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The timeless lustre of pearls
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Pearls are a symbol of purity and a lifetime investment.
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Jewellery adds elegance to a particular garment. The most delicately assembled pieces of jewellery have a perennial demand and suit all occasions. As a simple rule, garments, which have heavy embroidery in zardosi, kat dana, sitara or crystals should have minimal accessories and vice versa. Jewellery has always been a woman's prerogative. Today's woman is more aware than ever of the importance of the image she projects. When it comes to self-expression, image does not confine to clothes and cosmetics alone, it includes jewellery too. Pearls, a symbol of purity, are a lifelong investment. The timeless lustre, rarity and beauty of pearls has wowed many a heart. Pearls come in various sizes -- they may be as small as a rice grain or much bigger. The hues vary from - white to shades of cream and pink, grey or black and whitish blue. Pearls may be round, barrel shaped, almost spherical, button shaped or may even resemble rice grains. Small pearls are known as seed pearls. Natural pearls may not be perfectly spherical. Natural pearls have a concentrically layered structure. Good pearls should have considerable nacre (a smooth, crystalline substance) thickness. The best pearls are large, round, deep and mellow in lustre. The surface of the pearls must be flawless, clean, smooth and devoid of speckles.
Some of the varieties of pearls found in the markets are: Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, Keshi pearls, Australian blister pearl, South- sea pearls, Mabe and Conch pearls.
Pearls are best coordinated with whites, blacks, pastels, and all light colours. They go well with chiffons and can be worn on formal and informal occasions. Pearls and diamonds are a heady combination. Pearl necklaces with tourmalines and uncut emeralds can be accessorised with a not very heavy Kancheevaram sari of the same hue. The designer collections of pearls include bracelets from Taiwan and Mumbai, set in white gold. Rice pearl chains with stone-studded pendants and chokers with round pearls come in delicate as well as intricate designs.
Bhima Jewellery has some exquisite designs set in gold and embellished with pearls and precious and semi-precious stones. But their designs are mostly traditional. The gold necklace sets are priced at Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 and upward. Alukkas, Alappat, Josco and other gold jewellery showrooms have a good collection of pearl necklaces, chains and studs.
If you're looking for pearl ornaments that fit within a tight budget and want them to be set in silver or gold, Moti Mahal and Shiyara, may offer designs that cater to your taste and fit your purse. Moti Mahal, an exclusive showroom for pearls, has gold-plated bracelets that have a price tag of Rs. 600 and upwards. A single rice pearl strand at Moti Mahal can be bought for less than Rs. 600 while a five stringed rice pearl chain can cost Rs. 2,700.
If you own a string or two of pearls, take good care of it. With a little care you can retain the lustre of the pearls. Always avoid spraying perfumes on it. Do use jewellery cleaner on pearls. Wipe them with a soft tissue to remove sweat or make-up. Wrap it in muslin, velvet or tissue and keep it uncovered.So go ahead and add a few pearls to your casket of gold ornaments.
SMITHA SADANANDAN
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Metro Plus
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