The Perfect Pearl » Black Pearls

The Versatile Fashionista

Jess — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:54 +0000

While things in the economy seem to be getting a bit better, most consumers out there are still pinching their pennies. A big trend in jewelry this year is versatile pieces that you can wear during the day and into the night. Silver and pearl jewelry is the perfect choice for versatility. If you go for silver, choose pieces that have the same color gemstones and you will be able to mix and match them with just about any outfit. Pearls are one of the most flexible jewelry choices you can buy. They come in so many colors and styles and they look great with jeans, a blazer or an evening gown. Here are some fun and fashionable choices that can add some affordable versatility to your jewelry collection:

Black Pearls

Find a simple set of pearls like these black ones and you will be wearing them all the time. Pearls like this look great with jeans but will also pair fabulously with a flirty cocktail dress for a night on the town!

Silver Set

Shop around for a set of silver jewelry like this set here. Find a set you love that is simple and sleek. Pieces with clear crystals or diamonds will look great with t-shirts, blazers or a fun top for date night.

Tri-Layer Necklace

This silver necklace is a great choice for versatility. It can be worn with just about any outfit. Go for a bold look and wear all three together or opt for the simpler look and just wear one.

Multi-color Pearl Necklace

I love this pearl necklace I found while browsing the web. It has beautiful white, rose and black pearls strung in an intricate design. This necklace, while it might look fancy can be matched with quite a lot.

Pearls and Scrunchies – Match Made in Heaven

Jess — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:52 +0000

Anyone who follows the world of fashion knows that any, and I mean ANY trend can revive itself. We have seen leggings, slap bracelets, neon colors, chunky jewelry and shoulder pads all make a run for it in today’s fashion world. While some of these old-become-new trends thrive and others fall flat. One fashion trend that I never believed would have made a comeback though – the scrunchy. These oversized, cheesy, elastic hair bands have been scorned in the fashion industry ever since the days of Punky Brewster came to an end.

Marc Jacobs Pearl Scrunchy

Thanks to the ever-so-fashionable Marc Jacobs however, the scrunchy is making a comeback. He took an old, tired trend and turned it into something beautiful – worthy of the most girly girls and ballerinas everywhere. He wove luxurious fabrics with gorgeous, lustrous pearls and adorned each and every one of his models with one at his spring show. He pleated and wound the pastel fabrics into exquisite designs and perfectly placed each bright white pearl. These hair accessories are not even close to being reminiscent of the 80′s. They are sophisticated and luxurious to say the very least.

Small accessories like this embellished with high quality gemstones, like pearls are a hot commodity this season. With the economy still on the downswing, consumers are looking for the best ways to penny pinch but still look their best. Marc Jacobs pearl scrunchies are the perfect example of the big, bold accessories that are sure to hit stores everywhere this Spring.

If you can’t afford the Marc Jacobs version of the hair scrunchy, don’t be upset! There are other options out there for the budget-minded consumer. Check out a few of these other feminine, pearl-studded hair scrunchies:

Black Pearl Scrunchy

This is a fabulous hair accessory that can add pizazz to almost any updo. It is made of a soft fabric and three strands of variegated white pearls make for the perfect embellishment. Remember – when it comes to hair scrunchies, there is a fine line to walk between sophistication and just downright awful!

Lace and Pearl Scrunchy

This scrunchy is a great variation of the Marc Jacobs scrunchy. It has beautiful pastel fabrics woven with a delicate lace and a few perfect white pearls to add a touch of luxury. Something like this is subtle yet speaks volumes about how fashion forward every detail of your wardrobe is!

Copper and Gold Delights

Jess — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:50:07 +0000

Getting back in touch with nature is a theme in every part of society nowadays. Everything is “green” – it has become a trend of sorts to be earth-friendly. This earthy, bond with Mother Nature has even seeped into the fashion world. Metals like oxidized copper and gold are extremely popular on runways and in stores. Mixing them with other earthy elements like pearls and natural stones makes for some beautiful pieces of jewelry. When opting to buy nature-inspired pieces, stick with warm, earthy tones like greens, browns and yellows. Look for pieces with natural stones and lots of textured metal. Here are some great pieces I found while searching around:

Copper Bracelet

Big, cuff bracelets are all the rage right now and this is beautiful piece. The band is gorgeous, textured oxidized copper and there is a natural cream colored stone set on the top. This would be a great bracelet to wear on the weekends with a pair of blue jeans, boots and a casual top.

