“The only real failure in life is one not discovered from.”
Anthony J. D’Angelo, The Faculty Blue E-book

Ah, graduation. A whole lot of laborious work, time, expertise, cash and drive have led up to now: a milestone that will be celebrated, photographed and remembered forever. Whether from highschool, school, legislation school, medical faculty, or what have you, commencement is a wonderful time of excitement and change.

Methods to mark the occasion? You can at all times write a check. (What new graduate doesn’t want money?) Earlier than you whip out your wallet, nonetheless, remember that cash is sensible, yet very impersonal. Since you’re reading this, it’s a good guess that the graduate is a particular woman in your life, she worked onerous to get the place she is, and she or he deserves a graduation reward that is really memorable.

How about one thing memorable, practical, meaningful and beautiful? Try pearls.

Pearl jewellery—whether or not pearl studs, a pearl pendant or a stupendous pearl strand—is a traditional and wonderful addition to any lady’s jewellery box. Whether or not she’s heading off to school, interviewing for jobs, about to embark on a career, or planning a wedding, the recent graduate can put on pearl jewellery for fast polish. Added bonus: She’ll keep in mind you each time she wears them.

Which pearls to decide on
Pearls are available many stunning kinds, shapes and designs, however for graduation, a easy traditional model that may stand the check of time is best. (They don’t call them staples for nothing.) Because basic pearls are so popular, there are a selection of options from which to choose. The next are classics she’ll reach for again and again.

• Pearl stud earrings: The great thing about pearl studs is that they go together with everything. Spherical, white pearls with a rosé overtone flatter most pores and skin varieties, and make a beautiful addition to any jewellery box. Some stores even carry pearl studs for non-pierced ears.
• 16 inch pearl strand: A matched pearl strand is a jewelry staple for a reason: it’s a traditional—not to mention a no brainer accent [that a] woman can attain for to instantly add polish to an outfit. Shorter strands worn closer to the throat draw attention to the wearer’s face and skin; with their dewy complexions, younger girls look improbable in pearl chokers. This model sits close to the throat and looks great with a enterprise swimsuit, v-neck sweater, tee-shirt or open-collared gown shirt.
• 18 inch pearl strand: This barely extra versatile, “princess” length necklace might be worn with most any neckline, and can serve the graduate well all through her life. The princess size is a very talked-about alternative for an awesome reason: it really works properly with every thing from turtlenecks to sweaters, business suits, costume shirts, and more.
• pearl pendant: A pearl pendant necklace featuring a single, massive pearl is a great option that can be worn with many different styles. Choose a skinny sterling silver or white gold chain for a modern look.
• pearl bracelet: A perfect complement to a bold watch, and barely extra inexpensive than a pearl necklace, a pearl bracelet adds polish and class.
• pearl ring: A pearl ring could make quite a bold and complex statement, particularly when the ring contains a single, giant pearl. The only downside to purchasing a hoop is that it’s essential to know the graduate’s ring size. Traditional pearl rings look implausible with both white and yellow gold.

Many retailers and online shops sell traditional pearl jewellery in sets. Not solely is this nice because you pay less for the set than if you purchased a necklace, earrings and bracelet individually, but buying a pearl jewellery set provides the added bonus that the items will match.

What to search for
No matter which fashion you choose, or whether or not you buy pearls from a local jewellery store, massive retail chain or Internet store (which ought to provide satisfactory descriptions of what you’re buying together with a money-back assure), have in mind the following pointers once you’re searching for pearls and also you won’t go incorrect:
• You’ll pay extra for larger pearls. In general, a larger pearl takes longer to form, and the possibilities of discovering a superbly spherical, massive pearl are slim. After the 7.5-8mm mark for freshwater cultured pearls and akoya cultured pearls, the most popular pearl types, costs rise dramatically. A 6.5mm strand is both beautiful and affordable—and excellent for younger women.
• Pay attention to luster and surface. Pearls ought to have a high luster, or floor sheen, that means they mirror light well. They should also be free from massive blemishes akin to chips and pits, although small blemishes are acceptable. A completely excellent strand is likely faux. Pearls are, after all, a natural product, and small variations are to be expected and don’t detract from the pearls’ value.
• Spherical is the arms-down favorite shape. While baroque pearls are beautiful, and button and coin pearls are modern and reasonably priced, with regards to basic pearls, round continues to be in. To examine that pearls are uniformly spherical, ask the jeweler or learn the Internet description. Should you can handle the strand, roll it on a table. Matched pearls will roll smoothly.
• Thickness is important. Most pearls bought immediately are cultured pearls, and one of the best ones are shaped in oysters or mussels which have been implanted with small, mom-of-pearl beads and mantle tissue or mantle tissue only and left in the water lengthy sufficient for a sufficient coating of nacre to form. Keep away from pearls that have been implanted with large plastic or glass beads or harvested prematurely; they will flake and peel easily.
• Pay attention to uniformity. Be sure that pearls in a chunk of jewelry are the identical measurement, coloration, form and luster.
• Beware: Some jewellery makers try to hide smaller or imperfect pearls close to the clasp.
• Select color carefully. Pearls look best if they flatter the pores and skin tone of the wearer.

Follow these pearl-shopping for ideas, choose wisely, and your graduate can have a jewellery staple she’ll treasure forever.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion author and equipment buyer for www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.

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Jewelry, Watches & Diamonds