for surface markings, if a pearl
is perfectly smooth, it's likely faux. Minor surface characteristics
are natural and don't detract from a pearl's beauty. That said, avoid
large pits, dents and obvious dimples.
*Check for shape: Round pearls are the rarest, and of course the most
expensive. To test for roundness, roll a strand on a table or desk. It
should roll smoothly. Any bobbing up and down means the strand has
some clunkers and hasn't been carefully matched. Don't like round? The
baroque pearl is a more affordable and unique option. Baroque pearls
have no obvious symmetry, but are quite lovely to look at. In fact,
baroques have been favored by jewelry designers for centuries. When
you're shopping for pearls, be sure to check out baroque pearl
strands--they might just appeal to you.
*Nacre thickness is important. Nacre, the same substance as mother-if-
pearl, is what makes the pearl a pearl. It should be sufficiently
thick; if it's thin it will flake and peel, and eventually the bead
nucleus'the implanted object, which irritated the oyster and started
the pearl growing process, will show through. Many freshwater pearls
are made from tissue-nucleated mussels, not beads, making them solid
nacre. Freshwater pearls also tend to have beautiful luster. Ask a
trusted jeweler about nacre thickness, as it is nearly impossible to
tell nacre quality just by looking.
*Choose color carefully. A classic white strand is always in style and
perfect for weddings, but pearls come in gorgeous pastels too. A
lavender, pink or peach strand might work well with your bridesmaids'
dresses, but be sure to consider skin tone. Lavender strands in
particular look beautiful with most skin tones and are "in" according
to InStyle magazine.
*In a pearl strand, such as a bracelet or necklace, uniformity is
important. This is called matching. While no strand will be absolutely
perfect--subtle variations are to be expected from a natural gem--they
should be very similar in size, shape, luster and color. Pay attention
to the clasp area, as unscrupulous jewelers have been known to hide
imperfect pearls near the clasp.
When it comes to style, the sky's the limit. Pearls' newfound
popularity with designers has given way to tons of unique styles and
unexpected gemstone combinations. Classic pieces are always in, but
many of today's modern styles are sure to become classics as well.
Depending on the style of the dress, a beautiful pearl cuff bracelet,
pearl dangle, stiletto or drop earrings, a pearl pendant or a pearl-
and-gemstone combo style could look absolutely stunning. For a totally
polished look, choose a pearl jewelry set which includes a pearl
strand and matching earrings (sometimes even a bracelet!). Pearl sets
are great as your bridesmaids can later wear them to work, parties,
and other functions--classic pearls go with everything.
If your style is more Vogue than Town & Country, don't get stuck on
the traditional stuff that's showcased in bridal magazines. Browse
vintage shops, local jewelry stores and poke around the internet until
you find something that grabs you.
Remember, freshwater cultured pearls are gorgeous and very affordable.
There is absolutely no reason to buy faux pearls. Your friends did
shell out big bucks for wedding attire, accommodations and travel, and
they're planning to throw you a killer shower. Thank your bridesmaids
with a gift of timeless and affordable pearl jewelry--and please don't
make them wear a big purple bow!
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