Pearl jewelry can be suitable for any style, outfit, or occasion, and so, they can never disappoint you. Traditionally, pearl jewellery was precious for the Nawabs in Hyderabad. The city then became a hub for selling pearls across the country. It is said that pearls represent purity and the moon. Any pearl jewellery today will hold a special place in your collection.
Along with the different influences coming from around the world, Indian jewellery is also heavily inspired by different states and their culture. Let us understand how the diversity of culture and locations play a role in Indian jewellery designs.
Hyderabad is considered the main pearl trading centre in India, because of which the city is also known as the "City of Pearls". The most notable area devoted to the trade is the village called Chandanpet just outside Hyderabad, wherein almost the entire population is engaged in the delicate art of drilling Pearls, a skill they have practiced for generations. This practice also makes the city one of the largest pearl drilling locations in India.
Pearl Types :
Akoya Cultured Pearls
Akoya cultured pearls are the most familiar type of saltwater cultured pearl to most people in the U.S and other western markets. Many customers think of white or cream colored akoyas as the classic pearl used for jewelry, especially single-strand necklaces. Japan and China both produce akoya cultured pearls.
South Sea Cultured Pearls
Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are leading sources of these saltwater cultured pearls. South Sea cultured pearls can be white to silver or golden, depending on the type of oyster. Their large size and thick nacre, due to a long growth period, plus their limited critical growing conditions are all factors contributing to their value.
Tahitian Cultured Pearls
Cultivated primarily around the islands of French Polynesia (the most familiar of these is Tahiti). These saltwater cultured pearls, sometimes referred to as black pearls, have a wide color range. They might be gray, black or brown, and they can have blue, green, purple or pink overtones.
Freshwater Cultured Pearls
Freshwater cultured pearls are the most commonly produced pearls and they are one of the most popular pearl types among shoppers and jewelry designers. This is due to their remarkable range of sizes, shapes and colors, plus their commercial availability at lower price points. They are usually cultured in freshwater lakes and ponds, often with many pearls grown in one oyster. China is the leading source for freshwater cultured pearls.
Pearl Jewellery Types:
The princess length necklace is the most popular length for pearl necklaces. Between 17 and 19 inches in length, this is the necklace length that goes with everything. It looks good on both high and plunging necklines and can dress up a t-shirt and look equally glamourous with chic evening wear.
Was there ever a jewelry collection that did not boast a gorgeous pearl pendant? Probably not! This is again a versatile and lovely piece of jewelry. Worn on a gold or silver chain or on a leather cord, the pearl pendant always leaves an impression.
The pearl pendant can go from understated to flamboyant with easy confidence. A single pearl on chain creates its own demure charm. But wearing a couple of pearl pendants together, either singly on different chains or all together on one chain, while playing with color, size and shapes, makes a bolder statement.
Also called the floating pearl necklace, the Tin cup necklace became very popular in the 1990s. Even today it is still as loved.
It is a delicate piece of jewelry that brings two important jewelry materials together – pearls and gold chains. There is an undeniable elegance in this necklace style. Finely made gold chains link beautifully lustrous pearls. The chain itself may be embellished by accents and details, giving yet another dimension to the overall look of this necklace.
Thanks to the late Vivienne Westwood and a host of TikTok influencers, the single strand pearl choker is everywhere. The choker is a 16 inch pearl necklace and it sits close to the base of the neck. As a necklace style it looks best with a crew neck or a deep neckline.
The one thing that’s fabulous about this necklace style is that looks good on both women and men of any age. In fact, this necklace style is extremely popular among men who have added pearls to their overall look.
Many different types of pearls come in gorgeous natural colors that have their own distinctive beauty. Pink, lavender and peach Freshwater pearls are delightful in their pastel hues.
Tahitian pearls also come in an array of body colors. These include black, gray, silver and sometimes even gold. On top of that, there are a host of secondary colors which can run from cherry, pistachio, peacock, blue, aubergine, gold and green.
Golden South Sea pearls also have a range of colors. These can include light gold, champagne, deep gold and the very rare and extremely coveted 24K gold.
Opera length pearl necklace is a style statement in itself. This necklace style has a long and illustrious history. As the name suggests, this necklace style was a popular jeweled accessory, worn with evening dresses by Victorian and Edwardian ladies.
Later, during the Art Deco era, style maven Coco Chanel gave this necklace a style an entirely different feel by pairing opera length pearls with chains and chokers.
Opera length pearl necklaces have a sumptuous and slightly flirty feel to them. When worn, they drape like fabric and move sensuously with the wearer.
