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Celebrate Pearls Throughout June

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

"All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography."  --  Federico Fellini

This month we celebrate June's birthstone, the pearl. Whether  you prefer imitation pearls or the real thing, these lovely beads are a perfect, classic addition to your designs.

Pearls are always lovely with pastels, delicate with florals or fun with polka dots. They have range, blending with everything from soft sheers to thick sweaters to the perfect 'little black dress'. Even though they are June's birthstone, you can find a place for pearls in your jewelry wardrobe any time of year.
Pearls are a good match for other beads of the same shade. In this design, large, white, handpainted floral beads look lovely when offset by 8mm white pearl beads and bright pink bicones. Golden accents and bead caps, along with a teardrop clasp dangle, complete the look.
 

If you look at the history of pearls, they carry a meaning, like most of the other gemstones. It is no surprise to find that these beautiful, softly shimmering beads have been compared to and associated with the moon. Believed to symbolize purity, pearls are a natural choice for brides, and can be found adorning the wedding party and guests as well.

 

Pearl earrings are a given. A single dangling pearl from each lobe is classically beautiful. For a new take on a classic try this combination. "Heaven in a wildflower..." or at least the very definition of dainty can be found in this creamy, pearly, trumpet flower bead. Top this lovely bead with a gold sepal bead cap and finish it with a Swarovski 2x aurum bicone drop.
 

Although these designs focus on white or cream pearls, there are many colors of natural pearls and even more colors of imitation pearls. Real pearls range in color from the most rare, black, to the purest white. Other popular shades are cream, yellow and pink. Imitation pearls run the entire range of shades from beige and gold to mint green.

Gold pearls and white pearls used together in a design would be a great addition to a summer jewelry wardrobe, fitting in with the popularity of white and gold mentioned in May's column.

Pearls have a softness and a luster, and so do AB beads, and this kinship makes them a good match. Whether you space your AB disks and matching firepolished AB accents widely for a necklace, or more closely for a bracelet, you will find that this soft combination makes a lovely piece of jewelry.

The traditional pearl necklace is a simple statement of classic loveliness. Stringing and knotting pearls is an intricate, delicate process, one which takes much practice and skill.

Some believe that nothing can match real pearls for luster and quality. If you choose to work with the less expensive imitation pearls, remember to carefully select your beads. Some of the more inexpensive beads will lose their luster completely when the "pearl coating" peels away after a short time. So give the beads you choose the test of time before passing them on to others.

White and navy have always been classic together. This classic look translates to lampworked beads and pearls, with silver highlights.
Whether this design is the beginning of a bracelet or a necklace, you will end up with a lovely finished result. The delicate pearls and the delicate rosebuds are in perfect harmony. Although gold is popular this year, there is always room for silver, and it adds to the crisp, cool look of this design.
 

Pearls soft sheen can do amazing things for almost any skin tone, you just have to choose the right color for you. According to Fashion-Era.com, pearl jewelry worn close to the face can help lift a woman's complexion by bringing light and radiance to the face. This radiance can help melt away the years.

Pearls are a must for a complete jewelry wardrobe. Modern designs have pearls interspaced on gold or silver wire, floating on special cord, or as the traditional necklace with pendants of jade, peridot, or lapis lazuli, according to Fashion-Era.com.

Resources:

Information on pearls courtesy of Pauline Weston Thomas for Fashion-Era.com. http://www.fashion-era.com/jewellery/jewellery_freshwater_pearls_pictures2.htm

Pearl symbolism and color information from Doug Mahopac, author of "The Meaning of Pearls." http://www.integrityweb.com/news/integritywebcom_TheMeaningofPearls.htm

Wildflower quote from William Blake, British poet.

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