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Akoya Cultured Pearls: Can’t miss classic
Akoya Pearls are what every girl imagines when she thinks of pearls; classic and elegance, graceful and impeccable.
Think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jacqueline Onassis.
Origin: Akoya Pearls are cultured in ocean oysters, the saltwater Pinctada fucata oyster species to be precise. Akoyas are grown on Japanese, and Chinese, pearl farms On average, Okoya cultured pearls tend to be slightly larger than freshwater pearls, ranging from 2 - 10 mm.
Lifestyle: Akoya cultured pearls work for any woman who wants a classic, clean, sophisticated look. More conservative consumers will immediately be drawn to akoyas, but these pearls are also surprisingly versatile and can be dressed up as well as down. They are perfect for the office, an after work event, and to add some glamour to a casual weekend outfit.
Fashion: Try a strand of akoya pearls with a little black dress, skinny jeans, and a high quality T-shirt, your favorite pantsuit, or this summer’s wide array of sun-dresses.
Freshwater cultured Pearls: The Flavor of Fashion
The wonderful affordability and diversity of freshwater cultured pearls make them perfect for trying out a new design or creating layered looks.
Think young, fresh-faced celebrities such as Mischa Barton and Lindsay Lohan or fashionistas like Sarah Jessica Parker.
Origin: Formed in lakes and rivers, mainly in China (though the US and Japan also produce freshwater cultured pearls), these pearls come in a variety of pastel shades, and the average sizes is 6 mm, although now larger sizes are also available.
Lifestyle: Both fashion forward and budget minded women will appreciate freshwater cultured pearls. They can be mixed and matched to create many different looks, so they can go from work to weekend or day to evening in no time.
Fashion: Layer a few strand of freshwater pearls over a T-shirt and throw a short blazer on top; or put on several bracelet of different shades of freshwater pearls, mixed with sterling silver.
South Sea Cultured Pearls: High-End Glamour
Large, lustrous and especially rare, South Sea cultured pearls are sure to bring to mind wealth, celebrity, and sophisticated glamour.
Think Uma Thurman and Halle Berry.
Origin: The Pinctada maxima oyster grows these extra large pearls in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Myanmar, and Thailand. They range from 9 - 20 mm and colors include silver, white, and gold.
Lifestyle: South Sea pearls are meant to make a statement, but in a classy, highly sophisticated way. The confident woman who does not shy away from being the center of attention will be drawn to these beautiful pearls, but if a woman wants a South Sea cultured pearl piece that is still appropriate for everyday wear, a bold ring or pendant will do the magic.
Fashion: A can’t miss strand of South Sea cultured pearls will be all she need to accompany a gown or cocktail dress, but a ring with a solitary South Sea Pearl is a bold accompaniment to a work outfit and a pair of drop pearl earrings set in platinum can dress up anything she put together.
Tahitian Cultured Pearls: Dazzling Drama
For the woman who wants to stand out from the crowd; in the best way possible, there is probably nothing more dramatically beautiful than the exotic hues of a Tahitian pearl.
Think Elizabeth Taylor, who owns one of the largest Tahitian pearls in the world. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi also wear a strand of multicolor Tahitian cultured pearls.
Origin: Tahitian cultured pearls are grown in the Pinctada margaritifera oyster species and are found throughout the warm ocean lagoons of French Polynesia. Also large, they range from 8 - 18 mm in size. Peacock is the most popular Tahitian pearl color, but they also come in varied hues of blacks gray, silver, taupe, green, and eggplant. Strands with mixed colors are fashionable too.
Lifestyle: Tahitian pearls make a serious statement. But any woman who wants something both extraordinary and out of the ordinary will appreciate its special beauty.
Fashion: A pair of Tahitian pearls and diamond earrings will create a stunning effect against a black cocktail dress, but a ring or pendant will also add a sense of confidence and unique style to a neutral colored suit or a pair of black pants and white shirt.
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