How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day

Yan Berry

The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls has fascinated brides for centuries. People believe that wearing pearls on their wedding day will bring bliss to their marriage.

Pearls are classic wedding jewelry. How do you choose that perfect pearl necklace?

Here are some tips:

There are four types of pearls: Akoya, Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater. Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls grow in oceans. They are more valuable than freshwater pearls for their rarity and high luster.

Akoya pearls are the most popular. These pearls are valued for their rich color, mirror-like finish, and appealing roundness.

As with any other gemstones, the value of pearls is determined by their quality.
A pearl's quality can be A, AA, AA+, AAA, AAA+. The last two, AAA and AAA+ pearls, have the best quality and they are most valuable. For pearls of the same size, an 'A' quality pearl necklace costs only a small fraction of AAA quality pearl necklace.

The quality and value of pearls are based upon six criteria: luster, nacre, surface, color, shape, size and matching. The educated buyer uses his or her preferences to decide which criteria are most important.

Nacre: Most buyers of pearl jewelry pay most attention to the pearls' nacre thickness. Nacre is the coating that a pearl oyster produces to cover the pearl's nucleus; it is the key to how long pearls last. You should look for pearls with nacre thickness over 0.4mm.

Luster and Surface: Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. A strand of pearls with high luster, mirror finish and clean surfaces is most desirable and valuable.

Color: It is a personal choice. Consider buying a pearl necklace whose color will complement your clothing and your skin tone.

Size: The price of pearls that are larger than 7mm varies greatly. People usually buy the largest pearls they can afford.

Shape: Round pearls are most desirable and valuable.

Matching: For a pearl necklace or bracelet, matching refers to the ways in which all of the pearls are similar. It is difficult to find enough identical pearls to make a well-matched pearl necklace; therefore such a necklace commands a top price.

After you have decided the type, color, size and quality of pearls that you want, think about your budget. Take your time to shop around and find that perfect pearl necklace for your wedding day!

Copyright: © 2004 by Yan Berry


Mrs. Berry is a pearl expert and the founder of Premium Pearl, a leading online provider of high quality pearl jewelry.

Mohican County Rambles in Ohio
Melody Schubert

Mohican County Rambles in Ohio

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On our drive along I-71 to the Mohican State Park Resort and Conference Center in North-Central Ohio, near Loudonville, dark clouds loom in the distance. The storm passed ahead of Leroy and I, although a chilly wind follows in its wake, stirring up the earthy scents of the forest to greet us when we arrive at the Resort. Fall temperatures for the Perrysville- Loudonville area in Ohio normally ranges in the upper 50s at night. In the winter when guests visit the Mohican Memorial State Forest adjacent to the park to cruise the snowy trails on their snowmobiles temperatures drop to a high 20 degrees.

A bit tired, we can't resist slipping into our jackets and taking a brisk walk to admire the bright moon rising in the sky over Pleasant Hill Lake below the Mohican State Park Resort. The 6,000-acre Mohican State Park and Forest is peaceful except for the rustling of tree limbs and the distant hoot of an owl. For a brief moment I imagine the Delaware Indians huddled around a camp fire after a day of hunting before they were driven from the area during the War of 1812. The Mohican State Park, Resort, and Camp Grounds are packed throughout the year with those who love hunting, fishing on Pleasant Hill Lake, and camping at one of 123 sites in the park. Leroy draws me back from my thoughts to retire to our recently renovated and spacious guestroom where we relax with a cup of hot tea on a private balcony.

In the morning the lobby is filled with aroma of fresh baked muffins. While we dined on our selections of fresh fruits and baked goods from the wonderful buffet at the Bromfield Restaurant outside the window the squirrels and blue jays shared a meal. Afterwards, Leroy challenges me to a quick game of pool while a family tests their skills at table tennis. Of course, he wins, but there's always later when I'm sure to win at checkers, chess, or a number of other games available for entertainment in the lobby. For now we're headed out to admire the fall foliage, shop, and catch a parade in Loudonville on our first day out.

Fall leaves skitter across the road while we drive through the beautiful forests and over a scenic river below a covered bridge. On our way to Loudonville we find the historic Pine Run Grist Mill where festivals are held annually. There is also a wonderful assortment of outdoor activities like horse back riding, canoeing, and go-carts for our family to enjoy on our summer camping trip next year.

Ahead, we spot the cars and crowds headed toward downtown Loudonville for the parade. While waiting for the floats and bands to pass we chat with our new friend, Paula. Almost like magic, she waves her hand and who should appear walking down the sidewalk . . . Sylvester, the cat.

It's these unexpected moments in small towns I've come to enjoy most on our trips after growing up in the big city of Los Angeles. Loudonville has fabulous shops like the Books, Bangles, and Brews, offering dining, hand-dipped ice cream, homemade desserts, and previously read books. I love books, but before I could get too close Leroy quickly steered me toward the door and gently reminded me I have plenty at home on my shelf to finishing reading first. That's all right; I also like Southwest d�cor and found a great selection of gifts, Indian art, and jewelry in the Creative Outlet, which also has a wonderful Relaxation Center . Across the street I discovered unique gifts for family and friends and heavenly scented homemade bath products by Grandma's Cupboard and at a precious shop called The Extraordinary Shoppe.

To complete our day we took a trip to Landoll's Mohican Castle located seven miles from Loudonville. We climb a tree-lined drive and take in an amazed breath of awe; here stands a German-style castle from a fairy tale with turrets and oriels, right in Ohio. It is not the castle that makes the man, but his compassion and kindness. We knew this was true when we shook Mr. Jim Landoll's hand.

The castle is a reflection of hard work and dedication to his family who work with him on site to make the dreams of guests come true. We listen while he describes the preparations for the fairy tale wedding. His eyes light up when this humble man speaks about past weddings when the bride becomes a princess standing on the balcony of his castle and waves down at her prince below. In addition to weddings, Landoll's Mohican Castle also host conferences and banquets. Guests staying at one of the eleven elegant suites or luxury cottage at the castle can wander the 30 miles of trails throughout the 1,100 acre woodlands, or work out in the fitness center adjacent to the pool with sauna rooms,and a cascading waterfall. The elegant suites have convenient kitchens, luxury Jacuzzi's, and inviting fireplaces.

Legends At The Castle Restaurant.

After a tour of the grounds, which are held daily, we stop for a

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Melody Schubert, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com



Melody Schubert, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.