by Amy Drescher, Moon River Pearls’ copywriter
I don’t think men are from Mars. I think they’re from Whoville, where every year they align with the Grinch and band together to ruin Christmas. Each holiday, after thoughtfully deciding on, shopping for, and wrapping the perfect presents for my boyfriend, I can’t wait to see what he picked out for me. I breathlessly anticipate tearing open the perfect romantic/sentimental gift, and every year I’m sorely disappointed.

I’m not alone.

Do they do it on purpose? Of course not. It’s just that men hate the pressure of holiday shopping and would cut off their right arm to avoid it.

It shows.

We women, on the other hand, have high expectations because we put lots of thought into gift-giving. Throughout the year, we pick up on the little hints he drops and then do our darndest to make sure he has a wonderful holiday filled with everything his heart desires. To women, gifts have hidden meanings, and we try to decode them to understand how our guy feels about us.

To men, buying us gifts is a necessary relationship evil, ranking right up there with attending our mother’s birthday party.

If you’re a woman over the age of fifteen, you know exactly what I’m taking about. In the name of research, however, I went out in the field and asked random men plus a few guy friends whether they look forward to shopping for that special something that will thrill their wife or girlfriend, or whether they dread it more than, say, buying tampons.

Read no further if you think there will be surprises. It was unanimous: Men hate holiday shopping. Yes, even more than cruising the feminine products aisle. Yes, even the sweet guys, and, yes, even your man. Here’s what they said:

Peter: “I am in the bah humbug category.”

Gary: “I hate having to shop for my girlfriend at Christmas. It’s way too much pressure and the holiday is too commercialized. I buy her nice things throughout the year when I see them. But I don’t want to have to buy her something just because society says I have to on a certain day. It’s so stupid.”

 “I hate shopping, period. I do try to be thoughtful but sometimes I’m more successful than others. Keep my name out of this, please. My wife reads your blog.” Anonymous

Jason: “I enjoy it, but I can say this because I don’t currently have a girlfriend.”

Ron: “The pressure I feel to outdo myself each year gets overwhelming. It is hard to keep being imaginative and thoughtful. Plus, guys like to buy practical things, but women don’t seem to appreciate a new toaster for Christmas, even if they desperately need one.”

TJ: “I love shopping for my girlfriend. It’s the wife who is the hardest. What do you get someone who buys everything she wants already? I get more mileage out of making her a gift from scratch. I use some construction paper, maybe a few cotton balls (for snowmen), some nice green and red crayon, BAM: instant romantic card.

Mike: “I typically don’t like holiday shopping for my wife, but I do strive to give her thoughtful gifts.  I don’t wait until the last minute, but if I do the shopping too early, I always think I’ve shortchanged her, and end up buying a couple of more presents. The grand total is always too much (in her opinion, not mine).”

Steve: “After 14 years of marriage I have learned the value of the gift certificate. The store is never out of them. Plus it gives my wife and kids a chance to get out of the house. She has a good time as long as the kids behave. And if they don’t, she can’t wait to get back to the house so it’s like several gifts. Either way, I get time alone. I consider myself a very thoughtful husband.”

David: “My wife never tells me what she wants so I usually get her jewelry or a gift certificate or something that she can take back. I don’t hate it but it’s not my idea of a fun thing to do on my day off.  Sometimes I buy her gloves or something like that and a book and a gift certificate and some jewelry like gold or pearl earrings. That’s it. One year I bought her a bike. That was not a good thing.” 

Matt: “Yes, I hate shopping for my wife. Lingerie is returned for something more comfortable. Jewelry is greeted with an eye-roll if it isn’t diamonds. Plus, it’s hard to get creative at Christmas since you’ve been milked on birthdays, anniversaries, birth of children, etc. Shopping for the girlfriend, on the other hand, is much more enjoyable. Everything is met with wide eyes and glee. But I’m sure that will end over time also.”

