Pearl Bracelets for the Bride

Brides and pearls go together like cookies and milk  -  quite deliciously.  As mentioned in last week’s article on Pearl Earrings for the Bride, pearl jewelry has been a wedding day tradition since weddings became lavish events in the Victorian era. The luminous, lovely pearl has long been a symbol for faith, virtue and purity, precisely why it became such a popular choice for wedding jewelry during those times.

Though many of today’s weddings no longer focus on the theme of purity, marriage is still a leap of faith in which two people  pledge to build a life together.  The virtues of faith, trust, love and patience are hallmarks of a successful marriage, which is perhaps why pearls are still relevant symbols of a modern marriage.  Even for women who only love pearl jewelry because of the beautiful vintage aesthetic, it’s undeniable that the simple pearl makes a simply stunning wedding day accessory.  On that note, here are some of our favorite bridal pearl bracelets that we’re excited to introduce:

8-9 mm Freshwater White Pearl Bracelet

Since the beauty of pearls is their simplicity, one of the best ways to show them off is with a clean, classic design.  This lovely freshwater white pearl bracelet is crafted with AAAA quality pearls; pearls that make the highest grade in every category.  The superior quality and luster of this pearl bracelet makes it a perfect wedding day pick for brides who want the best. It’s rare that this quality can be found at such an incredible price.

Cultured Black Pearl Double Strand Bracelet

Bold brides will make a dramatic statement with this double strand black pearl bracelet (seen at top).  Black pearl jewelry paired with a white wedding gown is such a gorgeous contrast, especially if one of the wedding colors is gray or black. This cultured black pearl bracelet is such a gem (pun intended), and is finished off with a pretty white gold clasp.

White Gold and Diamond South Sea Pearl Bangle

Modern, clean and striking, this gorgeous white gold bangle is set with two exquisite South Sea pearls. The rarest and most beautiful pearls in the world, South Sea pearls are an extremely coveted gemstone.  Only the finest pieces of jewelry are crafted with rare South Sea pearls, making this pearl bangle an ideal piece of bridal jewelry.

If you love what you see, be sure to check out the rest of Apples of Gold’s selection of stunning pearl bracelets. For ladies who love pearls but prefer earrings, our article on Pearl Earrings for the Wedding features several lovely options for the bride with style.

Black Tahitian Pearl Jewelry

Tahitian black pearls, the rarest and most exclusive type of pearl, are also known as the Queen of Pearls. Grown in French Polynesia under delicate care and watchful eyes, the oyster that produces Tahitian black pearls is a very delicate creature. Since the majority of oysters who produce Tahitian pearls do not survive long enough to produce a gorgeous black pearl, the demand for the few that do drive up the price and exclusivity of the Tahitian black pearl.  Because of the Tahitian pearl’s rare beauty, the gems are only used in the finest jewelry pieces.

We, like many before us, have fallen in love with the striking splendor of the Tahitian black pearl. Though we have always carried a few black pearl jewelry pieces, we are excited to announce that we have recently expanded our collection of Tahitian pearls to give customers a greater opportunity to own the exquisite pearl.  So without further ado, below is a quick highlight of the many Tahitian black pearl rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces we have added to our selection:

Tahitian Black Pearl Necklaces

One of the most striking qualities of the Tahitian black pearl is its brilliant range of shades. We adore the Silver Green Tahitian Pearl Necklace for its timeless design and eye-catching, unique color. Though its rarity makes it worth a pretty penny, it’s a sound investment for women who want to wear the best.

Another jaw-dropping piece for women who want the ultimate pair of pearls is the natural Chocolate Tahitian Pearl Necklace. The only thing rarer than a Tahitian black pearl is a Tahitian chocolate hued black pearl. Accented with sparkling diamond rondelles, this necklace is truly a pinnacle of beauty.

Tahitian Black Pearl Rings

Bold statement rings are one of our favorite accessories, which is why we’re partial to these lovely Tahitian black pearl rings. Two designs we’re in love with are the Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Eternity Ring and the Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Blossom Ring. Both are a beautiful balance of design and taste, and would look stunning matched with a pair of Tahitian Black Pearl earrings.

Tahitian Black Pearl Earrings

Tahitian black pearl earrings are the perfect accompaniment to the famous little black dress. Oozing with style and designed with a touch of sass, this pair of Tahitian pearl and diamond drop earrings is just as wearable as an LBD. And unlike a dress that will go in and out of style, the earrings last a lifetime.

Tahitian Black Pearl Bracelet

Though an all-black Tahitian pearl bracelet is perfectly stunning, there is just something about the multicolored pearls strung next to each other that visually ups the ante.  The color variations on the Tahitian black pearl are undeniably pretty, and present a slight twist on a classic that sets it apart from the standard same-hued variety.

June Birthstone – Pearl Jewelry

The lovely pearl is the June birthstone, as well as the astral stone for Gemini and Cancer. The illustrious gem has a long and storied history, and is the oldest known gemstone to be used in jewelry.

Though no one knows when oysters first began forming pearls, the first known use of the pearl in jewelry was around 500 B.C.;  remnants of a pearl earring were found inside the sarcophagus of a Persian princess, now on display at the Louvre.  Civilizations have been built on the wealth from pearls, Cleopatra drank a pearl to prove her love, and St. Augustine  even declared that the pearl be reserved as the gemological symbol of Jesus Christ.   During the Roman civilization, only the royalty and aristocracy were allowed to wear pearls, adding to their prestige and desirability.

