Engagement Rings Store Online

From solitaire engagement rings. Even the most affordable pieces of Jewellery are still costlier than most of the everyday things we purchase. Furthermore, its easy for people with untrained eyes to be fooled into paying a lot for fake Jewelry. Use the tips below to ensure you're making the smart and the right investment when buying Jewellery pieces.

How to Buy Gold Jewellery

Gold is one of the most commonly used materials for Jewelry. And as gold Jewellery doesn't discolor like silver does, they are ideal for people with allergy concerns. Because of its malleability, gold is mixed with other metals to improve its durability and structure. That's why even 24K gold isn't really made purely of gold.

Gold Jewellery is measured by its karat or the amount of gold it contains. 24K gold is the highest karat amount you can look for. The next would be 18K, 14K, 12K, and 10K. Any gold Jewelry with a rating lower than 10K is no longer considered gold Jewelry. In Europe, the karat rating is shown in percentage. 18K would be .750 because it contains 75% gold. 14K would be .583, 12K would be .500.

How to Buy Jewellery Made of Silver, Platinum, and Other Metals

Other metals beside gold are also used to make Jewellery. Platinum is one good example and today's market prices it even more expensively than gold. Platinum Jewellery is also rated according to its platinum content. 

92.5% is the highest rating provided for silver or sterling silver Jewelry pieces; it signifies the amount of silver used in the jewelries. Other metals commonly used for Jewelry are pewter and vermeil.

How to Buy Gem Jewellery

There are two primary types of Gems: natural and artificial. Natural Gemstones are more expensive. Artificial, company-created, or synthetic Gemstones are made in the laboratory.

The size and weight are important when buying Gemstones. A 1-carat Diamond will weigh 50 points or 1/5th of a gram. At times, Diamonds are subjected to certain treatments to change or improve their durability or appearance. The laws require Jewelry makers to label their items clearly if they had been treated in any way. In most cases, treated Jewelry pieces are less costly than untreated ones.

Commonly used treatments today include bleaching, dyeing, diffusion, fracture filling, impregnating, irradiation, and heating. Bleaching is used to whiten pearls, jades, and other similar stones. Dyeing, diffusion, heating, and irradiation mostly have to do with improving the color of Diamonds. Impregnating and fracture filling, on the other hand, make flaws of Diamonds less visible.

Gems are also appraised according to the same 4C's used for appraising Diamonds, and they are cut, color, clarity, and, which has been previously discussed, carat weight.

Darker Gemstones aren't always better. Sapphire that's too dark could have its bluish shade ending up appearing black, and this is considered undesirable by many. Its best to view the color of Gemstones at all light levels to judge it more accurately. Ultimately, look for vividness and brightness in colored Gemstones.

Clarity refers to the absence of flaws in a Diamond. Imperfections, or inclusions as they're called, are sometimes used to as birthmarks because they indicate the Gemstones origins. Other times, they actually increase the value of the Diamond, such as it is in the case of stars in star rubies and sapphires.

Cut doesn't necessarily make a Gemstone more expensive, but it could enhance or detract from its appearance.

Diamonds can be classified into several categories. Traditional Gemstones are made up of emerald, blue sapphire, and ruby. They were originally called precious Gemstones and with the rest merely delegated to semi-precious category. Most of the time, rubies and emeralds are more expensive than sapphires because of their rarity. 

New classics refer to currently fashionable Diamonds, those on the rise in the industry like aquamarine and tourmaline. Connoisseur Gemstones refer to those that are hard to find like alexandrite, a rare pinkish stone, sapphires that have other colors than blue, and black opal. 

Collectors gems are rare but affordable and of great beauty like morganite and zircon. Lastly, affordable Gemstones are those with high quantity in the market, affordably priced, but with excellent overall value such as amethyst and blue topaz.

How to Buy Pearl Jewelry

Pearls may be natural, cultured (naturally grown but with human intervention), or synthetic. Artificial or synthetic pearls are man-made and produced using plastic, glass, or other similar materials. Pearls are judged according to the skin, luster, shape, and size. Skin refers to the absence of blemishes, luster is an exclusive quality of pearls, referring to its surface glow, and shape places preferences for the most perfect spheres for pearls.

For more see unique princess cut diamond rings and cheap cushion cut diamond rings.