John: “Usually yes, I hate shopping. However, this year we have decided to give each other ideas (not necessarily a list) so it should be much easier. Of course there will be a few surprises thrown in. Over the years though, it has been a stressful time. I think that whole Mars & Venus comes into play. She wants cleaning to be easier… a new Shop Vac oughta help. Something we can enjoy together…doesn’t a plasma TV fit the bill?”

Jim: “I am not crazy about shopping generally, but I don’t really mind holiday shopping. I figure she puts up with my crap all year long, so it’s my chance to do something nice and let her know I appreciate her. Choosing something she’ll really like is tough sometimes, and the fact that I’m a world-class procrastinator doesn’t help things. I try to have some fairly definite ideas about what to get, and then hit the mall early (like 8:00 a.m., usually the Saturday before Christmas) before the crowds arrive.”
Also from Jim: “Cautionary tale about a guy I used to work with: He waited until Christmas Eve to go shopping for his wife, and when he tried to check out he discovered that she had already maxed out all their credit cards! Having no cash, he came home empty handed. He was in the maison-de-pooch for quite a while.”

Dan: “My friend and I shop for our wives together every December 24. First, we hit a few bars. Then we hit some more. Just before the mall closes, we race in, buy whatever’s on the Gap mannequin in our wives’ size, and go back to drinking. Our wives get pretty pissed when they get the same outfit. But isn’t it the thought that counts?”

Ben: “I always intend to get a thoughtful, wonderful gift, not always expensive but thoughtful. Sometimes when it clicks perfectly I get the gift and surprise her with it. But sometimes when the schedule of my whacked out life is too much I miss my window and end up with a turd of a gift. I am always aware of the gift being a turd or not. Guys like to pretend they are oblivious to all of this and get to say, ‘I’m a guy, what do you expect?’ We are aware however.”

See what I mean? Young and old, sweet and not-so-much, married and unmarried, men are all alike when it comes to Christmas shopping for women. As my friend’s wise mother put it, “Lamb, they are all the same.” Indeed.

Girls’ Survival Strategy
So what’s a girl to do? Much as we hate it, the best way to get exactly what we want is to spell it out, leaving no stone unturned. Give him specifics: List the URL or store location, price, color, size and SKU. This strategy ruins the surprise, sure, but at least you won’t end up with a leather thong or a CD of heavy metal monster ballads.
Another option is to have a good friend call your man and say, “Hey, if you’re stuck about what to get your wife/girlfriend this Christmas, we were shopping last week and she mentioned she’d love to have X. Thought you’d want to know.”

Or, do as my friend Annie does and buy things for yourself, have them gift-wrapped, ship them to your home, and send him the bill.

The last option is to do what I do: Hope and pray that this year will finally be different and that he’ll spend a lot of time and effort searching for the perfect present that will show how wild he is about me and how well he really knows the inner me.

With expectations like that, it’s no wonder I’m always bawling on Christmas morning.

Pointers for Men
For men with women who refuse to tell them what they want (and yes, darling boyfriend, if you’re reading this it applies to you too), there are a few staples that make most women happy. They are: a beautiful full-length coat (hint: if she’s a vegan, skip the fur and leather), diamond or pearl jewelry, tickets to an island getaway or a gift certificate to her favorite clothing store.

My best advice, much as men hate it, is to pay attention to her comments throughout the year. Has she mentioned a trendy restaurant she wants to try? Make reservations and stick a note in her stocking. Does she love Oprah? How about the TV host’s 20th anniversary DVD collection? Is she into jewelry? Freshwater cultured pearls are affordable and lovely; lavender freshwater cultured pearls are trendy and hot right now. As always, Tiffany & Co. jewelry will make her day, but if you’re short on cash, get her a few books on subjects she’s into (the thought will melt her) or burn her a mix CD of songs that remind you of her. I wouldn’t attempt making her a homemade card, though, unless you’re planning on tucking tickets to St. Baarts inside.

