May 22, 2017
Well okay, I’ve also read that we get moonstones, AND alexandrite, but I’m going to concentrate on pearls. They’re my all-time favorites… (I’ve actually never owned a diamond engagement ring, because I’d really always rather have pearls…)
And I’m going to get this out of the way right up front – these pieces are not all genuine pearls, and none of these pieces is expensive. There are smarter bloggers than me who can tell you all about real pearls, and glorious pieces of jewelry that include them (yes, Passage des Perles, I’m looking at you!), so I thought I’d concentrate on more modestly priced treats… Joy should not be confined to those with abundant disposable income…
For lack of any better idea, I’ve just grouped all of these lovelies by general style qualities…
First up, for spring and especially summer, jewelry that echoes shapes in nature seem like such a nice choice. Here we’ve got all kinds of sea life, as well as the always lovely flowers…
“coral” necklace – Talbots; floral ring – Kadek Hendra; turtle earrings – Talbots; flower earrings – Nyoman Rena; turtle brooch – Talbots; seashells bracelet – Talbots; brooch – Wayan Asmana
Here’s where my heart really seems to settle – on cleanly geometric pieces of jewelry… It’s not something that I can explain, it’s just the way I feel. I think that it’s really important to learn these things about yourself and to remember them when you’re confronted with a world full of beautiful options. It’s easy to be lured astray by something absolutely lovely that doesn’t suit you at all!
There are timeless designs that could be a favorite of anyone.. These could be a lovely small touch with almost any outfit except maybe hiking gear? (although I’m quite sure I’ve worn pearl earrings while hiking!)
For years, this was where my heart was drawn; I had all sorts of illusions that I was more feminine and delicate than I really am! But pearls (especially surrounded by marcasite!) are so pretty…. sigh…
dangle earrings – Wirabhuwana; freshwater pearl bracelet – Patricia Jara; long pearl ring – Olga Hinojosa; stud earrings – Alon Diller; ring – Made Sudiari; heart pendant – Kadek Hendra; brooch – Nyoman Rena
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget that pearls can come in all sorts of colors! Many of these have been dyed, and so you have to be sort of careful that you don’t get something that’s going to fade or do something strange as time passes. But the peacock luster of a grey pearl can be very gorgeous against a teal sweater, or a purple dress…
I love pearls, and could wear nothing but forever. It’s easily possible to have a LOT more jewelry than one strictly needs… Is that so bad?
love,
Janice
More from the Birthstone Series:
- January: Garnets
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarines
- April: Diamonds
- May: Emeralds
- June: Pearls
- July: Carnelian
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphires
- October: Opals
- November: Topaz or Citrine
- December: Turquoise or Tanzanite
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These are gorgeous. I have a string of pearls that I treasure. They go with everything.
I may as well say this first, I don't like pearls (though I love this series on birthstones!)
For better or worse, I think if you are attracted to pretty, girly things it is no harm to use this style in earrings and/or necklaces, where you can enjoy them but they don't get in your way like rings or bracelets (or maybe I'm missing the point that the 'pretty' jewellery doesn't go with the rest of your style!!)/
I like the categories that you chose. I fall within the classic category of pearl users.
I really like them too. I'm strongly within the organic (floral/botanical) and romantic, and not at all geometric.
Also, I have those pearl and silver floral earrings in the organic section – love them!
– Kaci
Cee Pluse,
Enjoy your trip ! I love New Mexico ! So culturally different than eastern PA !
I love Pearls – even though they aren't my birthstone. I'm lucky enough to have a few real pieces, but have to say, I love my fakes just as much. I have sets in white, cream, grey and a soft "goldie/bronze" and pearl earrings are my daily "Go To's".
The only problem I have is with rings – I love rings but have had terrible luck over the years – either losing the stone or the whole ring or breaking them. I just seem to be jinxed. Love this series.
