SPOTLIGHT ON ... FASHION
November 2005
Pearls are a Timeless Trend
by Sara Hardin
Pearls are a timeless treasure that has crossed every international boundary line known to man. They have been widely written about in historical and religious texts. Over centuries, many cultures have invested time, interest and love into nature's perfect gift to the bead world. Pearls are perfected by nature and need little to no extra work. They don't have to be cut or polished. They simply can be placed into a setting or pierced to be strung into a design.
Real pearls are created by the glandular secretions of a living creature called a mollusk. Mollusks commonly have a soft body with a hard exterior shell much like a clam or snail. They live in marine and freshwater habitats as well as on land. Any mollusk that produces a shell can produce a pearl. However, naturally occurring pearls are rare, found in only one of every 10,000 animals. The cultured pearl industry, which has flourished since the early 20th century, has developed techniques to greatly improve these odds. Indeed, more pearls are produced now than at any time in human history.
According to The History of Beads, by Lois Dubin:
"Among the earliest surviving examples of pearl jewelry is a three-strand necklace of an Achaemenid princess of about 350 B.C., found at the site of Susa, the ancient royal Persian winter residence. Another early pearl necklace fragment was found in a large hoard of jewelry in Pasargadae, probably hidden about 330 B.C. from Alexander the Great's advancing army."
Today, pearls are everywhere and they aren't going anywhere any time soon!
Check out "InStyle", Nov. 2005-pg. 188 to see a slew of different pearl designs that are hot for this winter season. Penny Proddow and Marion Fasel from "InStyle" say:
"Strands of Time/Pearl necklaces, often mixed with gold chains, are starting to resemble bejeweled ropes. Designers are going to dazzling new lengths: 60, 97 and even 160 inches. Let these marine beauties lure you in."
We can't seem to stay stocked in the large mother of pearl beads. They are available in 12, 14 and 16mm. You can choose from classic white, soft and subtle pink or make a bolder statement with peach.Long lengths and large beads seem to be the ticket to being hip through the holiday season and well into next year!
All Pearls Available
Pearl Earwires
Pearl Connectors
Pearl Clasp