One final thought: If you want to have a merry Christmas, avoid giving her the following gifts AT ALL COST:
Kitchen appliances, including, but not limited to:

mixers
blenders
toasters
microwaves
exception: High-end coffee maker
Tools (she knows you just want to borrow them)
Sheetrock (my friend did actually get this one year)
Weight-loss books, tapes, magazines, gadgets, etc. Don’t even GO there, mister!
TVs (another gift that’s a thinly-disguised present for you)
Puppies (c’mon, everyone wants to pick their own dog, and who wants to train one during a holiday)
Sports tickets (like you, we claim to love stuff we hate just to make you happy)
Gift certificate for a makeover (obvious, obvious mistake)

Good luck, guys. Try to stay out of the doghouse this year.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it is one of my very favorite holidays.  It is a favorite because for me, and I believe for most people, Thanksgiving involves being with family and friends, while you all enjoy delicious food together.  It is truly a time to think about what each of us has to be thankful for and a time for remembering all the Thanksgivings past.  There is not the commercialism that we find with Christmas either.  We aren’t rushing around spending money, looking for the perfect gift, etc. – you know what I mean.  Most families have a Thanksgiving tradition that they depend on each year, which could be in the way of giving thanks as a group or individually, special foods, etc.  We would love to hear about your traditions and if you have a favorite recipe – pass it along.

PS:  If you know of anyone that may be alone on Thanksgiving, invite them over to share a meal with you.  Now that’s great a tradition – don’t you think?

Typically, pearl strands fall into the following categories:

Collar 12-13 inches
Choker 14-16 inches
Princess 17-19 inches
Matinee 20-24 inches
Opera 26-36 inches
Rope 40 inches and over

With a few simple pointers, choosing the right strand is easy…

When choosing a necklace, take into consideration the recipient’s age, body composition, lifestyle and personal tastes. In general, shorter strands and smaller pearls (6.5-7.0 mm) look best on younger women; the shorter strands, which nestle at the base of the throat or slightly below, draw attention to the skin and flatter youthful complexions. Pearls with a smaller diameter won’t overwhelm a younger woman’s features. Short strands, especially the princess and choker, are versatile and look great with virtually anything.

Mature women (40s and beyond) can carry off larger pearls (7.5-8.0 mm and up) and longer lengths with ease. The longer, more dramatic lengths and the larger pearls elongate the neck and call attention to the jewelry, framing the face and neck beautifully, creating an overall slender appearance for the woman.

In general, short pearl strands best complement long necks, and long pearl strands draw the eye downward and help create the illusion of length in a short neck. When choosing a strand, keep in mind that longer strands of bigger pearls (7.5 mm and up) are dramatic and sophisticated, while shorter strands are classic and elegant.

Pearl necklaces can be paired with any outfit, but in general, the shorter lengths are more versatile, and can be worn with casual such as a T-shirt and jeans as well as tailored outfits. Longer lengths are typically for dressier and special occasions. If a woman is sporty, she might prefer a shorter strand, while a sophisticated dresser might like a longer, more dramatic strand. When in doubt, keep in mind that the mid-length princess strand flatters everyone.

A note on layering: Today, the trend in jewelry is all about layering. Open any fashion magazine and you’ll find women wearing several necklaces of different lengths, colors and materials together to create a sassy, unique look. Having several different strands of variable sizes, lengths and colors gives the wearer many fashion options.

A pearl collar fits tightly around the neck, and is typically made up of three strands or more. The collar draws attention to the face and neck and looks great with lower necklines.

A timeless classic, the pearl choker is perfect for many styles of dress, and can be worn with high or low necklines, dressed up or down. If the woman you’re buying for doesn’t have a pearl necklace, this strand, or the slightly longer princess-length, is the right choice.

Due to its versatility, the 18-inch princess-length necklace is our most popular item. It looks great on all women, and can be paired with many different necklines. The princess length works especially well with business suits, high-necked sweaters and tees, and many wedding gowns.

The matinee-length pearl necklace rests on the cleavage, and looks perfect with a high neckline that won’t compete with it for attention, or a very low, plunging neckline that frames the pearls. This length is a bit more formal than the choker and princess, and is perfect for the sophisticated woman.