Copper Necklace

Statement necklaces are a big trend in the fashion world. This is a great way to get in touch with your roots. There are beautiful yellow and turquoise beads strung together with a huge, hammered copper pendant detail. This necklace could look great with just the right cocktail dress and would definitely be the statement of your outfit!

Gold Earrings

I fell in love with these earrings when I came across them online. They have a great gold hoop detail to them with beautiful black and white pearls and crystals perfectly placed on the gold chain. These are a great way to mix edgy and feminine styles together. These earrings are also subtle enough for everyday wear but have enough interest to draw attention!

Layers, Layers and More Layers!

Jess — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:47:10 +0000

Anyone who follows the fashion world at all knows that layered accessories are very popular this year. Whether you layer on a bunch of necklaces or bracelets, you can’t go wrong. It’s a fun trend too, allowing you to pull out 5 or 6 necklaces from your collection, wear them together and be on the edge of fashion! It’s a simple trend too, there really isn’t much you can do to mess up this fashion must-do. Just don’t go overboard- there is such thing as too many – you don’t want to have a hard time holding your head up because your necklaces are too heavy! Fashion and its accessories have a sort of split personality this year. On one end, they are super feminine and soft while the urban, edgy style of the 80′s is making a new impression. Mixing unexpected elements together like metal chains and soft pearls can give you a fantastic look for any time of day. Check out some of these examples I found on the web:

Sarah Jessica Parker

One of my favorite fashion inspirations – Sarah Jessica Parker – went bold on this necklace ensemble. She paired some simple chains in golds and silvers, all different sizes and lengths with a couple chunkier pieces up by her neck. Paired with her simple shimmery outfit, her layered necklaces are the perfect accessory! So, if she can be any example for those of you out there wanting to try out this look – go bold!

Hillary Duff

In this photo, Hillary Duff shows the perfect union of edgy and feminine. She has on an urban, shimmery black mini dress but layered on a bunch of beautiful strands of white pearls in all different sizes and lengths. This adds a classy and feminine touch to a rock star outfit. The lesson here is – don’t be afraid to mix styles, you might be pleased with the result!

Layered Pearls

This is a great example of a necklace you might be able to find in stores or online. This has some beautiful black pearls paired with black beads and a crystal flower detail. This necklace would look great paired with some long metal chains worn with a collared shirt to the office or a simple dress for a night on the town.

Don’t Forget the Earrings!

Jess — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:17 +0000

When it comes to wedding jewelry, the necklace is almost always where every bride begins her search. A lot of times, the earrings are pushed aside and they get whatever comes with or matches the necklace. Earrings are so important though – they frame the face and are the perfect accessory, especially when you wear your hair in an updo! Here are some great options for every style and every bride:

Classic Drop Earring

This is a classic drop earring perfect for almost any gown. This is a simple, yet elegant accessory that would look great with an updo. It adds just enough flair to any bride’s look but doesn’t detract too much of the attention away from the face. If you choose something classic like this earring, remember that simple is best. Stick with the traditional white pearlwithout too much sparkle.

Sparkle

If you are a daring bride who wants a bit of flash and sparkle on her wedding day then go for something like this earring. An earring like this one has the sophistication of a classic white pearl with a bit of bling! Add some diamonds in a fancy setting with a drop pearl on the end and you have an accessory fit for any elegant soiree.

Vintage Twist

For those traditional brides out there who want something a little bit different, try the vintage route. Pick out a pair of earrings with a cream or rose colored pearl for a softer look. You can also find something like this one to the left that has a iridescent gemstone in a vintage type of setting like heavy metals and emerald cut styles of stones.

