Let’s Get Fresh
When you think about pearl jewelry, does the image of your grandmother, a tea party, or even the Queen of England pop into your head? If so, the time has come for you to change your pearl perception.
Fresh Take on Classic
Granted, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a classic strand of white pearls or simple stud earrings. Pieces like these have been—and will continue to be—passed down from one generation to the next and will never go out of style. Chances are, you already have them in your jewelry box. But how often do you actually wear them?
The Rise of Freshwater Pearls
If you love the look of pearls, but usually find yourself lacking an occasion to wear your prim-and-proper pieces, it’s time to get fresh—freshwater, that is. No longer satisfied with taking a backseat to saltwater pearls, as they have done for ages, freshwater pearls are starting to make a statement in the marketplace.
The emerging popularity of freshwater pearls is the result of several factors. First, the quality of freshwater pearls has greatly increased, with some varieties now resembling saltwater pearls so closely it’s hard to tell which is which. Second, is cost. Freshwater pearls are much more affordable than their saltwater counterparts, a point that is appreciated by both manufacturers and customers.
Pearl Fashion
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, freshwater jewelry can offer pearl fans a more fashion-forward, less formal, and more wearable option than traditional saltwater pearls, making it the perfect choice for those who love the gem, want to wear it often, and hope to make a fashion statement in the process. (I should also mention that some designers have started to take a more daring approach to their saltwater pearl collections, but I’ll address that trend in a future column.)
Peachy Pearls
This season, I particularly love freshwater styles featuring warm autumnal hues like bronze, peach, and yellow. But no matter their color, their not-so-perfectly-round shape (the result of a culture process that does not involve the implantation of a bead nucleus) adds a unique, eye-catching, and not-so-precious touch to the bracelets, earrings, and necklaces they adorn.
Tags: bracelets, classic strand of white pearls, designers, earrings, fashion statement, Freshwater pearls, freshwater styles, gem, jewelry box, linkedin, necklaces, pearl jewelry, saltwater pearls, stud earrings