The long, opera-length pearl necklace is often spotted on women enjoying a wonderful evening out. This dramatic length looks stunning with high necklines that won’t compete with the pearls.

Wonderfully breathtaking, the pearl rope hangs very low and swings with movement. The rope will definitely get attention! To change the rope’s look, it can be tied, or looped several times around the neck for a shorter, multiple-strand effect.

A word about color: If you are unsure which color pearls to choose, keep in mind that creamy white pearls are classic—they always look stunning. As well, rose colored pearls are gorgeous and romantic, and softly flatter most skin tones. In general, lighter skin tones look best with white pearls, while darker complexions are best flattered by rose or black pearls.

Still can’t decide? E-mail us at customerservice@moonriverpearls.com or call Moon River Pearls at 800-405-2488 and we’ll help you choose the perfect strand.

By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.
Modern:  Garnet

The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an amethyst will wear.
Modern:  Amethyst

Who in this world of ours their eyes
In March first open shall be wise,
In days of peril firm and brave,
And wear a bloodstone to their grave.
Modern:  Aquamarine

She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow; this stone,
Emblem of innocence, is known.
Modern: Diamond

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet flowery month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and happy wife.
Modern:  Emerald

Who comes with summer to this earth,
And owes to June her hour of birth,
With ring of agate on her hand
Can health, wealth, and long life command.
Modern:  Moonstone or Pearl
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The glowing ruby shall adorn,
Those who in July are born;
Then they’ll be exempt and free
From love’s doubts and anxiety.
Modern: Ruby

Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved and lone.
Modern:  Peridot

A maiden born when September leaves
Are rustling in September‘s breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind
`Twill cure diseases of the mind.
Modern:  Sapphine

October‘s child is born for woe,
And life’s vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.
Modern:  Opal, Pink Tourmaline

Who first comes to this world below
In drear November‘s fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz’s amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.
Modern:  Topaz and Citrine

If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate’er you do.
Modern:  Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz

What was the worst gift that you ever received?

For anyone who was the recipient of a gift that just didn’t cut it, please, please let us know.

For me, well there are several that I can think of and they have all come from my dear husband.  Don’t misunderstand me – he is a wonderful man in every way, but he is gift-giving challenged.  The worst birthday gifts have been when he just doesn’t bother to get me one.  One year he bought sheetrock for our bathroom, and I will never forget the new washing machine that I ordered and he told me it was my birthday present.  Since we had 4 kids under the age of 10 years old at the time, apparently he assumed that I only washed MY clothes.  I don’t get it!

Just before her birthday, a wise friend of mine told her husband, “Please don’t ever give me a gift that has an electrical cord attached!”  He took her advice and he bought her a gym membership instead.  He thought it was a fantastic idea, but needless to say, she was hurt and very disappointed.   The following Christmas this very same husband presented my friend with beautiful ruby earrings.  Now that man wised up!

Please let us know what your worst gift was.

Cultured pearls are formed in the same way as natural pearls, with one big difference: they get their start not by chance, but deliberately, when man intervenes with nature. To produce cultured pearls, a skilled technician, called a nucleator, induces the pearl-growing process by surgically placing an irritant—a mother-of-pearl bead and a piece of mantle tissue, usually—into a mollusk. The animal is then placed back into the water and monitored, cleaned, etc. until the pearl is ready to be harvested.

The Chinese have been culturing freshwater blister pearls (pearls that grow underneath the mantle on the inside of the animal’s shell) since the 13th century, but Kokichi Mikimoto, a Japanese man, is credited with developing modern pearl culturing techniques. By the early 1920s, Mikimoto was selling his cultured pearls worldwide.

Natural pearls can be very beautiful, but due to overfishing, pollution and other factors, they are a rare find indeed.  Thus, nearly all pearls sold today are cultured pearls. There are two main types: freshwater and saltwater. South Sea cultured pearls, Tahitian cultured pearls and akoya cultured pearls are all types of saltwater pearls. Cultured pearls of all types can be found in jewelry stores worldwide.

