YOUR LOOK jewelry Perfect as a Pearl You can never go wrong with the classic elegance and timeless beauty of the pearl, regardless of the occasion randma was right—every woman needs a pearl necklace. It’s one of the finest pieces of jewelry a woman can purchase, and it has long been adored over the many centuries for its beauty and elegance. Pearl necklaces are often a family heirloom, and many brides wear them on their wedding days. There is something special about the way pearl necklaces warm to the skin that set them apart from any other type of necklace. Throughout time and ancient civilizations, necklaces have a long tradition of signifi- cance, whether used to display an amulet of protection, a sign of religion or cultural heritage, or a status symbol for the fashion elite. Do you prefer the classic, creamy-white pearl necklace or the more exotic, black Tahitian, or pink pearl necklaces that are avail- able? Should you buy a single strand or multi-strand necklace? The choices are as endless as the different personalities of the women that wear them. G ONE JEWEL FOR EVERYONE Pearl jewelry is one of the most versatile types of jewelry known to man. Pearls exclude no social or economic class, they can go with any outfit, and are suitable for any occasion. Pearls have been prized for thousands of years by queens and empresses to entre- preneurs and policy-makers who revel in their ability to project the image of success, wealth and power. Alternately, pearls are also symbols of purity and goodness, so they have naturally been the fa- vored gift for girls and women. Parents traditionally adorn their girls with pearls for an impor- tant event, such as the Sweet Sixteen, Prom night or graduation. Mothers have their daughters wear pearls as brides, and female at- tendants are often bedecked with pearls. Women love accessories, using them to enhance their wardrobes, and those who are looking for the perfect gift for the women in their lives, you can always find this a gift that will be appreciated. PICKING YOUR PARTICULAR PEARL The value of the pearls in jewelry is determined by a combina- 20 PAGEANTRY PEARL VISION: Actress Katherine Heigl is all about elegant glamour when she is in the spotlight as she is frequently seen in pearl necklaces. Here she wears a triple strand pearl necklace with a Princess cut Purple Sapphire gemstone. tion of the luster, color, size, lack of surface flaw and symmetry that are appropriate for the type of pearl under consideration. Among those attributes, luster is the most important differentiator of pearl quality, according to jewelers. All factors being equal, however, the larger the pearl the more valuable it is. Large, perfectly round pearls are rare and highly valued. Teardrop-shaped pearls are often used in pendants. A pearl necklace may use a palette of colors ranging from white to black. Irresistibly extraordinary, rare black Tahitian pearls show- case dark, sexy shades of grey and black, shimmering overtones and a bright, crisp luster. Freshwater pearls are used in a wide variety of pearl jewelry, because of their natural luster and variety of sizes, colors and shapes to be easily incorporated into almost any design. Colors generally range from cream to silver-white, but can reflect other overtones in the surface, such as a natural pink, lavender or rose color, and they will stay vivid and true for a lifetime. Color