Pearls are underrated as many people have preconceived notions as to what they represent. The two most common misconceptions are; grandmas wear them, and secondly, they are formal attire. Pearls are worn by all ages, in all colors and lengths. They can be worn every day to the office or grocery shopping. They can be paired with a suit, a dress or blue jeans. If I asked you if you have pearls most of you would describe a small strand of Akoyas you’ve had for years and maybe hardly ever wear. You don’t sound enthusiastic! After you read this newsletter, I assure you, you will have different thoughts on pearls. Let’s start with general information on how pearls come about.

The birth of a pearl is a miraculous event! Pearls are grown by live oysters below the surface of the sea. Gemstones must be cut and polished to bring out their beauty. But pearls need no such treatment to reveal their loveliness. They are born from oysters complete -- with a shimmering iridescence, lustre and soft inner glow unlike any other gem on earth.

A natural pearl begins its life as a foreign object, such as a parasite or piece of shell that accidentally lodges itself in an oyster’s soft inner body where it cannot be expelled. To ease this irritant, the oyster’s body takes defensive action. The oyster begins to secrete a smooth, hard crystalline substance around the irritant in order to protect itself. This substance is called “nacre.” As long as the irritant remains within its body, the oyster will continue to secrete nacre around it, layer upon layer. Over time, the irritant will be completely encased by the silky crystalline coatings. And the result, ultimately, is the lovely and lustrous gem called a pearl. Cultured pearls share the same properties as natural pearls. The only difference is a person carefully implants the irritant in the oyster, rather than leaving it to chance. (Today nearly all pearls are cultured.) We then step aside and let nature create its miracle.

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Caring for your pearl jewelry...

Keep your pearls in a separate pouch or jewelry case to protect them from
being scratched. Don’t let your pearls rub other jewelry.
Apply perfume, hairspray or other
cosmetics before putting on your pearls
Avoid wearing your pearls where they might be splashed with ammonia, ink, vinegar, or acids. Never wear pearls in hot tubs, spas or saunas.
Wear does weaken the thread so have your pearls restrung regularly - as often as once a year if you wear them frequently. Knotting between pearls prevents scratching and if the silk string breaks you won’t lose all the pearls.
After wearing simply wipe pearls with a cloth moistened with mild soap and water. With a damp cloth remove the soap, then dry with a soft cloth. Never use jewelry cleaner on pearls or immerse in water it will ruin the silk it is strung with.

Watch for these trends in pearl jewelry...

Most often you see strands of pearls that are matching in color. A new trend we are seeing is the “mix & match” of colors in the same strand. The size, quality and lustre are all the same, but the colors range from slight tone changes to a dramatic black amidst whites and goldens! This combines a contemporary look with a classic tradition!

How to choose the right color pearls...

People often ask “Can I wear a certain color of pearls?” The answer is always yes! You can wear any color of pearl as you can wear any color of gemstone. You choose the color that you most enjoy. That being said, some pearl colors will look better on your skin tone than others. I would encourage you to come in and try on 4 different colors. A white, a golden, a black, and a chocolate strand. You will be surprised at how different each strand looks on you. There will be one color in particular that looks exceptional on you. That will be because of your skin tone.

Celebrities and other notable women influence much of the look and style in today’s fashion world by setting trends. Yesterday’s style masters, Jackie 0 and Princess Diana, come to mind as both projected a glamorous elegance that so many women have strived to emulate. Who could forget Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? These women dressed with flair and accessorized with style.

Fast forward to first lady Michele Obama who has defined her signature style through a variety of pearl strands. Pearls are making their way back to Hollywood on the red carpet and in the movies. Wearing multiple pearl strands in various lengths is very trendy right now. Multi-color pearl strands along with black and chocolate pearls have a more modern look to them.

Today, pearls appeal to women of all ages. Woman that appreciate the versatility of the new world of pearls. With style icons like Angelina Jolie and Debra Messing demonstrating that a strand of premium pearls is a fast route to the best-dressed list, women are choosing a wardrobe of pearls to add power to their style.

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9955 Lyndale Ave., S. • Bloomington, MN 55420
952-881-8862 - 800-853-7667

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Wixon Jewelers in Bloomington MN proudly serves the Twin Cities of Minneapolis / St. Paul Minnesota and customers worldwide.