Are saltwater pearls better than freshwater pearls?
It depends on who you ask, but many pearl experts today agree that freshwater cultured pearls can rival the beauty of their saltwater cousins. Due to improvements in culturing techniques, freshwater pearl farmers are producing beautiful, round, lustrous pearls that are a vast improvement over the wrinkled, rice-krispie-shaped gems that typified the freshwater pearl crop of the not-so-distant past.

Produced mainly in China, freshwater pearls are often nucleated, or implanted, with mantle tissue only (rather than a mother-of-pearl bead). Because they do not contain a starter bead, tissue-nucleated freshwater pearls are 100% nacre. This gives them a beautiful luster and a durable surface that won’t easily flake or peel to reveal the inner bead. By contrast, pearls that are bead-nucleated and harvested too soon often have only a thin coating of nacre that will flake or peel. This is a major problem: Unlike many other gemstones, pearls cannot be polished back to perfection. 

Freshwater cultured pearls come in many beautiful natural pastel colors including cream, white, yellow, orange, pink and lavender. (Universally flattering lavender pearls are very popular right now.) White pearls are bleached to enhance their natural shine. Black freshwater cultured pearls are treated with dye or heat to produce their inky color.

Overall, freshwater pearls are more plentiful than other pearl types, thus they are generally more affordable.

 What with the myriad details required, planning a wedding can be overwhelming and more than a little stressful. Music, favors, seating arrangements, food, attendants’ gifts…it’s enough to make a frazzled girl elope. Luckily, bridal jewelry is easy to choose if you let your personal style—and the feel of the season—shine through. Follow this handy guide for picking the right bridal jewelry to go with the time of year in which you plan to wed and you can’t go wrong.

  -  Winter: Planning a winter wedding? Cozy indoor winter weddings are characterized by elegance and sophistication—think a softly lit, warm, festive party with the crisp, black night air as a backdrop. Classic pearls and diamonds are your best bet here. They’ll beautifully complement the heavier drapes and fabrics of a winter bridal gown, and look just gorgeous in the glittering night. Think pearl drop earrings, diamond and pearl pendants, or a multi-strand pearl or CZ-encrusted cuff bracelet. A popular trend right now, according to Bridesmagazine, is to add contrast to your wedding-day white with a black belt, clutch or hair accessory. “These cool opposites combine for graphic glamour.” This cosmopolitan look is perfect for winter. A long sophisticated black pearl necklace would look especially sharp against a black-sashed gown.

-  Spring: A spring wedding is the perfect opportunity to lighten up your look. The choice here? Light green gemstones like aventurine or prehnite (think the color of new shoots of grass) or freshwater cultured pearls, which come in a wide range of pastel colors that are luminously beautiful and very affordable—and perfect for a spring wedding. Lavender pearls, pink pearls, and today’s hottest color—orange pearls—are all easy to find on the Internet. Bonus: These shades are so luminously flattering (not over the top color-saturated) that they’ll make your skin glow and your features pop. If you choose something green, choose one bold piece so as not to overwhelm your dress, like an aventurine cuff bracelet or a prehnite-and-pearls necklace. For a uniform look, choose jewelry for your attendants in a matching hue and consider a matching sash. If you’re wearing a lavender pearl strand, for example, have your bridesmaids wear lavender pearl pendants or lavender pearl bracelets and perhaps a dress with a lavender sash. Or try an elegant lavender clutch.

 - Summer: Summer weddings just radiate a laid-back beach vibe. (Think Drew Barrymore with flowers in her hair, boho Kate Hudson or a barefoot Julia Roberts.) If you’re getting married in July, August or September, it’s all about the sandy beaches, outdoor dance floors, and coral, mother-of-pearl, pearl and jade jewelry. If your dress is sophisticated or ornate, stick to classic pearl jewelry, but if you’re a little more laid-back, mother-of-pearl, coral and even wooden accessories, depending on the setting, can look great. Superstitious? According to WeddingChannel.com, jade symbolizes good luck, health and prosperity in many Asian cultures, but don’t buy jade jewelry for yourself—tradition dictates that it must be given to you. Timeless picks: go for a jade ring or jade necklace.