Technorati Tags: diamonds, gemstone, gold, Jewelry, pearls, platinum, silver

When most people think about pearls, shiny white pearls are what cross their mind first. These are definitely the most traditional and abundant pearls found on the market, but they are far from being the only choice. Freshwater and saltwater pearls alike come in a glorious rainbow of colors, all unique. One color pearl becoming more popular these days are genuine lavender pearls.

Many people may not know that lavender pearls can be found and harvested naturally. These pearls have a beautiful, soft purple color that is perfect for the springtime. Most lavender pearls are harvested from freshwater oysters. The color of the pearl is determined by the color of the inside of the mollusk. Freshwater pearls are produced inside mollusks and are capable of producing about 50 pearls at one time, which is a huge advantage on the pearl market. An irritant is implanted inside the mantle tissue which causes the mollusk to form a pearl.

In order for freshwater pearl producing mollusks to survive, they must live in an environment with fish, either wild or farm-raised. The harmony of species living together provides the perfect environment for the production of pearls. Another advantage of freshwater pearls is the fact that they are composed almost entirely of nacre. Since only an irritant is introduced into the mollusk, not a bead, the pearl created is incredibly hard and lustrous. This is also where color comes into play. The irritant is implanted into the mantle tissue so whatever color that tissue is replicates itself onto the pearl.

Lavender pearls are a bit rarer than some of the other colors, which makes them pretty valuable. These pearls have a beautiful, soft tone to them often with a high luster. They can really be a great addition to any jewelry collection as they have the feel of traditional pearls, but with a twist. Lavender is also a neutral enough color to be worn with a lot of different outfits. These days, versatility is important when it comes to spending money on a luxury like pearls. Investing in a high quality strand of pearls that you love will more than pay for itself when you are still wearing them 15 years down the road!

Wearing and integrating lavender pearls into your wardrobe is easy. A single strand of lavender pearls worn with a white scoop neck shirt or blazer will add an unexpected pop to your look. Another great investment would be a classic pair of lavender pearl stud earrings. You will be able to wear them with just about everything but the compliments will never stop rolling in.

Lavender pearls are symbolic of wisdom and love and are the perfect choice for anyone in a leadership type of role. Purple and lavender is also a color that has historically been linked to royalty. Many cultures also associate lavender with the spirituality, making this gemstone a prized possession. Much like a “power tie” that men often wear to big meetings or speeches, lavender pearls can do the same for women when they are paired with a sleek and sophisticated suit.

Technorati Tags: lavender pearls, pearl earrings, pearl jewelry, pearl necklaces, pearls, purple pearls

One of the beautiful things about pearls is how diverse they are in shape, color, and size. All of them have a unique shine and luster and there are so many beautiful colors to choose from. In the days of economic hardship, they have also become the affordable luxury. Pearls have become very much sought after since the prices of precious metals have skyrocketed. Not only are they affordable, but they are versatile – an important characteristic in extravagant products.

Pearls do come in many different colors and this can make it difficult to choose just one strand when you are surfing the internet or jewelry cases in the stores. Many people might lean towards the traditional white pearls, thinking that they will be the most flexible in their wardrobes. This may be true, but there is another option that can give you this same versatility but with a more exciting twist – peach pearls! Not only are peach pearls found naturally but can go with just about any outfit.

Peach pearls are found naturally in freshwater mollusks. An irritant is introduced into the mantle tissue of a mollusk and the pearl creation process begins. Any freshwater mollusk that has a peach colored mantle tissue creates peach pearls. Freshwater mollusks have the capability of creating up to 50 pearls at one time. This makes freshwater pearls abundant and readily available which in turn helps keep the cost down. These pearls are also incredibly durable as freshwater pearls are made entirely of nacre.

Since pastels are very popular in the upcoming fashion season, peach pearls are the perfect accessory. Designers everywhere are introducing accessories and clothing that is dripping with femininity and soft sophistication. Nothing says feminine like a strand of classic pearls. Peach pearls are a neutral color, yet still exciting and look great with a bold floral print top or a lavender blazer for the office. Pearls are a simple accessory but make a big statement every time you put them on.

Peach is significant of love and generosity and immortality in Chinese culture. Peaches and the color are very important in Eastern culture. They are found throughout their histories and to this day represent longevity. Wearing a strand of peach pearls can give off a sense of comfort and accessibility. This color can subconsciously allow people to feel calm and serene when they are around you. If you want to feel approachable in order to complete a task or convince someone of your opinion, peach pearls might help you do just that! Peach pearls are not only available in necklaces. You can find fabulous peach pearl earrings, bracelets or even rings. No matter which you choose, you are adding a timeless piece of jewelry to your wardrobe.

