There are some gorgeous pearl jewelry set options out there. Whether you want to buy one for yourself or for a gift for somebody else, knowing a little bit about pearls can help you choose something that's beautiful and gives you good value for your money. Pearls are gems that are classic and never go out of style. They can become treasured and sentimental family heirloom pieces.

A pearl jewelry set can include a necklace of various lengths, earrings and a bracelet. It can even include a ring. Some sets are simple and classic with a single strand of white pearls along with stud earrings and a single strand pearl bracelet. You can also go more ornate by mixing pearls with other gems, using multiple strands and going with interesting colors and color combinations. Pearls are anything but boring.

Pearls can be natural or cultured. They can come from fresh water or salt water. Various shapes and sizes exist and all these things determine the value of the pearl. Some pearls are average and elegant and others are rare and sought after. It's a good idea to learn a bit about the differences in them and their values before investing in them because the more you know; the surer you can be that you are getting quality for the money you are spending.

Pearls can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. You can pay more for a single strand choker necklace than for a rope chain of 45 inches when you buy a rare natural pearl. Pearls are graded on multiple factors including their lustre, their size, their texture and how blemished or flawless they are. A baroque freshwater cultured pearl won't be as valuable as a teardrop natural saltwater pearl.

A jewelry set can be saved for special occasions or worn regularly. Many women own multiple sets of pearl jewelry because they know that pearls won't go out of style. For a wedding as a guest you may wear a classic strand of white pearls on a princess necklace with stud earrings. For your own wedding you could wear a dog collar set of natural pearls with a faint rosy hue that goes well with your strapless wedding gown along with drop earrings and a pretty matching bracelet.

Perhaps your grandmother has a lovely pearl broach or hat pin. While that might not be the style of today, it can still be a treasured piece. Caring for your pearls will keep them in good condition. Well strung pearls should last a lifetime or more if they're cared for properly. Keep your pearl sets separate from your other jewels so they won't be scratched each time you rifle through your jewelry box. A velvet drawstring pouch or special case to hold your jewels is a good idea. It's best not to keep them in an airtight safe as well otherwise they could crack over time with lack of exposure to oxygen. When your pearls need some cleaning soak them in a mild dish detergent and dry them well with a soft cloth. Whether you have many or just one pearl jewelry set, it can bring you joy for many years.