 - Fall: Why opt for all classic white? While diamond and pearl jewelry is always in style for brides, today it’s acceptable to incorporate blazing reds, oranges and browns. In fact, orange is all the rage right now. To incorporate a blast of color into your wedding day jewelry, choose a pearl choker with a stunning ruby centerpiece, a pearl necklace or pearl earrings made with rich brown pearls, or earrings or a bracelet made of citrine. You’ll stand out and feel beautiful, and best of all, you’ll be able to enjoy your jewelry long after the big day is over.

 Tips for buying jewelry on the Internet:

• Consider the source. Who owns the site? A prominent toll-free or other contact number plus the site’s address should be clearly visible.
• Is the site secure? Only shop at sites that have a Verisign or other safe shopping seal. Check the FAQ page or the bottom of the home page for a SiteSafe™ or other logo—usually a lock—or call customer service.
• Will your information be sold to a third party? Check the site’s privacy policy.  
• Check returns. A generous, 90-day money-back guarantee allows ample time for you to change your mind without remorse.
• Check shipping times. They vary, as do costs. Free shipping on a trusted carrier like UPS is a bonus.
• How happy are other customers? Check the site’s testimonials page for unbiased, third-party reviews.
• Does the site offer a free gift? Bonus! Give it to your maid of honor or mother-in-law to be.

  We would love to hear from you!  Share your ideas for just the right bridal jewelry. 

In many cultures in ancient times, including European, African, American and Pacific, babies were often presented with a piece of jewelry when they were born. Most times a simple bracelet or necklace was given. Just as jewelry has evolved over the centuries, so have the reasons for wearing it.   This writer remembers that when my little girls were born – three of them to be exact – each was given the most lovely gold bracelet from their grandmother.  I loved it when they would wear them and cringed every time they used the bracelet as a teething ring.  So now I have three tooth marked gold bracelets in my jewelry box that I cherish.

Our Children’s Pearl Jewelry is one of our best-selling collections and our customers tell us that the the little girls they give our jewelry to just love wearing their pearls and being “just like mommy”.

This testimonial from Emily C. continues to be one of our favorites: 
My friend’s daughter Kaya wore her Moon River Pearls’ child’s pearl necklace today to her 1st day of first grade. She called me tonight and said “Emily, I wore the pearl necklace you gave me in case I got scared…..then I could just hold onto them and rub them so I wouldn’t be scared anymore.”  Kaya’s mom reported that it worked!  Thank you Moon River Pearls.

What age do you think is appropriate for little girls to start wearing  jewelry?  When would you allow your daughter to get her ears pierced?  We want to hear from you.

Does my wedding jewelry need to coordinate with my dress?
Yes. Just as you’d choose a veil or tiara to complement your hairstyle, bracelets, earrings and necklaces should be chosen to complement your dress. A single strand read more

 When should I shop for bridal jewelry?
Don’t panic. With minimal planning, you can get your wedding jewelry without much fuss. Read our wedding jewelry checklist.

 Is there such a thing as too much wedding day bling?
Yes! You want your bridal jewelry to enhance your look, not overpower it. The most important consideration is that people notice you on your big day more than they notice your jewelry or dress. read more

 What jewelry is appropriate for a beach wedding?
For beach weddings, we like pearl jewelry, shell jewelry and mother of pearl jewelry. With their nautical connotations, these styles are highly appropriate. Just choose something breezy, read more.

What jewelry should I wear if I’m having a black tie wedding?
At black tie weddings, you can go all out. Tiaras, four strand pearl bracelets, four strand pearl necklaces, chandelier earrings…they’re all appropriate for a black tie wedding. read more.