Oh gosh! Pearls are also my favorite but I don't care fir the predictable, and to me, old fashioned "string of pearls" and don't own one. These are all so perfect. You once showed us a peal necklace you own that looks like it has a dark (black?) rope-like separation between the pearls. I love it and have tried to find something like it as it has a casual feel. Janice Collins Washington DC
It's from MOMA New York – you can find it here:
https://store.moma.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Pearl-Necklace_10451_10001_136642_-1_26690_26691_136677
hugs,
Janice
Thank you so much, Janice! My new birthday hi t! Janice Collins Washington DC
Genuine or not, pearls are lovely. And so many beautiful colors to choose from in an array of styles. I find the luster of a spherical black pearl with hints of teal and purple hard to resist, as well as a blush freshwater baroque beauty. There are those who do not understand why I wear pearls (or diamonds) with everyday blue jeans. I wear them to the grocery store, while gardening, lunching with a friend… because they are beautiful and I want to experience simple beauty in my life every day. The fancy pieces are saved for special occasions – but the simple pieces are constantly in rotation.
We are in New Mexico right now and I am confronted by so many lovely jewelry options! When we visit this state I always allow myself one jewelry purchase, and I've already selected a necklace. Last time it was a bracelet, and interestingly both are silver and have a horse design, so I am definitely the nature-themed jewelry lover. I have some pearl jewelry, both real and artificial, but find I don't wear them often because I feel they are too formal for my usually casual attire. However, if you can wear pearls while hiking then maybe I need to rethink this assumption!
Lovely pieces in your post, Janice. I love pearls. My first pearls (which I still have) is a necklace my Parents bought me when I finished grammar school 40-odd years ago. My eldest Daughter's 40th birthday is in two weeks and I and her sister are travelling to China for a visit. As I did for her 30th birthday, I am giving her pearls for this milestone birthday. But the difference, this time, is that I am giving her something of her late Grandmother's (my Mother). Rather than keep the jewellery I've inherited, I'd rather give it to my two Daughters while I can enjoy the giving and they can enjoy the receiving. For my younger Daughter, I also inherited my Mom's turquoise (younger Daughter has a December birthday). So… she may have an idea bout what's coming, but she doesn't remember the pieces I have. What fun for both of us! ~ Laura.
As a June birthday girl I am so happy that it is my birthstone as it is my essential item of jewellery. I have them in pink and in the dark colour as well as the classic white and I wear them all of the time. I had to laugh at your mention of hiking as I even wear my pearl earrings and necklace when hiking and skiing! The only place they don't go is under water as I fear them dropping out or rotting the string. I also have a beautiful necklace made of clam type shells that have been polished down to their nacre layer which gives them the same lustre as pearls. Lustre is so flattering to the skin.
I have some bluish-gray pearls. Real? Unreal? I don't know, only that they are among my favorite earrings.
I wore my mum's 'pearl' necklace for my wedding as it was hers and it is a timeless and classic look. I love the turtles and flowers! Carol S
Oh dear, dear brilliant Janice! You must visit~ but just for the time being, thanks for showing some cultured pearl pieces. A woman need not spend big to wear genuine pearls and they have so much more soul and charisma than glass pearls. (I have shown many pieces for less than $100). At a certain point in life, it's time for a single pearl pendant that glows or pair of freshwater earrings, or if it's a big-decade birthday, a Tahitian strand. You knew I'd say this, you little minx!
We keep talking up a visit to Montreal for my birthday… we won't manage it right in June, probably, but I'll keep you posted!
big hugs,
Janice
Oo, Janice, a whole post about pearls–fabulous! Gosh, I love pearls. I love the traditional styles, but I also love their traditionalness, if you will, combined with a modern setting, especially in silver. I wanted a set of small pearl stud earrings for years, and finally happily bought myself a pair for my birthday many years ago. It wasn't until years later that it occurred to me that my hunger for those was because Barbie (I grew up with her, and loved her, I admit!) always wore them!! Even with her striped bathing suit and mules! Apparently that stuck in my head as the ultimate in girly classy, elegance! I know Barbie gets a bad rap nowadays, but boy was she a great dresser! :-)
Oh, I love pearls. These are such pretty pieces. Pearls plus marcasite are lovely. I have several pairs of pearl earrings that I wear with everything, and a long opera string of cultured pearls that I tie in a knot or loop a couple of times, and another shorter strand that pops on black. I wish pearls were my birthstone! Enjoy your birthday month.
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Love this blog! A favorite pair of earrings I have is a gray Majorca pair. They make me feel special when I wear them. I would LOVE a single strand of “real” pearls someday. But alas, not today.