Tahitian Beauty

Many brides nowadays are looking for some modern sophistication on their wedding day. Tahitian pearls are the perfect choice for this style celebration. A black Tahitian pearl in a sleek setting like this pair of earrings, is a great choice for the modern bride. The dark pearl will stand out against a beautiful white gown and the simple yet angular setting gives you that sophisticated modern look.

Piled-On Pearls

Jess — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:00:40 +0000

Any fashionista out there knows Glamour magazine knows fashion. When they say something is “in” – it’s in! Check out this snapshot of the most recent “Do or Don’t” page in the November issue -

Glamour Shot

Look at these A-listers who have literally piled on the pearls for a fashion jewelry statement like no other! Mega stars like Sandra Bullock, Katherine Heigl and Rhianna are wearing layer upon gorgeous layer of this precious stone. Sandra Bullock went for an ultra chic and modern look mixing some classic white pearls with sophisticated black pearls. Rihanna went super simple sticking with a classic white freshwater pearl in varying sizes. Katherine Heigl went for a flirty, romantic look mixing some beautiful ivory, rose and peach colored pearls that set off her skin tone perfectly.

Here are some ideas of how you can pile on the pearls and make a daring fashion statement!

Tahitian Pearls

Go for fun and funky when you put on a necklace like this one. This necklace does the layers for you and mixes beautiful teal colored beads with richly colored black Tahitian pearls in varying sizes.

Layered Up

This is a great look that you can get away with under a blazer for work or a fancy dinner out on the town. Layer up a ton of strands of white, ivory and peach colored pearls all in different lengths for a sassy, attention-getting look.

Classic Look

For a twist on traditional, layer on a bunch of strands of classic white pearls. Grab strands of varying lengths for a put-together look. These classic beauties will add class and sophistication to any outfit.

The message here is – Pearls are IN! Pile them on in any way you see fit and you will be sure to turn heads wherever you go. Be a trendsetter and pile on the pearls!

Wedding Necklaces

Jess — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00:50 +0000

Pearls have long been considered the traditional jewelry for a bride to wear on her wedding day. Today’s modern brides are no exception. Pearl jewelry as a wedding day accessory are more popular than ever. What’s great about today’s pearls is the large array of options a bride has to pick from. Whether you are getting married in a small private ceremony, having a large elegant wedding or getting married on the beach, there is pearl jewelry out there that will make the perfect compliment to any gown.

The most noticed and possibly most important accessory is the necklace. The perfect necklace adds to the beauty of a gown, frames the face and lets the bride’s skin glow. There are so many options when it comes to picking out a pearl necklace for your wedding day. You can go classic, traditional with a twist, vintage, romantic or modern. Let’s take a look at some great ideas for each of these categories.

Classic White Pearl

This type of necklace is a great classic option perfect for just about any type of wedding. They are just simple, white freshwater pearls with an elegant drop in the middle. This type of necklace would be a great option for a bride wearing a gown with a sweetheart neckline.

Classic Ivory Pearl

Here is another classic option when it comes to wedding day jewelry. This necklace in particular is ivory pearls. This is your traditional single strand pearl necklace and would look great with just about any type of gown. Simple, classy yet attention grabbing.

Pearls and Flowers

This necklace is a great option for a bride who wants traditional with a twist. You have your classic white akoya or freshwater pearls but set into a beautiful flower and vine design. This type of necklace is still simple enough to not detract from the gown but adds a little bit of fun.

Keshi Pearl Necklace

More and more brides are getting married on the beach nowadays. While this usually calls for a more casual ceremony and reception, that is no reason to skimp on the accessories! This Keshi pearl necklace is the perfect choice for a beach bride. The natural shaped pearls strung create a beautiful, beachy necklace.

Floating Pearl Necklace

For today’s modern bride, the wedding day necklace needs to be something that grabs people’s attention. A necklace, similar to the one shown to the left could be the perfect option. A floating necklace that mixes Tahitian black pearls with classic white pearls would make the perfect, sophisticated statement with a sleek wedding gown. The black pearls offset the white just enough to make a subtle yet powerful statement.