Technorati Tags: peach pearl bracelets, peach pearl earrings, peach pearl necklaces, peach pearls, pearls

One jewelry trend that is here to stay for the 2010 season is statement necklaces. These big, bold necklaces were hot during 2009 and they don’t seem to have lost any steam for the upcoming year. There are two distinct styles hitting the runways in 2010 – geometric and bauble. Bold, bright colors and metallics are also popular when it comes to statement necklaces. This is one jewelry trend that’s easy to wear no matter where you are going.

The geometric statement necklace can be a bold, modern fashion move. This style of statement necklace is often found with long, metallic chains and large geometric shapes adorning them. These necklaces can be an incredibly fun addition to your wardrobe. Striking geometric shapes like squares and triangles are often layered in bright bold colors. If you cannot quite make the leap for the biggest and boldest shapes in stores now, there is another option. A quieter, yet still fashionable choice is a metal chain necklace with smaller geometric shapes like squares and diamonds linked together charm-style embellished with bright colored stones and pearls.

Geometric statement necklaces are a great choice for everyday wear. For a fun and funky weekend outfit, pair a loose fitting scoop neck shirt with your favorite pair of jeans and throw on a bright colored geometric necklace for the perfect accessory. One of the simpler charm-like geometric necklaces is perfect for office wear. A mid-length chain with sparkly shapes and rubies or sapphires would pair great with trousers and a blazer.

The bauble statement necklace is the other hot accessory for the 2010 season. This type of necklace is perfect for the bold fashionistas out there. Bauble statement necklaces can be a lot of fun and you can find them with just about anything adorning the chains. They can be found with large roses with sparkly gemstones, hearts, large stones, pearls and ribbons. These necklaces usually hang long and look great with tunics and skinny jeans or can add some flair to an everyday blazer. Colors like bronze, black and coral are really popular for the upcoming season.

The main thing to remember when it comes to statement necklaces is to break all the rules! Go big, bold, bright and beautiful and you will embrace this trend in style. Also remember that these necklaces can be paired with just about any outfit from an evening out on the town or a weekend shopping trip with the girls. Keep in mind that they are called statement necklaces for a reason. If you wear one of these necklaces, it is the statement of your outfit. Keep the outfit simple with neutral colors and not too much pattern. This will ensure that your necklace steals the show everywhere you go.

Technorati Tags: bold jewelry, chunky necklaces, funky jewelry, Jewelry, pearls, statement necklaces

With the holidays fast approaching, the countdown has begun and holiday stress is in full swing. There is always doubt about your purchases, no matter how many lists you make. Everyone wants to be sure they buy the perfect gift for the special people on their holiday list. Making trip after trip out to the busy stores can be stressful enough; you don’t need to second guess your selections. So, this year try holiday shopping the stress free way – online.

What could be better than sitting in the comfort of your own home in your sweats with a cup of hot chocolate perusing the stores on your computer screen? Online shopping has been becoming more and more popular with increased security measures and reliability. it is easy to browse the inventory of literally hundreds of stores and see pictures of every item. Many online stores are encouraging customers to shop online by offering great holiday discounts. Sometimes you can find free shipping on online items that are already offered at deep discounts.

One great holiday gift option for all the women on your list is jewelry. Jewelry stores can often times be a high-pressure sales environment. A lot of times, you leave with a piece of jewelry you aren’t even sure is what you wanted. Shopping for jewelry online can really relieve a lot of this stress. You can take your time browsing inventory of many different stores, comparing styles and prices with no pressure. It’s also very easy to research the company and how reliable their service and products are. Just be sure to check their return policy and what date you need to order by to guarantee holiday delivery.`

A very popular jewelry gift item this season is pearls. This is such a classic gemstone that has really made a comeback into top fashion trends. There are so many options out there but you really can’t go wrong with any pearl. A great option is a pearl gift set. Choose either a sleek and sophisticated Tahitian pearl or a traditional white Akoya pearl and run with it. You can find some beautiful gift sets that include a single strand necklace and a pair of earrings. If you want to go simple, this is the perfect gift set to choose. There are even some great alternatives to a classic white pearl like lavender or peach.

