Tips on Choosing the Right Jewellery – Crystal or Pearl

All women know that ‘diamonds are supposed to be a girl’s best friend’, but let’s face it, how many of us have diamonds, or any that are worth speaking about let alone being ‘best friends’?! The first hint of a diamond for any woman could well be her engagement ring. Whether chosen by her soon to be husband or chosen herself, this first diamond is one to keep hold of and cherish but what about other stones, what about semi-precious stones? Today Cubic Zironcia (CZ) is a well known and cheaper diamond alternative and in a lot of cases, to an untrained eye, they do sparkle sensationally and at a fraction of the price, are a very attractive understudy. Zircon on the other hand is somewhat different and more rare and therefore more precious than it’s manmade buddy CZ. Zircon shines beautifully and in many ways it is virtually impossible for the untrained eye to know the difference between Zircon and diamond. What about Swarvoski crystals? These too scintillate when light hits them and any movement results in a rainbow disco ball effect that is breathtaking. Semi-precious stones today have been made into gorgeous jewellery and when matched with Swarvoski crystals you get lovely results and expensive looking items. As for pearls, these come in so many different shapes and sizes and if you have a pearl with a triple ‘a’ lustre, that is of exceptionally high quality, there is no other gem like it. Fresh water coin pearls are such great value for money as you get a lot of pearl for your money. Round pearls are the common favourite with the more unusual shapes i.e. potatoe pearls, rice pearls, abalone and blister to name a few that are now making more of a statement in jewellery.

Brides have for many many years worn pearls as a symbol of purity and as the oldest known gem the pearl is here to stay with regards to bridal jewellery. Today jewellery designers and manufacturers have put pearls with Marcasite and Sterling Silver to create a gorgeous combination. As pearls come in so many shapes, sizes and shades, brides and women in general are somewhat spoilt for choice. Pearls need not seem old fashioned! Our visions of our Grandmother and her string of pearls around her neck should only serve to give us a heartwarming reminder of the pearl’s timeless beauty, decadence and classic charm. Each gem has a place of it’s own I’m sure in every woman’s collection but for me pearls win hands down every time!