Pearls, Pearls and More Pearls

Who doesn't like pearls? As you can guess, pearls are one of the most popular beads used in jewelry crafting today. They come in so many varieties, differing in size, color, luster etc. The larger and rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is. There is really no right or wrong pearl to use, just depends on the crafter's own personal taste. There are a variety of natural and cultured pearls to choose from, as well as imitation, for those who are on a tighter budget. If you choose to go with imitation, I would personally choose pearls that are made from shell material, such as mother-of-pearl, conch or coral. I tend to stay away from pearls made of glass and plastic as they are coated and often break and peel. Pearls are found in a variety of color choices, including white, silver, gold, cream, blue, green or even black. Some of my favorite pieces of jewelry are the ones that I made using a combination of cream or white pearls and green jade. However, you can create a truly elegant piece of jewelry as well. All it takes is a little imagination and creativity to come up with a magnificent piece of jewelry that you will truly be proud of. When it comes to gemstones, the possibilities are endless.