Add on the gift set idea to really step things up a bit. Find the perfect gift set base, like a strand of Tahitian pearls with single stud earrings. Then shop around the same site for a bracelet and ring to match. If you chose a single strand necklace, choose a similar style bracelet. Let’s say you found the perfect strand of peacock colored Tahitian pearls large in size. A perfect addition to a gift set would be a single strand bracelet with the same color pearls but a little bit smaller in size. Throw in a ring, like a large Tahitian pearl set in an 18 karat gold setting to round out the set. No woman could resist a gasp when she opens a gift box filled with beautiful Tahitian pearls.

Another great choice is the more classic Akoya pearl. A popular, bold look right now is to layer pearls together. A great idea is to shop around online and find the perfect long strand of white, peach or lavender Akoya pearls and buy multiple strands. Pair these strands with a simple drop earring that has one pearl hanging down. A simple look like this is a great addition to any jewelry collection. She can wear both the necklaces and earrings with both business attire or out on the town. Wrap them together in the same gift display box for a sure-fire hit.

Technorati Tags: pearl accessories, pearl necklace, pearl necklaces, pearls, Tahitian pearls

From emerald cut rings. Pearl Jewelry is something a lot of women love and Jewelry made from pearls have always held a certain classiness to its composition. With pearl Jewelry, you will need to do a few things to keep them looking lovely and clean. Aside from certain maintenance techniques that you need to follow to keep them from losing their luster, there also certain things you need to avoid to help keep them in good condition.

General Maintenance and Care

Pearl Jewellery comes in many different types but are all made basically of the same composition, so the things you should avoid for one kind of pearl is the same kind of thing that you have to avoid for the others. Since a pearl is an organic Gemstone,  there are certain substances that will take away some of its inherent shine and among the things that can destroy a pearl's natural beauty are alcohol and acids. As much as you want to smell nice and look nice while wearing your precious pearl Jewelry, you should avoid the contact of your pearls with hairspray and perfume as these substances contain certain chemical components that can strip your pearl Jewellery of its lustrous glow. Sweat can also affect pearls and as such, when your pearls are touched by any of these substances, you should carefully wipe them off. You can use a damp cloth for this or you can wash your pearls in mild soapy water to get rid of any substances that may eventually affect the beauty of your pearl Jewelry.

Keep Pearls Away from These
Another thing you should do with pearl Jewellery is to keep it protected from high temperatures and from direct sunlight. Other substances that need to be avoided also include vinegar, detergents and fruit juices. These can also cause a certain amount of deterioration to your Jewellery so you should try and keep your pearls away from these.

Storage Is Important too

Maintenance is also a must and storage is part of maintenance. When you store your pearl Jewellery, make sure that your pearls are placed in a compartment or box all on its own to avoid being scratched by other pieces of Jewellery. As hard as pearls may be, there is still a tendency for them to get scratched and keeping them safe in their own padded compartment will keep them safe.  

Having and wearing pearl Jewelry is a source of pride for a lot of pearl owners and knowing how to keep them clean, safe from deterioration and damage are some of the  things that every pearl Jewelry owner should know.

For more see princess cut diamond solitaire engagement rings and unique cushion cut rings.

Technorati Tags: Jewelry, pearl jewelry, pearls

Melo pearls are also called Vietnamese Orange pearls. They are a different kind of pearl altogether. They don’t come from oysters or other mollusks, the way other pearls do. They come from predatory sea snails that populate the coasts of Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The process comes about the same way it does in normal pearls – a foreign substance like sand gets into the shell of the gastropod and creates a pearl.

The difference is that the pearl produced is non-nacreous. It is a natural calcareous concretion, which means that the chemical|9a44a7a8e0cbc95a7dfb09bfc576461a place inside the snail is different from the process that takes place inside an oyster for a traditional pearl. The result is a pearl without luster – the surface of the pearl is much like a piece of porcelain.

Though some clams produce non-nacreous pearls without luster, the thing that makes a Melo pearl unique is its color and its flame-like pattern. Because in most cases a pearl takes on color attributes of its shell host, the Melo pearls come out in varying shades of orange. They can range from dark orange to the palest shade of orange (almost white) and have an interesting flame – like design that occurs naturally. This can be caused by lamella, which occurs in thin layers over the surface of the pearl.

