The New Take on Pearl Necklaces and Earrings

Pearls are classic and beautiful – known for their timeline elegance. They will always be in fashion, yet this season, there's a different take on jewelry made from these stunning natural stones. Designers and celebs are putting their own modern twist on pieces – ranging from drop earrings to multi-tiered necklaces and lariats. Enter the new age of pearls.

Necklaces – Typically, pearl necklace favorites have included single short strand, or a sole pearl dangling as a pendant. However, it's not just limited to your grandmother's style of pearl necklaces anymore. These days, pearls are being mixed with different types of chains and metallics and are being placed in settings that are fresh and unique. Today, thanks to style-setters like Michelle Obama, pearl necklaces are making a comeback in a big way. The stones are getting larger – some even as big as gumdrops. One of the best ways to incorporate a contemporary pearl necklace is to pair it with an LBD or a sleek blouse. For something different, try a lariat style chain, with pearls on either end. Or, for something a little edgier, opt for pearls on a thick chain link necklace, either asymmetrical or layered with other mix and match pieces.Earrings – Pearl stud earrings have their place, but this season, it's all about incorporating new takes on these old favorites. Look for earrings that have settings in rope-like chain, where the pearl is actually being held inside the metal. Another option is a thin wire hoop with pearls dangling from the end. This style is feminine and interesting. Pearl earrings also pair well with rhinestone encrusted clasps and florals, for a glamorous statement.So, if you're thinking about wearing pearl jewelry for a wedding, an everyday look, or a special night out, consider the new take on pearl jewelry that will keep you looking current and fabulous.

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Michelle Obama's Fashion Jewelry Style

Over the past few years, we've watched as now First Lady Michelle Obama has undergone a style evolution. From her super-chic sheaths to floral printed dresses, she's upped the style quotient in the White House at every appearance she makes. Not to be forgotten are her look-at-me accessories that define her signature look and pull her outfits together. From bubble-gum size pearls to big brooches and hoop earrings, we examine some of the most memorable pieces she's worn and try to keep up with this fashion-forward all-American mom as she makes history.



Pearls, pearls, pearls – Michelle Obama favors these classic stones, but she adds her own contemporary twist by wearing oversize faux pearl necklaces and gorgeous strands of color in gold and brown.



Pendants – Ever the fashion icon, Michelle pushes the envelope by wearing multiples of classic necklaces. One of her most memorable pendant choices was a peace symbol and hope dog tag necklace, that she has casually sported on several occasions.



Classic shaped earrings – On election night, the new First Lady of Fashion chose a pair of double oval hoop earrings. The silver tone set a beautiful compliment to her black and red dress. She's also opted for gold hoop earrings as a simple accessory to accent colorful pieces.



Color – Michelle is not afraid of adding a pop of color here and there, and that includes her jewelry. She loves look-at-me beads, like the chunky double-stranded blue choker she wore to a speaking engagement. More recently, she wore a layered necklace look with canary and turquoise colored beads to contrast an all-black ensemble.

Mrs. Obama certainly keeps up with – or is responsible for setting – some of the most favored fashion jewelry trends to date. We can only wait in anticipation to see what she pulls out of her hat next.

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How to tell if your pearl necklace or earing is real or fake
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MICHELLE OBAMA'S DRESS-MICHELLE OBAMA'S INAUGURATION DRESS

How to tell if your pearl necklace or earring is real or fake?

My colleagues and i love pearl jewelry very much, sometimes we will talk about how to tell if our pearl necklaces or earrings are real or fake, i will list our methods to distinguish between real pearls and fakes. I hope they will be helpful to you too.




First, real pearl necklaces or earrings feel rough or gritty, but fake pearls feel smooth.

In order to test them, we can rub two pearls gently together, if the surfaces are glassy smooth, these pearl necklaces or earrings are probably artificial. However, if the surfaces are texture, these pearl necklaces or earrings are probably genuine. Another funny test is to test by rubbing a real or fake pearl against your tooth. If the pearl is made of plastic or glass, it will feel smooth. If the pear is real, we can see natural texture on the pearl necklace or earring.

Second, if the pearl necklace or earring is sold at an unbelivable price, i think we need to test it more carefully, as we all know, there are no pies dropping from the sky.

Third, imitation pearl necklaces or earrings are usally made by glass or plastic beads, the coating will chip over time. So we can check pearl necklaces or earrings near holes drilled trough them for tiny chips or flakes. If you see some chips, your pearl necklaces or earrings may be fake.

Fourth, real pearls can be either natural or cultured. Natural pearls are usually irregularly shaped and not very attractive, so the naturally round pearls are precious. However, the majority of perfectly shaped pearls are cultured.

At last, if you have better methods to test if pearl necklace or earring is real or not, please share with us! Good luck!