A Graduation Gift That Stands The Test Of Time
“The only real failure in life is one not learned from.”
Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
Ah, graduation. A lot of hard work, time, talent, money and drive have led to this point: a milestone that will be celebrated, photographed and remembered forever. Whether from high school, college, law school, medical school, or what have you, graduation is a wonderful time of excitement and change.
How to mark the occasion? You can always write a check. (What new graduate doesn’t need money?) Before you whip out your wallet, however, remember that cash is practical, yet very impersonal. Because you’re reading this, it’s a good guess that the graduate is a special woman in your life, she worked hard to get where she is, and she deserves a graduation gift that is truly memorable.
How about something memorable, practical, meaningful and beautiful? Try pearls.
Pearl jewelry—whether pearl studs, a pearl pendant or a beautiful pearl strand—is a classic and wonderful addition to any woman’s jewelry box. Whether she’s heading off to college, interviewing for jobs, about to embark on a career, or planning a wedding, the recent graduate can wear pearl jewelry for instant polish. Added bonus: She’ll remember you every time she wears them.
Which pearls to choose
Pearls come in many beautiful styles, shapes and designs, but for graduation, a simple classic style that will stand the test of time is best. (They don’t call them staples for nothing.) Because classic pearls are so popular, there are a variety of options from which to choose. The following are classics she’ll reach for again and again.
• Pearl stud earrings: The great thing about pearl studs is that they go with everything. Round, white pearls with a rosé overtone flatter most skin types, and make a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. Some stores even carry pearl studs for non-pierced ears.
• 16 inch pearl strand: A matched pearl strand is a jewelry staple for a reason: it’s a classic—not to mention a no-brainer accessory that a woman can reach for to instantly add polish to an outfit. Shorter strands worn closer to the throat draw attention to the
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wearer’s face and skin; with their dewy complexions, young women look fantastic in pearl chokers. This style sits close to the throat and looks great with a business suit, v-neck sweater, tee-shirt or open-collared dress shirt.
• 18 inch pearl strand: This slightly more versatile, “princess” length necklace can be worn with most any neckline, and will serve the graduate well throughout her life. The princess length is a very popular choice for a great reason: it works well with everything from turtlenecks to sweaters, business suits, dress shirts, and more.
• pearl pendant: A pearl pendant necklace featuring a single, large pearl is a great option that can be worn with many different styles. Choose a thin sterling silver or white gold chain for a modern look.
• pearl bracelet: A perfect complement to a bold watch, and slightly more affordable than a pearl necklace, a pearl bracelet adds polish and class.
• pearl ring: A pearl ring can make quite a bold and sophisticated statement, especially when the ring features a single, large pearl. The only downside to buying a ring is that you need to know the graduate’s ring size. Classic pearl rings look fantastic with both white and yellow gold.
Many retailers and online stores sell classic pearl jewelry in sets. Not only is this great because you pay less for the set than if you purchased a necklace, earrings and bracelet separately, but buying a pearl jewelry set provides the added bonus that the pieces will match.
What to look for
No matter which style you choose, or whether you buy pearls from a local jewelry store, large retail chain or Internet store (which should offer adequate descriptions of what you’re buying along with a money-back guarantee), keep in mind these tips when you’re shopping for pearls and you won’t go wrong:
• You’ll pay more for larger pearls. In general, a larger pearl takes longer to form, and the chances of finding a perfectly round, large pearl are slim. After the 7.5-8mm mark for freshwater cultured pearls and akoya cultured pearls, the most popular pearl types, prices rise dramatically. A 6.5mm strand is both lovely and affordable—and perfect for young women.
• Pay attention to luster and surface. Pearls should have a high luster, or surface sheen, meaning they reflect light well. They should also be free from large blemishes such as chips and pits, although small blemishes are acceptable. An absolutely perfect strand is likely faux. Pearls are, after all, a natural product, and small variations are to be expected and do not detract from the pearls’ value.
