How Pearls are Made for Fashion Jewelry

Have you ever wondered how pearls are made and sold in very expensive prices in the market? If you would like to know the process entailed in processing them, you can rely on this article. You will gain enough information on how the different forms of pearls are processed.

 

Natural Pearls

 

Pearls are formed naturally when some kind of an irritant enters the oyster or mussel. The irritant may be in a form of the following: piece of sand, bacteria, piece of shell or food particle. After that, the process of protection begins and nacre is secreted just around the irritant. Then, it will result to the formation of the pearl.

Sea water Cultured Pearls

The very first step in pearl farming from the sea is the selection of parent oysters to breed the quality oysters. One of the criteria used in the selection involves an interior with an excellent appearance, along with the thick shell. Actually, it takes up to 2 years for the baby oyster to be matured. It is during this time that they are placed in sea buckets located on the spot where the fresh water enters the sea. By doing this, the oysters will be provided with more nutrients.

The next step is inserting the nucleus or base around the area where the pearl develops. A nucleus or base can be made from a freshwater mussel shell also known as pigtoe. The shell is formed just like the shape of a bead. When the pigtoe has been inserted into the Akoya oyster, it has a great potential for success. After that, the oysters will be set on land for half an hour. This is the right time for them to open their shells which are usually braced open. After that, the nucleus will be surgically placed into the oyster which will then be put back into the sea basket. This basket provides for mobility to protect against temperature variations or predators. Changes in temperature will also affect the pearl’s quality that may lead to the oyster’s death.

The pearl’s growth, through the deposit of necre layers usually takes 2-4 years. The period of cultivation is usually based upon the size and quality of the pearl desired. Then, the pearl will finally be removed from the oyster.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls

The freshwater mussels that have the capability to develop pearls can grow in freshwater lakes or rivers. Just like the saltwater pearls, these freshwater pearls are cultivated in the very same manner. However, the freshwater pearl’s nucleus is made from a so-called mantle tissue.

Saltwater and Fresh Pearls

The so-called keshii pearls can be grown in either saltwater or freshwater oysters. Actually, they are classified as cultured pearls because of the fact that the nucleus inserted is excluded prior to the pearl’s complete formation. When these pearls have undergone polishing, they can already be sold in the market. These are some of the ways on how pearls are made based from the location where they are found.

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Difference Between Bangles and Bracelets

Most common in terms of Fashion Accessories are Bangles and Bracelets. But wait, is there any difference at all between these two? Most of the time, people make the mistake of interchanging the use of these two words. Etymologically speaking, “bracelet” and “bangle” are entirely different terms. Bangle actually came from the Hindu word bangri that means “ring shaped anklet or bracelet.” On the other hand, bracelet came from brachialle, a term in Middle French that means “armlet.”

With their dissimilar linguistic roots, these two terms approximate varied regional origins of these adornments. Of the two terms, bracelet seems to be more generic when it comes to definition, for this encompasses all things that are being worn on a person’s arm, although usually, it is worn on one’s wrist. In contrast, bangle is more of like fixed in form, which is being ring-shaped. Therefore, the very essential distinction that can be solicited is the fact that bangles should be shaped like a ring, which means that they must always be solid and circular while the bracelets can actually be flexible.

But aside from this, bangles imply a kind of musicality which is not offered by bracelets. In the culture of Hindus or in variations of the Western world, several bangles can actually be worn all at the same time. Here, the bangles usually hit against each other, which produce a very lovely percussive sound. This might actually be the explanation behind the term bangle’s onomatopoeic quality. The fact that a bangle is essentially solid dictates that one must be created from a limited array of compact materials. This is the reason why you will encounter gold, silver and wooden bangles.

On the other hand, this is also the rationally behind the fact that bracelets are being made from a bigger range of different materials. You can find bracelets made from hemp, leather, cotton as well as gold and silver.

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Wildlife Inspired Pieces of Fashion Jewelry

Nature and wildlife is now the favorite of many fashion and jewellery designers, as more and more jewellery pieces are taking inspirations from the natural resources of the earth. As media becomes more nature-inspired and eco-conscious, so does the jewellery world. Each season, a new plant or animals seems to be added to the fine lines of jewellery. Some of them even resemble the themes from North America while some even take modern versions from those themes during the movement of Art Nouveau.

Whether it has taken inspiration from something as big as an elephant or as small as a worm, the rationale behind the popularity of wildlife inspired jewellery is attributed much to the delivery’s originality instead of the message itself. The snake and owl are practically everywhere, and so are the leaf and twig designs, especially when you have them dangling from both your ears and make them encircle your wrist.

