| A bracelet is one jewelry that enhances a | | | | freshwater cultured pearls since 1963 through the |
| woman's beauty and self-confidence. It gives an | | | | efforts of John Latendresse. Since that time, 31 |
| added appeal to the lower arm and boosts the | | | | states have claimed producing such pearls. And |
| overall aura of a woman. And what better gem | | | | this increase in pearl production can be attributed |
| to use for this type of jewelry than the beautiful | | | | to the growing popularity of freshwater pearls in |
| freshwater pearl. By its natural beauty alone, a | | | | jewelry making in the U.S. |
| pearl is a perfect symbol of serenity and | | | | Types of pearl bracelets |
| timelessness which can be worn or given as a gift | | | | Freshwater pearls can be made into different |
| on any occasion. | | | | styles and designs of bracelets and mixed with |
| Freshwater pearls are a real treasure being very | | | | other precious gems for a unique but elegant |
| rare and expensive these days. Although similar in | | | | appearance. They can be paired with gold, sterling |
| appearance to the natural and seawater pearls, | | | | silver or crystals of your preference. Some of |
| the edge of freshwater pearls lies in their luster | | | | these common styles are the chain and link, |
| and depth. They are also well known for their | | | | stretch, beaded and toggle. |
| wide range of color. Apart from the standard | | | | Stretchy bracelet - With this type, pearls can be |
| white, these freshwater pearls are also available in | | | | paired with gold beads using a stretchable nylon. |
| pastel colors like pink, rose, purple, blue, cream | | | | Pearls are usually separated at the top and |
| lavender and yellow as well as silvery white, | | | | bottom by small 14k yellow gold beads. And being |
| salmon, red, copper bronze, brown and green. | | | | stretchable, you can just slip on this bracelet on |
| While they have different colors, freshwater | | | | your wrist to have that classic look. |
| pearls also come in a variety of shapes such as | | | | Chain and link - This bracelet uses a sterling silver |
| drops, eggs, pears, dome, rounds and baroques. | | | | cable chain or gold that separates the pearls with |
| The baroque type are further classified into | | | | the chain hanging on your wrist. This can have |
| various shapes like wings, hammers, twins, barrels | | | | different types of clasps to secure the bracelet. |
| round-a-circle, rosebuds, nuggets and dog tooth. | | | | Bangles - A bangle can be created by using |
| Where it all began | | | | several strands of freshwater cultured pearls |
| These freshwater pearls were first cultured in | | | | either in just one color or in a variety of colors. A |
| Japan notably in Lake Biwa near Kyoto. From | | | | silver clasp whatever the design can add beauty |
| 1950 to 1990, Japan was a leader in the | | | | to the bracelet. |
| cultured-pearl industry. Today, however, China has | | | | Woven - This kind of bracelet usually features |
| taken over being the biggest producer. And with | | | | two to five rows of pearls with the strands |
| the low cost of labor and materials in China, | | | | woven into eye-catching designs and secured at |
| there's no reason why the pearl industry there will | | | | the end with a clasp. |
| not sustain its momentum. China, has, in fact, | | | | Toggle - This type of bracelet can have just all |
| employed modern technology in the processing of | | | | pearls or pearls mixed with other gems with a |
| cultured pearls to make them stand out from the | | | | round or heart-shaped toggle clasp in the end to |
| rest. | | | | secure the jewelry on your wrist. |
| The U.S. has also been a major producer of | | | | |