 Is faux jewelry a faux pas?
Not at all! Whatever fits into your budget and makes you feel beautiful is always appropriate. If you love the look of diamonds but can only afford CZs read more

 I’m going for a vintage look. How do I choose vintage-looking jewelry?
With all the styles out there, it’s easy. Decide on what look you like and do an Internet search. You don’t have to splurge on real vintage jewelry read more

I have jewelry from both sides of the family. How do I choose what to wear?
If the pieces are in the same family—say pearl earrings and a necklace, they’ll typically look great together. But if your mom and his mom each want you to wear a pearl necklace, consider read more

 Help! I don’t have pierced ears. Are there earring options for me?
You’re in luck! While clip-on earrings can be hard to find, Moon River Pearls has many styles of classic pearl clip on earrings that are perfect for the modern bride. read more

What do pearls say about the modern bride vs. other jewels?
There is no doubt that diamonds are popular and gorgeous, but pearls have symbolized romance and sophistication for centuries. read more

 I want to wear pearls. Are they affordable?
Yes! Fortunately for pearl lovers, there’s no better time to buy pearls. Compared with many other gems, pearls are very affordable. read more.

BRIDESMAIDS

 Should my bridesmaids’ jewelry match?
Absolutely not! In fact, it’s fun to choose different jewelry for each woman based on her style and personality. That said, if you want each piece to match, that’s fine too. read more

 Can I give jewelry as a gift to my bridesmaids?
Yes, not only can you, give bridesmaid jewelry as a gift, it’s pretty much a tradition! Chances are, your maids are shelling out big bucks for their dresses, shoes, and hair, read more

 When is an appropriate time to give my bridesmaids their gifts?
Ideally, before they go out and buy jewelry on their own. Traditionally, brides give gifts at their bachelorette parties or bridal showers—some even at the rehearsal dinner. read more

 Should my maid of honor get something special?
If she’s the one planning your shower and going above and beyond to help with all your wedding day details, then yes, it’s appropriate to give her something extra. read more.

 Help! My bridesmaid/maid of honor has tattoos/dreadlocks/gauges.
Celebrate it! Just as you have your unique style, your bridesmaid has hers. It’s more important that she’s standing up there with you, lending support, rather than read more

FLOWER GIRLS

 What style of jewelry is appropriate for a little girl?
With their traditional and demure reputation, we love pearl jewelry for flower girls! Choose a tin cup style, pearl bracelet, or dainty earrings if read more

 What size flower girl jewelry should I choose?
Most children’s necklaces are 12-14 inches and fit the average girl just fine. When in doubt, look for necklaces that have extenders—typically a one-inch chain read more

 What jewelry is appropriate for a junior bridesmaid?
Any jewelry that is similar to the rest of the bridal party’s style. Just make sure read more

 Need help from a real wedding jewelry consultant? E-mail bridal@moonriverpearls.com for personal recommendations.

Beautiful Brides Choose Pearls

 Pearls and weddings have gone hand in hand for centuries. As far back as you can go in recorded history, royalty, from ancient princesses to Princess Diana, have worn pearls. Recognizing the gems’ elegance and beauty, modern brides everywhere continue to carry on the tradition.

 A symbol of purity and class, pearls’ creamy colors complement bridal attire perfectly, making the gems the perfect bridal accessory. Today’s pearls are affordable even if you’re not royalty, but choose wisely. We guarantee you’ll be wearing your pearls with everything from business suits to jeans long after your wedding day.

Wedding Party Gift Dilemma Solved

Wedding party decisions are perhaps the toughest wedding-related tasks you’ll tackle. Must you include the groom’s horrid sister? Will having twelve bridesmaids make you look too Liza Minelli? Do you have to pair your beautiful favorite sister with that drunken slob of a best man? What to do about eight-months-pregnant Donna? And should you force your nearest and dearest into ugly bridesmaid’s dresses for sheer retaliation? (Hel-lo giant royal purple taffeta butt-bow!)

Phew! A girl could elope just thinking about it.

If you haven’t yet chosen gifts for your bridal party, you’re in luck. Read this and you’ll have one less wedding dilemma. The perfect solution not only doubles as wedding attire but will thrill your bridesmaids and stay in style forever. This wonder gift? Pearl jewelry.