These types of pearls are very rare, about as rare as Tahitian pearls, (also known as Tahitian black pearls or sometimes just called black pearls) and current research shows that unlike the Tahitian pearls, Melo pearls have yet to be cultured successfully. In fact, some say that the color fades with time, leaving a non-lusterous orb.

Nonetheless, enterprising fishermen and traders are still harvesting and selling these rare gems, as many people are keen to research and study them. Experienced Burmese fisherman say that the likelihood of finding a Melo pearl is one per one thousand Melo shells. Even though dealers and traders are keen to get their hands on one of these beauties now, the Melo pearls have traditionally been used practically. Some religious sects treasure the snail's shell more than the pearl that they find in it. The shells became horns used in religious ceremonies.

As for the Melo pearls, up until buyers had an interest in them, the people in these costal villages would create ashtrays and dishes out of the shells and would give the round Melo pearls to their children to play marbles with. As for what happened to the non-spherical pearls, we can only hope they were used decoratively rather than tossed back into the sea.

While you might not be able to buy a Melo pearl necklace at this time, you can soothe your urge for a special and rare pearl by looking into Tahitian pearls, which come in stunning shades of black; or South Sea pearls, which come in warm gold colors.

Technorati Tags: black pearls, Melo pearls, pearl necklace, pearl necklaces, pearls, South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls

Melo pearls are also called Vietnamese Orange pearls. They are a different kind of pearl altogether. They don’t come from oysters or other mollusks, the way other pearls do. They come from predatory sea snails that populate the coasts of Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The process comes about the same way it does in normal pearls – a foreign substance like sand gets into the shell of the gastropod and creates a pearl.

The difference is that the pearl produced is non-nacreous. It is a natural calcareous concretion, which means that the chemical|e42c1b7dfc4bb3667d1db29a2c710f4c place inside the snail is different from the process that takes place inside an oyster for a traditional pearl. The result is a pearl without luster – the surface of the pearl is much like a piece of porcelain.

Though some clams produce non-nacreous pearls without luster, the thing that makes a Melo pearl unique is its color and its flame-like pattern. Because in most cases a pearl takes on color attributes of its shell host, the Melo pearls come out in varying shades of orange. They can range from dark orange to the palest shade of orange (almost white) and have an interesting flame – like design that occurs naturally. This can be caused by lamella, which occurs in thin layers over the surface of the pearl.

These types of pearls are very rare, about as rare as Tahitian pearls, (also known as Tahitian black pearls or sometimes just called black pearls) and current research shows that unlike the Tahitian pearls, Melo pearls have yet to be cultured successfully. In fact, some believe that the color actually fades over time, leaving just a while non-nacreous (with no luster) orb.

Nonetheless, enterprising fishermen and traders are still harvesting and selling these rare gems, as many people are keen to research and study them. Veteran fishermen in Burma say that the likelihood of finding a Melo pearl is one per one thousand Melo snail shells. Even though dealers and traders are keen to get their hands on one of these beauties now, the Melo pearls have traditionally been used practically. In fact, certain religious sects treasure the shell of the snail more than a pearl that would be found in it. The shells were used as horns in certain religious ceremonies.

As for the Melo pearls, up until buyers had an interest in them, the people in these costal villages would create ashtrays and dishes out of the shells and would give the round Melo pearls to their children to play marbles with. As for what happened to the non-spherical pearls, we can only hope they were used decoratively rather than tossed back into the sea.

While you might not be able to buy a Melo pearl necklace at this time, you can soothe your urge for a special and rare pearl by looking into Tahitian pearls, which come in stunning shades of black; or South Sea pearls, which come in warm gold colors.

Technorati Tags: black pearls, Melo pearls, pearl necklace, pearl necklaces, pearls, South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls

When you look into the history books, whenever early man discovered a new plant or mineral it was typically used for medicinal purposes. The discover and subesquent use of the pearl was no different. When pearls were first discovered over 4000 years ago, they were not only for decorative purposes but could be ground into powder and used to cure illnesses.

Many ancient cultures believed that pearls had incredible curative properties. One could invokje these properties by wearing pearls or by injesting ground up pearl powder. The powder was an ingredient in potions, balms, and salves that were used to treat a wide range of ailments. Ancient China is the country with the most documented use of pearls medicinally. Typically, pearl powder was taken internally or applied topically. Pearl powder is still used today in medicines by pharmaceutical companies.