• Round is the hands-down favorite shape. While baroque pearls are gorgeous, and button and coin pearls are modern and affordable, when it comes to classic pearls, round is still in. To check that pearls are uniformly round, ask the jeweler or read the Internet description. If you can handle the strand, roll it on a table. Matched pearls will roll smoothly.
• Thickness is important. Most pearls sold today are cultured pearls, and the best ones are formed in oysters or mussels that have been implanted with small, mother-of-pearl beads and mantle tissue or mantle tissue only and left in the water long enough for a sufficient coating of nacre to form. Avoid pearls that have been implanted with large plastic or glass beads or harvested prematurely; they will flake and peel easily.
• Pay attention to uniformity. Make sure that pearls in a piece of jewelry are the same size, color, shape and luster.
• Beware: Some jewelry makers try to hide smaller or imperfect pearls near the clasp.
• Choose color carefully. Pearls look best if they flatter the skin tone of the wearer.
Follow these pearl-buying tips, choose wisely, and your graduate will have a jewelry staple she’ll treasure forever.
A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questio
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ns. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.
By: Amy Drescher
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America's Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for Moon River Pearls, www.moonriverpearls.com. She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com.
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Anne Klein Watches & Adee Kaye Watches: A Look Into The Past
Anne Klein watches and Adee Kaye watches are world-renowned. They form part of any attire, be it formal, social or sporting and provide the wearer not only with essential time-keeping functions, but also with a memorable look that draws attention. However it is often interesting to look at the history behind these watches - how did Anne Klein and Adee Kaye watches come into being? Were there any special circumstances surrounding the creation of these timeless time pieces? Let's have a look, shall we?
Anne Klein Watches
Hannnah Golofski - the name on Anne Klein's birth certificate. She was born in New York city in 1923 and attended Girl's Commercial High School where she studied art. She subsequently went to Traphagen School to study fashion. Starting as a sketcher Anne quickly rose the ranks to become one of the most influential designers of our time. Unfortunately, however, she died of breast cancer in 1974, aged 50.
But what was it that made her so special and why are Anne Klein watches so successful today?
From the start of her company in 1968, Anne had the idea that clothes, in their various bits and pieces, should be sold as matching items. Later this spread to other accessories and items, including Anne Klein Watches. Her success became unprecedented and her influence contagious - Donna Karan, a name we all know, was Anne Klein's assistant.
Today the Anne Klein watches range still continues in two distinct flavors: Anne Klein and Anne Klein II. The designs ooze with confidence and are the embodiment of unassuming elegance.
Adee Kaye Watches
On a less personal note, we come to Adee Kaye watches. With the headquarters located in Beverly Hills, Adee Kaye watches are designed by a team of creative artists that seek to provide their customers with something different, something fresh and something totally unique.
Perhaps one of the most prominent aspects about Adee Kaye watches is that they are designed not only to cater for one type of person or one type of event, but for all occasions to suit all wearers. That’s the reason for their great success; it’s why people love them. Whether you’re looking for something sporty or something innovative and new, like the Dual time line range, Adee Kaye watches is the accessory of
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choice.
On A Final Note…
Up until now we’ve talked about Anne Klein watches and Adee Kaye watches as items that can be bought for oneself. However do keep in mind that these watches will make the perfect gift for any- and everyone. As both companies are still flourishing and relatively new (in comparison to some of the other, more established watch makers out there), one can only expect their designs to influence, perhaps even dictate the fashion of tomorrow.
While both Anne Klein watches and Adee Kaye watches are available for under $200, there are those timepieces that include parts made of materials such as diamonds and mother of pearl, especially for those occasions where the person is more important than the price tag.
By: Vikram kumar
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Adee Kaye watches and Anne Klein watches are both renowned names in the fashion world. But who or what lies behind these companies? We take a brief look at the background of each. For more information, visit Know Your Watch.
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