Before you flip out and cross the filet off your list, consider this: Real pearls are extremely affordable, especially when they’re freshwater cultured pearls. And no, that doesn’t mean they’re Rice Krispie-shaped either. For years now, the Chinese have been producing high luster, round freshwater cultured pearls that rival the beauty of Japanese akoyas. Gift your bridesmaids with pearls and not only will their accessories match on your big day, they’ll be thrilled with a gift they can actually use.

For gorgeous quality pearl jewelry your bridesmaids will flip over, keep these pearl buying tips in mind:
• Size counts. Pearls are measured in millimeters. 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, prices rise dramatically. Choose a 6.5mm strand…it’s lovely and affordable, or, if you love the look of a larger pearl, pick a more affordable pendant.
• Pay attention to luster and surface markings. The higher the luster—seen in the sharpness of the reflection off the pearl’s surface—the more desirable it is. As for surface markings, if a pearl is perfectly smooth, it’s likely faux. Minor surface characteristics are natural and don’t detract from a pearl’s beauty. That said, avoid large pits, dents and obvious dimples.
• Check for shape: Round pearls are the rarest, and of course the most expensive. To test for roundness, roll a strand on a table or desk. It should roll smoothly. Any bobbing up and down means the strand has some clunkers and hasn’t been carefully matched. Don’t like round? The baroque pearl is a more affordable and unique option. Baroque pearls have no obvious symmetry, but are quite lovely to look at. In fact, baroques have been favored by jewelry designers for centuries. When you’re shopping for pearls, be sure to check out baroque pearl strands…they might just appeal to you.
• Nacre thickness is important. Nacre, the same substance as mother-of-pearl, is what makes the pearl a pearl. It should be sufficiently thick; if it’s thin it will flake and peel, and eventually the bead nucleus—the implanted object which irritated the oyster and started the pearl growing process—will show through. Many freshwater pearls are made from tissue-nucleated mussels, not beads, making them solid nacre. Freshwater pearls also tend to have beautiful luster. Ask a trusted jeweler about nacre thickness, as it is nearly impossible to tell nacre quality just by looking.
• Choose color carefully. A classic white strand is always in style and perfect for weddings, but pearls come in gorgeous pastels too. A lavender, pink or peach strand might work well with your bridesmaids’ dresses, but be sure to consider skin tone. Lavender strands in particular look beautiful with most skin tones and are “in” according to InStyle magazine.
• In a pearl strand, such as a bracelet or necklace, uniformity is important. This is called matching. While no strand will be absolutely perfect—subtle variations are to be expected from a natural gem—they should be very similar in size, shape, luster and color. Pay attention to the clasp area, as unscrupulous jewelers have been known to hide imperfect pearls near the clasp.

When it comes to style, the sky’s the limit. Pearls’ newfound popularity with designers has given way to tons of unique styles and unexpected gemstone combinations. Classic pieces are always in, but many of today’s modern styles are sure to become classics as well. Depending on the style of the dress, a beautiful pearl cuff bracelet, pearl dangle, stiletto or drop earrings, a pearl pendant or a pearl-and-gemstone combo style could look absolutely stunning. For a totally polished look, choose a pearl jewelry set which includes a pearl strand and matching earrings (sometimes even a bracelet!). Pearl sets are great as your bridesmaids can later wear them to work, parties, and other functions—classic pearls go with everything.

If your style is more Vogue than Town & Country, don’t get stuck on the traditional stuff that’s showcased in bridal magazines. Browse vintage shops, local jewelry stores and poke around the Internet until you find something that grabs you.

Remember, freshwater cultured pearls are gorgeous and very affordable. There is absolutely no reason to buy faux pearls. Your friends did shell out big bucks for wedding attire, accommodations and travel, and they’re planning to throw you a killer shower. Thank your bridesmaids with a gift of timeless and affordable pearl jewelry…and please don’t make them wear a big purple bow!