There are already several companies that have taken one step further and opted to use earth friendly metals. As more and more people are becoming aware of the destructions suffered by the earth, such companies decided to go against the aggressive practices used in mining metals and stones. When using wildlife inspired jewellery, the meanings of such figures are usually aesthetic and personal. Even if the designs commonly have the touch and feel of Art Nouveau, jewellery designers still have their own stories on how they came up with such designs.

Using materials that are inspired by the North Americans such as turquoise and feathers has already become mainstream these days in many jewellery shops. Although some of the precious stones and symbol do have more than superficial meanings, others are being used mainly for the aesthetic beauty that they have.

Modern designers from North America are actually influenced by the processes that are eco-friendly as well as the natural themes of the wildlife, not only in jewellery but in fashion as a whole. Pat Pruitt, for example, used stingray skin in making the belt buckle. Meanwhile, deer antler parts and fashioned stones were used by Mike Bird Romero in coming up with several designs that he has created.

Most of these wildlife inspired jewellery are actually the fruits of the travels that were usually taken by many jewellery designers. More often than not, their muses are actually what they see during these travels which are actually wildlife most of the time. Snake bangles are good examples of these wildlife inspired jewellery pieces that has sustained the popularity that they had ten years ago.

Truly, the jewellery pieces that have taken inspiration from the wildlife have become really popular among all jewellery lovers. But aside from their beauty, let us not forget that they also serve as a great reminder that nature itself is wonderful on its own and this beauty must be taken care of by all means. In a way, using wildlife inspired pieces of jewellery is a way of opening the eyes of people that the wildlife is something that needs to be cherished.

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Tips on Wedding fashion Accessory Part 3

Hi my dear readers. here's the continuation of the first part of Tips on Wedding Fashion Accessory. I have discussed about Wedding Veils on the first part and Wedding Headpieces on the second part and now comes the favorite part of all wedding accessories; the Fashion Jewellery! After your dress and smile, the kind of jewellery that you choose to adorn will really cast an impression about you. Usually wedding jewellery is kept minimalistic, however, each to her own.

Necklace

Necklace is the most popular of the wedding accessories jewellery. Necklaces could be something as simple as a string of pearls or diamonds, matching your wedding dress or more intricate patterns, which show off your eclectic taste. The ground rule of wedding accessories jewellery is simple – keep it elegant and non fussy. Classic designs work better than contemporary pieces, when it comes to necklaces. Opt for wearing heirlooms or choose a style that is a classic and will always be treasured for its simplicity. While there can really be no ground rules, generally, an intricate necklace works well when you have a low cut wedding gown, as the neck is emphasised. Whereas a simple necklace works well when you are wearing a traditional cut wedding gown.

Earrings

Earrings as wedding accessories have their fair share of fan following. Earrings could be something as simple as ear studs, a little fancy such as drop earrings or something as lavish as chandelier earrings. Again, the general rule here is go simple if you have an intricately designed necklace and go a little more flashy if you plan to wear nothing at the neck or just a plain simple string of pearls/ diamonds. Pearls, diamonds and coloured semi precious and precious stones are considered the wedding accessory classics here.

Bracelets and watches

Bracelets look great, however, are not very popular. Perhaps, as a wedding accessory, they may add too much clutter or may be too expensive. Broad wrist clasps or thin diamond or pearl bracelets look great if the rest of the ensemble is not too busy. Wrist watches as a part of wedding accessories are usually not worn, unless they have a sentimental reason to be worn on the special occasion.

I also include Purses and shoes on the third part of this tips.

Purses

Purses are usually not very popular as wedding accessories, however, there are no ground rules and you may decide to carry one, once all the ceremonies are over. While choosing a purse, ensure that it is a small, petite looking clutch or handbag. Unconventional designs, patterns and colours are a strict no-no when it comes to this wedding accessory. You could opt for sling bags as well. Ensure that the colour matches your main ensemble and the material is a classic such as leather or satin and nothing tacky or very contemporary.

Shoes

Shoes are important and often ignored part of your wedding accessories list. Here, you may end up asking the forever question of whether to opt for flats or heels. My advice – go in for something that you are comfortable wearing. Flats have a great way of comforting you and are perhaps your only choice if you are tall and your better half is not as tall. On the other hand, heels look great, make you feel sexy and your gait becomes more feminine. Always remember, you may have a long day ahead and the last thing that you would perhaps want is achy feet. When it comes to this wedding accessory, you could choose from open styles such as sandals or closed styles such as pumps. Opt for colours matching your wedding ensemble to look great and feel super confident. Shoes often also come in dye-able colours so virtually any colour that you may want would be available in the market.

