Pearl clip-on earrings are a great gift for any occasion to a woman of any age and circumstance. They are a classic, tasteful complement to any outfit and a valuable addition to any jewelry collection. Pearl earrings are a popular choice because they are not flashy and yet they draw attention to the wearer in positive ways.

To help you choose your pearl clip-on earrings, here are some info and tips to guide you:

Choosing clip-on earrings

Clip-on earrings were an invention of the twentieth century. Before this, ear lobes were pierced to hold earrings and accessories. When they were first used, clip-ons were tight and painful and anyone wearing them ended up with throbbing, reddened earlobes. Current designs are much more comfortable and fit so well that most women actually forget they have them on.

Contrary to some people's belief, clip-on earrings do not fall or slip off from the earlobe. They can hold on quite comfortably and are actually well-designed for just this purpose. Two of the best metals to use as clip-ons because of their durability are gold and silver.

Why clip-ons? Simple: no ear piercings.

With body piercings so common these days, you're probably wondering why some people actually have no piercing in their ears, of all places. Well, some people just cannot abide with this very minor procedure. One of the more famous people who have a difficulty with this is tv host Oprah Winfrey. So it's not really uncommon to find people who do not have pierced ears.

Convenience

Clip-on earrings are easy to put on and take off. No need to struggle with clasps or worry about lost or missing closings. They are also a great alternative for people who are uncomfortable wearing pierced earrings. Some people also have more trouble with ear piercings. Clip-on earrings allow them to accessorize without actually getting their ear piercings in direct contact with any metal, so clip-ons are a good choice for them.

Choosing pearl earrings

Pearls have been highly prized for centuries not only for their rarity but also for their luminous beauty. Anyone who has ever looked at a pearl knows that it shines with its own unique light that cannot be found in other types of gems.

Pearls are also the only gemstones created by a living organism and for that reason alone, pearls are considered unique since no two are exactly alike, no matter how similar they may look. They are graded depending on their size, shape, color and condition and there is a standard system for this, although not every pearl supplier or jeweler uses this system.

Pearls come in a variety of colors from silver, white and cream to green, blue, gold and black, depending on the kind of oyster who produced the pearl and on the conditions of the water during its formation. There are also pearls which are dyed or irradiated, which alters their original color.

The value of the pearl depends on several things: nacre thickness, luster, size, color, shape, texture and surface cleanliness. A combination of these factors affect the price of the pearl. Whichever pair of pearl earrings you choose will really depend more on personal choice.

Caring for your clip-on pearl earrings.

Pearls are organic and are softer than gemstones. If you are not careful, they could crack or get scratched. They are also absorbent and can be affected by perspiration, body oils and perfume, which can dull their appearance. The best way to avoid this is to apply cosmetics first before putting on your pearl earrings and when you already have them on, avoid using hair spray because it will get to them.

After you take off your pearls, wipe them with a soft cloth that is slightly damp. If you use them regularly, it's a good idea to wash them in mild soapy water to remove dirt, oils and build-up.

To protect them from scratches, you might want to store them in a separate container or wrap them in a soft cloth to avoid getting them scratched by your other harder jewelry. You might also want to keep them in a lined jewelry box. If you take care of your pearls, they will maintain their beauty and luminous quality for years to come.