Category Archives: Pearls

Fundamental Shift in Freshwater Pearl Market?

Although it’s extremely difficult to predict market fluctuations, it does appear that fundamental shifts are underway in the freshwater pearl market. As most professional pearl and bead stringers use freshwater pearls in their work, I thought this information may be … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Pearls | Tagged baroque pearls, freshwater pearl market, freshwater pearls, keshis, nucleated pearls, round pearls

Pearls and Iron

With the release of “The Iron Lady,” the Financial Times recently published a wonderful story about how Maggie Thatcher agreed to totally remake her image…with only one exception. In order to compete successfully as a politician, her handlers told her … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewelry History, Pearls | Tagged Maggie Thatcher, pearls, The Iron Lady

Long Pearl Necklaces have Royal Ancestors

The Edwardian period, named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, refers to the period between 1880 and 1915. During this time, Edward and his wife, the Danish Princess Alexandra, dominated English society, setting standards of dress, jewelry and etiquette. … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewelry History, Pearls | Tagged Edwardian jewelry, lariats, pearls, Queen Alexandra, sautoirs, seed pearls

Pearls in Medicine: Some Anecdotes

In my in-box this morning, I received an announcement of a new line of lipsticks containing pearl powder to “make lips sparkle and glow.” Although we pearl and bead stringers focus on pearls as ornament, ground or powdered pearls have … Continue reading →

Posted in Pearls | Tagged Albertus Magnus, Alfonso the Learned, Gascoigne's Powder, pearls in cosmetics, pearls in medicine

Chinese Freshwater Market Developments

A major article from the New York Times today reflects what pearl and bead stringers have known for some time: that Chinese freshwater pearls are achieving significant quality factors and provide a lower cost alternative to South Seas pearls. More … Continue reading →

Posted in Pearls | Tagged Edison pearls, freshwater pearls, large pearls, New York Times

Pearl and Bead Stringers and Pearl Identification

One of the most frequently asked questions by pearl and bead stringers and by our clients is how to determine if the pearls used in necklace strand or in a piece of jewelry are “real.” Years ago when I earned … Continue reading →

Posted in Pearls | Tagged fake pearls, faux pearls, GIA, identifying pearls, imitation pearls, lab analysis, Majorica pearls, pearl luster, pearl overtone, pearl size, pearl skin, plastic pearls, real pearls

New Guide to Tahitian Pearls

As a jewelry designer and a pearl and bead stringer, at some point you will almost undoubtedly sell your work whether to friends and family or as part of a serious marketing effort. This means that you must know something … Continue reading →

Posted in Pearls | Tagged black pearls, oysters, South Seas Pearls, spats, Tahitian Pearls