The classic elegance and luster of pearls has become more of a curse than a blessing. They may be considered lovely jewelry but are usually relegated into the background, in stuffy events like weddings, christenings and coming out balls. Pearl necklaces have sometimes been equated with "squares", spinster aunts, grandmothers and the old South. Pearls have had a hard time competing with more edgy jewelry like the luscious and high-class gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and even semi-precious stones like opal and garnet.
Pearls have therefore become remnants of the past than beautiful gems that can be used as modern accessories. That has changed. Pearls have made a huge comeback into the modern scene just a few years ago. They did not really leave the fashion world but only had limited and specialized use. Today, pearls can be found in almost all kinds of fashion-related items.
The reason for this is the accessibility of pearls in the form of freshwater pearls. Japan has started this industry in the 1920s by culturing pearls using freshwater mussels. However, it has declined production but China has claimed the production of cultured pearls because of the high demand for them.
Donor mussels are inserted with irritants that form the pearls and some of these mussels can produce up to 40 freshwater pearls. The pearls are not as high-quality as the ones made naturally but the color and shape can be controlled and some freshwater pearls can be breathtakingly beautiful as natural ones.
A pearl strand belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots dating from 1550 is made of freshwater pearls. Scotland has been cultivating freshwater pearls, as well as North America but the extinction of almost 35 species of mussels in Europe and America has left Asia with this booming industry.
Because of its reentry into the world of edgy fashion, more and more pearl companies are striving to provide jewelry ideas for the modern woman. There are many ways that freshwater pearls can be used and integrated into a woman's fashion sense. They can be used as accessories. Pearl jewelry today tries to incorporate contemporary design and color into pearl necklaces. The classic pearl necklace and pearl choker has given way to long strands of irregularly shaped freshwater pearls in all sizes and colors. They can be paired with casual wear such as jeans, blouses and short dresses.
Pearl bracelets and pearl earrings come in magnificent colors such as red, turquoise and canary yellow that makes any outfit pop. Other jewelry options for pearls include adding beads made of semi-precious stones or crystals.
Pearls have dominated all aspects of the jewelry trade. Even the mother-of-pearl shell of mollusks is used for inlay work on bracelets with freshwater pearls as accentuating items. Pendants for necklaces and rings are now also popularly made of freshwater pearls. Even younger people have seen the flexibility and the touch of beauty that pearls give to an otherwise ordinary outfit and include these accessories while shopping.
Office women rely on pearl necklaces to give them that polished corporate look. Jewelry designers are coming up with more and more ideas for pearls. Edgy and contemporary jewelry designs have freshwater pearls in them, either as the main piece or an accentuating item. Indeed, pearls are here to stay.
The term, workplace fashion is frequently used to illustrate the type of clothing worn by folks at work and many people are constantly looking for the latest fashion trends for business wear so that they look their best and are not considered out of touch with the fashion trends of the day. While it is important to stay on top of the latest trends it is also important not to get too carried away with it so that you aren't just known as someone who is too shallow.
There is a fine line between being fashionable and being overly concerned with it. You will almost always get compliments when you wear fashionable clothing but if you become known as the person who must have the latest fashions as soon as they come out then this may backfire on you. Just keep a happy medium and that will be fine.
Your ability to actually wear the latest trendy attire may also rely upon where you work. If you work in a clothing store or at a place like Starbucks or something they may encourage the practice of staying up to date with the latest fashions but not so in other vocations. If you work for a law firm or insurance agency they tend to be more traditional and may actually frown upon one being too trendy. It is important to know what the regulations are regarding clothing at your particular place of business.
The style of a particular piece of clothing could possibly be an important consideration as well. For example for women some jobs may call for one to wear a dress while if you are in a position where you are going up and down ladders such as a librarian, this may not be the wisest choice. If you work in a position where you are very active such as having to stock shelves a dress or skirt could actually be counterproductive.
Many women these days have begun to wear camisoles or tank tops under their casual business suits but the thing you need to keep in mind is that you will probably have to keep the entire outfit on for the duration of the day since most companies will frown upon a woman removing her jacket and only having a tank top on.
The business world can be a tough environment and you may end up on the receiving end of negative gossip if you are too trendy. Always bear in mind what others may think of you in the workplace. You may not realize it but what you wear can affect your ability to receive raises and promotions. Many business environments are very political and wearing improper clothing can cost you a great deal.
Ultimately the decision on what to wear is yours, just be aware of the pros and cons of being considered too fashionable.
Both Robert Thomson & Gregg Hall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Desktop, Finances and Pets. For more fashionable styles of freshwater pearls, , pearl earrings and other. Robert Thomson's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about shoes as well as at http://www.shoefashionmagazine.com. Gregg Hall's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.