Even the Bible mentions the pearl nearly ten times, the most famous reference being in regards to the Pearl Gates of Heaven:

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”  Revelations 21:21

The other famous biblical pearl reference appears in Matthew 7:6 , where the pearl is a symbol for religion:

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

Throughout the centuries the pearl has served as  a symbol of purity, religion, perfection,  virtue, wealth and innocence.  It was also revered as the most precious gem until the diamond was discovered in the 1700s, and is still the only gem created by a living creature.  Though today most pearls are cultivated by placing an irritant inside the oyster (thus stimulating the formation of a pearl), they are still incredibly precious and sought-after for their beauty and uniqueness. No two pearls are alike, which is why they make such special jewelry pieces.

Apples of Gold is excited to introduce a wealth of gorgeous new pearl jewelry to our collection. From stunning Tahitian pearl rings and earrings to breathtaking diamond and pearl necklaces and bracelets, our pearl jewelry makes a lovely gift for June birthdays… and just about any other occasion as well.

Perfect Maid of Honor Gifts for Under $100

By the time you are enjoying the happiest day of your life, your maid of honor has spent countless hours helping you prepare for the wedding. She has trekked with you from bridal boutique to bridal boutique to find the perfect dress, compared color swatches until her eyes hurt, helped throw a fabulous bridal shower and bachelorette party, and emotionally supported you for the past year.

For being your closest friend, ally and confidant (and for smiling through your borderline-bridezilla moments), your maid of honor deserves an extra special thank you gift.

A Gift That Stands the Test of Time

Since your maid of honor is hopefully someone you plan to have in your life forever, we love the idea of giving her a gift that she can keep and cherish forever. Nix the shoes that will wear out by next year, and steer clear of a trendy-hued scarf that will look dated come Fall. Instead, give her an investment piece of jewelry she will treasure her entire life: pearls.

Pearls are the perfect maid of honor gift. They’re beautiful, unique, last a lifetime and can be worn with just about anything. They look just as lovely on a twenty year old girl as they do on an eighty year old grandmother, making them one of the most timeless pieces of jewelry you can buy. The best news is that, even if you are on a budget, you can find plenty of stunning pearls jewelry for under $100. Here are some of our favorites:

Cultured Pearl and Diamond Ring

Not only can you get your favorite girlfriend pearls for under $100, you can also give her diamonds. This darling ring (pictured at top left) is a simple, classic design that she can even wear on your wedding day – a single, large pearl surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds, all set in a solid 14K white gold band. 

Natural Black & Lavender Pearl Necklace

This gorgeous pearl necklace is a complete steal at under $100. The natural freshwater pearls range in hue from black to a lovely deep lavender, and look stunning against the skin. It’s just the pick for a stylish, sophisticated maid of honor.

Black or White Pearl Stud Earrings

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: few pieces of jewelry are as classic as pearl stud earrings. They are equally suited to be worn with jeans and a t-shirt or a formal ballgown, and never, ever go out of style. These are another great choice that your maid of honor can wear on your wedding day and enjoy forevermore.

What are Chocolate Pearls?

There are several types of chocolate pearls: black Tahitian pearls which have been bleached chocolate, and natural freshwater white pearls which have been permanently dyed to obtain their warm, lustrous chocolate color.

In nature, pearl colors are produced by organic components between the calcium carbonate platelets (shells) of which pearl nacre is made.

In the bleaching process of Tahitian pearls, these organic components are altered during treatment, resulting in the “chocolate” colors.

The second known method is the dying and permanent staining of white, natural, freshwater pearls, to obtain the desire chocolate color. This method uses a silver nitrate dyeing process. Most chocolate pearls on the market today utilize the dying process to create some very beautiful looking chocolate pearl jewelry at a price most can afford!

Featured Pearls:

Freshwater Chocolate Pearl Earrings in 14K Gold (shown top)

Chocolate Pearl Strand Necklace in 14K Gold (shown right)

Return to Classic Jewelry

If the past five years have been a relentless search for the latest, hottest and trendiest in fashion and jewelry, this year marks a sensible return to the classics. With the sudden economic slowdown, loss of jobs, and fear of excessive spending, consumers are becoming discriminating jewelry buyers. Instead of spending recklessly on trend-fueled pieces buyers are combing through stores and etailers to find the best deals on beautiful classics for holiday gifts. Smartly so, since a classic piece of jewelry can be worn over a lifetime and passed down to future generations.

But which classic pieces make the best holiday gifts? Most jewelry aficionados would argue that there is a short list of classic must-have pieces to complete every well-accessorized woman’s wardrobe. Here is our list of classic necessities, which are practically perfect for holiday gifting at any price point:

Under $100 – Pearl Stud Earrings

At only $75, these pearl earrings make a simple statement of elegance and class. Every woman should own a pretty pair of pearls due to their timelessness and versatility. A pair of pearl studs look equally lovely on a teenager as they do on an 80 year old grandmother, and can be worn with jeans or a ballgown.

Under $200 – Pair of Gold Hoop Earrings

A quality pair of hoop earrings is an essential piece of everyday jewelry. Though trends may come and go, a pair of hoops looked just as great ten years ago as they will ten years in the future. Pick from yellow gold hoop earrings, white gold hoop earrings or our favorite, rose gold hoop earrings in 14k gold.

Or you can opt for diamond hoop earrings for under $500!

Under $500 – A Stunning Cocktail Ring

Big, sparkling cocktail rings have been popular since the 1920’s, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing. Our topaz and diamond white gold cocktail ring is currently discounted $200 below retail, making it quite the deal on such a substantial piece of jewelry. Also available in yellow gold, this gemstone ring boasts a 7.00 Carat Center Gemstone!

Around $1,000 – Diamond Tennis Bracelet

A diamond tennis bracelet is easily one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry. It’s beautiful without being too flashy, and, like the pearl earring, can be worn with sporty as well as formal attire. Our 1 carat tennis bracelet is discounted over $700 below standard retail. Saving money during the holidays has never looked so good!