When taken internally, pearls are said to beautify and clear the skin, detoxify the system, relieve stress, calm the nervous system, regulate the metabolism, energize the body and even improve eyesight. Pearls are also legendary for their use on the skin. Pearls are known to keep skin smooth, soft and lustrous. Pearls have also been used in the treatment of cuts, burns and as a cure for fever. While these claims come from ancient Chinese history, you can still buy pearl powder today.

Pearl powder is typically created with pearls that are not of a high enough quality to be made into jewelry. Freshwater pearls are the typical pearls used to create this powder. The pearls are ground down into a fine powder to be used either for internal medicines or topical creams. Pearl powder has many amino acids and minerals that are good for the body and is also high in calcium. It is believed that all of these elements can help strengthen bones and increase collagen production, giving people a younger looking appearance.

In the 13^th century, the wealthy were said to have used pearls to help cure melancholy. People believed that pearls removed all impurities from the blood, hence curing sadness and many other ailments. Pearls are actually composed of alkaline and calcium which, when used correctly, can truly help to calm an upset stomach or sooth nerves. Pearls are more common in Asian medicine than in the Western markets.

There are many more myths about the medicinal purposes of pearls that do not include applying or ingesting pearl powder. One legend is that if you place a pearl underneath your pillow it can help you conceive a child. Wearing pearls have been believed to cure madness, cure depression in women and treat jaundice. There is even a legend that says placing a pearl in the navel can cure stomach illnesses.

All of the information out there about how pearls can be used medicinally is a product of myth and history; none of it has been approved by the FDA. In a time when people are becoming more in tune with the environment and there is more awareness about natural healing, pearls are an intriguing option. The beauty and luster of pearls have drawn attention for years - it is no surprise that people believe their beauty can enhance the body as well.

Technorati Tags: Akoya pearls, health benefits of pearls, pearl jewelry, pearl necklaces, pearls, Tahitian pearls

The earliest mention of pearls comes over 4,000 years ago in Chinese history books. There is no official date of when the first pearl was taken from a shell but they are mentioned in nearly every culture’s history. Because it is one of mankind's oldest known gemstones, it comes as no surprise that pearls have managed to stand above the rest and make their own footprint in the history books. Some of these famous pearls are known because of their size, who wore them or who discovered them. All of the pearls remembered in history have something unique that gives them legendary status.

One of the first famous pearls is the Abernathy Pearl. It was found in 1967 in the River Tay in Scotland by Bill Abernathy. Abernathy was a professional pearl diver and was in the river doing just that. The River Tay is known for very odd shaped mussels which can create very beautiful pearls. The people of Scotland scoured their rivers for centuries trying to find pearls. Many freshwater pearls were found but none quite like the Abernathy Pearl. The pearl that Bill Abernathy pulled out of the river was 44 grains or about 14 carats. A natural freshwater pearl of this size is an extremely rare find.

Another pearl that history notes is Big Pink Pearl. This pearl was found by a diver in California’s Salt Point State Park. This pearl is listed by the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest natural abalone pearl ever found. Abalone pearls are often considered some of the most beautiful pearls in the world. They are very asymmetrical and have an intense luster with a multitude of colors. The Big Pink Pearl weighs an amazing 470 carats and is valued at $.7 million dollars in 1991.

Perhaps one of the most famous freshwater pearls is the Hope Pearl. It is the largest saltwater pearl ever discovered weighing in at 450 carats. The Hope Pearl is a white drop-shaped pearl measuring an astonishing 2 inches by 4 inches. This pearl is named for Henry Philip Hope who acquired this pearl sometime in the 19^th century. He also at one time owned the magnificent Hope Diamond. The Hope Pearl is currently on display at the British Museum of Natural History.

A pearl found off the coast of Panama in the 16^th century makes its own mark in history. Known as La Peregrina or “The Pilgrim” this pearl was at one time, one of the most celebrated gemstones. Weighing about 65 carats, La Peregrina was known not only for its size but its gorgeous white coloring and near perfect and unique pear shape. After the gem was discovered it was taken directly to King Phillip II who gave it to his bride, Queen Mary of Spain, as a wedding gift. The pearl was passed down through royalty until Richard Burton bought it for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969. Taylor, who is a known pearl lover and one who actively popularized Tahitian pearls, owns La Peregrina still today.

Technorati Tags: Abernathy pearl, Big Pink Pearl, Jewelry, La Peregrina, pearl, pearl history, pearl jewelry, pearl necklace, pearls, Tahitian pearls