Vintage Pearl Necklace

A choker necklace with a vintage charm is a great option for a wedding day accessory. Choose a beautiful classic white akoya pearl choker necklace that has a beautiful broach type addition on it. A necklace like this adds such a touch of class and sophistication to an elegant gown that people won’t be able to help but notice. A choker necklace is a great way to frame the face and complements an elegant updo nicely.

Michelle Obama – Fashion Icon

Jess — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:00:15 +0000

The job of First Lady of the United States is a tough enough job on its own without any added stress. For Michelle Obama, she not only has the role of First Lady to fill but also of a reluctant fashion icon. From the moment she stepped onto the campaign trail, women everywhere looked to her with admiration for not only her style but her poise, grace and subtle sophistication. As a young, stylish mother and wife, Michelle Obama has been compared to Jackie Onassis but with syle footprints of her own.

Michelle Obama quickly made headlines with her quirky, elegant and affordable fashions. One of the first elements of Obama’s style to take the spotlight was her double stranded akoya pearl necklace. She rarely leaves home without it and it never fails to add a touch of class to every outfit. Here’s an example of a similar necklace to help you achieve the same easy yet sophisticated look as Michelle Obama –

Another staple in Michelle Obama’s jewelry box is her beautiful single stranded, white South Sea pearl necklace. It is a gorgeous strand of huge, white lustrous pearls. The great thing about Michelle Obama is the fact that she isn’t afraid to wear the same necklace to more than one event. She wears this strand of South Sea pearls to political events, with a cardigan out to lunch, everywhere. Her fearlessness to wear the necklace over and over is a great influence for women, especially in this economy. Here is a great alternative to Michelle’s great South Sea pearl necklace –

What about when Michelle Obama hits the town for a fancy event full of celebrities and cameras? You can be sure she will show up dressed to the nines with her loyal pearls draped around her neck. When she appeared at the Time 100 gala she was dressed in a gorgeous full length black dress and piled on the necklaces. She wore some beautiful long strands of black akoya pearls layered with other beaded strands. Here’s how you can snag a look as pulled together as hers –

All of the previous looks were very sophisticated and classy, yet safe. Michelle Obama is definitely not afraid to make a statement with her fashion however. At the Obama’s first White House black tie dinner, Michelle Obama stepped out in an incredible multi-strand pearl statement necklace. It made an incredible show with her glittery black gown. Here’s a great way to make a statement with a pearl necklace too -

Tahitian Beauties

Jess — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:57 +0000

Katherine Heigl

The world of pearl jewlry is so diverse and exciting and I am always excited to discover how this classic gem works its way in to modern society. One of the most beautiful pearls out there is definitely the Tahitian pearl. They are dark, gorgeous, attention-grabbing stones. They make great statement jewelry to wear to almost any occasion and even celebrities have discovered their unique beauty. The gorgeous black Tahitian pearls have made appearances on red carpets throughout Hollywood adorning the necks of A-listers like Katherine Heigl and Angelina Jolie.

The necklace that Katherine Heigl is wearing in the picture has a beautiful peacock coloring to it and is the ideal accessory to her neutral gray dress. With her hair up and away from her face the large pearls frame her face perfectly and really stand out against her blonde hair. A Tahitian pearl necklace is a great piece to wear when you want to be unexpected. The dark pearls have a beautiful shine and luster to them that can sparkle under the lights just like any other gemstone.

The great thing about Tahitian pearls is their striking and mysterious beauty will always strike up conversation. Check out the necklace that Angelina Jolie is wearing -

Angelina Jolie

The Tahitian pearls she is wearing are much more uniform in color giving her a very sophisticated style. Like Katherine Heigl, Angelina’s hair is pulled away from her face so the pearls can stand out. Jolie has naturally dark features so the dark black Tahitian pearls are striking against her olive toned skin. To pull the look together she paired a simple pair of single stud Tahitian pearl earrings. Her look says sass and sophistication all at the same time.