Your wedding is your special day – go out, try as many options of wedding accessories discussed above, as possible to choose the best and look every bit a star that you truly are!

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Tips on Wedding fashion Accessory Part 2

Hi my dear readers. here's the continuation of the first part of Tips on Wedding Fashion Accessory. I have discussed about Wedding Veils on the first part now I'm going to share to you all about Wedding Headpieces and it is the next popular category in wedding accessories. Usually it is consist of Crystals, pearls, hairpins, flowers, headbands, and tiaras – the options available in headpieces can be really confusing. Many of you may have a rough idea about what you are exactly looking at. The choices available in this category of wedding accessories are plenty and it is easy to get confused. Wedding accessories for the hair are versatile and are available in many forms, shapes and textures.

Tiaras

The good old tiara has been a favorite wedding accessory with the brides. And it is easy to see why – a tiara can make any bride feel special and a princess in her own right, instantaneously! However, owing to the vast choice of different kinds of hair accessories available in the market today, these are slowly being replaced with other, more inventive hair accessories.  Tiaras in crystal, semi precious metal and pearls are the most popular. Nature inspired tiaras incorporating natural flowers, twigs or shells look great too, if you plan to have a beach wedding.

Headbands

While tiaras are becoming predictable, headbands are increasingly growing in popularity in the segment of wedding accessories. The reason of the sudden surge in their popularity is, that unlike a tiara, a headband is more contemporary and since it lies flat, can be worn with many different kinds of hair styles. The options available for headbands can be many and varied – right from a simple band of studded stones to a more intricate pattern incorporating crystals, flowers and ribbons. If you are planning on buying a wedding headband, there are many designs to choose from. My suggestion is to seek out as many as possible – on the net, in the shops and then decide what will look the best.

Flowers

Flowers can look elegant and very contemporary and young. Again, there is no dearth of options available in the market  – right from the natural and fresh flowers to the cloth and plastic flowers and of course metallic flowers, encrusted with stones, crystals etc. From the very popular roses and plumerias, these days you also find the exotic orchids and hibiscus designs. The best part about using artificial flowers is that they can be dyed to match you outfit. You could wear the floral wedding accessories in the form of a rubber band, a hair clip/ barrette or a hair comb. Usually these are worn near your ear – towards the backside of the head. Choose a style that you personally like in terms of design, colour and pattern – you would be surprised to see what the market has to offer in terms of floral wedding accessories.

Feathers

Feathers are a great choice especially if your tastes are exotic. Plumage is available in many colourful options, apart from the basic black, white and brown. Like flowers, feathers could be a part of a hair comb, a barrette or a rubber band. Opt for feather hair wedding accessories if you wish to don something really unique on your special day!

So that's for today, stay updated for the continuation of this wonderful Wedding Fashion Accessory Tips.

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Tips on Wedding fashion Accessory Part 1

Your wedding day is near you got yourself a bridal gown, but you still feel incomplete and you need to be ‘a little different from the others’. Well the details count, especially in taking a dress form plain to WOW! Choosing your Wedding Fashion accessories well will surely ensure that you stand out! Here is the first part of the good tips in choosing Bridal fashion Accessories.

VEILS

An inherent part of any wedding is the veil. Veil is perhaps the most important wedding accessory too. Veil adds mystery, drama and enigma to the wearer and as such, while choosing a veil, much thought is put into it.

One layer veils

The most popular amongst wedding accessories is the single layer veil option. Usually made in the net fabric, which is dyed to match the colour of the main wedding gown, this is the simplest of the veil options you may come across. As the name suggests, the fabric in this veil is in a single layer and may have interesting variations by having a satin or ribbon edge, a scalloped embroidered edge. You may even opt for a rhinestone or pearl lined edge to add some shimmer and glamour to an otherwise plain veil. You could choose to have the veil cover your face completely or just hang towards the back side.

Two layer veils

Similar to a single layer veil, the wedding accessory of two layer veil – has two layers of fabric and can have multiple options as discussed above to make it interesting. Two layer veils look great as they add a certain body to the veil, without taking away its mystery and charisma. Method of wearing a veil could be many and varied – choose one which makes you feel confident.

Cage veils

As the name suggests, covers your face. Made in net fabric with bigger holes – almost resembling fishnet, this veil is not for the faint hearted as this wedding accessory is usually considered fashion forward. Cage veils are usually shorter than traditional veils and are adorned with feathers, corsages, flowers and sometimes even mini hats. Choose this veil, if you want to stand out from the other brides as this wedding accessory has the power of transforming you in seconds!

This is the first Part, I'll just post the remaining wedding accessory on my next post :)

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