• Home
  • About Author
  • Shop
  • Contact

Madison Gems

~ Jewelry & Accessories Blog

Madison Gems

Tag Archives: Bride-to-be

June’s Birthstone: Pearl

06 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by Ify Onwualu in Birthstones, Pearls

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

12th Anniversary Jewelry, 1st Anniversary Jewelry, 30th Anniversary Jewelry, 3rd Anniversary Jewelry, Bride-to-be, Cancer Birthstone, Cancer's Birthstone, Gemini Birthstone, Gemini's Birthstone, June Birthstone, June's Birthstone, Madison Gems, Pearl Accessories, Pearl Birthstone, Pearl Jewelry, Pearls, Wedding Jewelry

 

June's Birthstone

L to R – Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy & Coco Chanel wearing pearls.

For those with June birthdays, your birthstone is a one-of-a-kind stone, as it is the only gemstone made by a living creature. You’ve got it right; I’m talking about the ubiquitous, stunning and breathtakingly beautiful Pearl. Pearls are known as the queen of gems and have been coveted for centuries. They’re officially the world’s oldest gem and have been revered since long before written history.

Pearls are produced when layers of calcium carbonate are deposited around microscopic irritants, which get lodged into a Mollusks shell. It is commonly believed that production occurs when a grain of sand is lodged, but that’s just theory. Nonetheless, any shelled Mollusk can make a pearl, however, only two groups of Bivalve Mollusks or Clams use Mother-Of-Pearl to create the iridescent Nacreous Pearls. Thus, these pearls are highly valued when it comes to jewelry. To boot, these rare gems don’t even require polishing to reveal their natural unmatched luster, as the finest pearls are metallic and reflective like mirrors

The name “Pearl” is derived from the Old French word Perle, as well as the Latin word Perna meaning, “leg,” which references the leg-of-mutton shape of an open Mollusk shell. Furthermore, because the perfectly round shape and smoothness of natural pearls are typically uncommon, the word “Pearl” is oftentimes used to describe anything rare and valuable. For the same reason, in many cultures, pearls symbolize purity and innocence, which is why it’s tradition for a bride to wear pearls on her wedding day.

The use of pearls dates back to Ancient Greece. They were used as adornments and believed to be tears of the gods. In fact, the oldest known pearl jewelry was discovered in the sarcophagus of a Persian Princess who died in 520 B.C. Respectively, it is now on display at the Louvre in Paris.

Likewise, the Ancient Japanese also considered pearls tears. Their folktales told that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures i.e. mermaids, nymphs — you name it. As well, early Chinese civilizations believed that dragons carried pearls between their teeth, and the dragon must be slain to claim the pearls, which ultimately symbolized wisdom.

On the other hand, various other cultures associated pearls with the moon. They called them “teardrops of the moon.” In addition, Hindu folklore explained that dewdrops fell from the moon into the sea, and Krishna (the god of compassion, tenderness, and love in Hinduism) picked one for his daughter on her wedding day.

Throughout history, because natural pearls were so rare, only the rich echelon could afford them. As a result, during the Byzantine Empire, their rules dictated that only the emperor was allowed to wear pearls. Likewise, Ancient Egyptians were often buried with their prized pearls. What’s more, in the sixteenth century Tudor England was known as the Pearl Age, because of its popularity with the upper class society. Hence, portraits typically showed royals wearing pearl jewelry and clothing adorned with pearls.

The rarest and most expensive pearls are natural pearls that are produced in the wild. Thus, the majority of pearls sold today are cultured or formed by implanting a grafted piece of shell or a round bead into pearl oysters or freshwater pearl mussels. Subsequently, cultured freshwater pearls can be dyed in various vivid colors, such as yellow, blue, brown, pink, purple or black. In spite of this, black pearls, which are mostly cultured because they are so rare in nature, aren’t actually black. In fact, they’re green, purple, blue or silver. What’s more, the absolute finest pearls have a reflective luster, which makes them appear creamy white with an iridescent sheen that yields many colorful intrinsic hues. Accordingly, pearls are very soft, ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale. In fact, they’re sensitive to extreme heat and acidity; actually, calcium carbonate is so susceptible to acid that pearls will dissolve in vinegar.

Conversely, at one point Pearls could be found all over the World. However, natural pearling has been confined to the waters of the Persian Gulf near Bahrain. As well, the World’s last remaining pearl diving fleet that still harvests natural pearls from the Indian Ocean is located in Australia. Today, freshwater pearls are typically from China. In addition, the pearls cultured along the northwestern coastline of Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia are South Sea pearls

Along these lines, in the early 1900s pearls became more accessible, when the first commercial culturing of saltwater pearls began in Asia. However, since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market, which made the gemstone affordable for nearly any budget.

Without reservation, one should be aware of imitation pearls or shell pearls. They’re made from conch shells or they’re glass coated with a solution containing fish scales. Evidently, rubbing two pearls together will reveal if they are smooth imitation stones, or if they feel gritty from the nacre that comprises natural and cultured pearls.

Many fashion icons have been known to wear pearls as signature statement pieces. Furthermore, Coco Chanel was rarely seen without a pile of pearls around her neck. One of her famous quotes is “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” As a matter of fact, she shocked society ladies by mixing real pearls with fakes and she teamed her pearls with casual daywear. As a result, because of her endorsement, costume jewelry became popular and many women wore imitation pearls made from Lucite or glass. In addition, Jackie Kennedy is another pearl-wearing icon whose signature triple strand pearl necklace actually consisted of imitation gems made from glass rather than the real deal. As well, Audrey Hepburn’s name is also synonymous with pearls, whether it’s a necklace or a pair of pearl earrings, subtly accentuating her features and ensembles.

Accordingly, if you’re purchasing pearls for yourself or a loved one, it’s a great way to recognize a June birthday, venerate ancient symbols of purity and innocence or celebrate a bride-to-be or a 1st, 3rd, 12th or 30th anniversary. Ultimately, you’re making an investment in something beautiful with symbolic attributes and the wearer gets to wear something glamorous yet luxurious.

 

 

Contact us anytime for jewelry & accessories inquiries…

Phone: 917-933-1747

E-mail: info@madisongems.com

Website: www.madisongems.com

Follow our Gem Adventure on:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Pinterest | Google+ | YouTube

Tumblr

 

Advertisement

Art Deco Styled Wedding Photo Shoot In Brooklyn

29 Tuesday Sep 2015

Posted by Ify Onwualu in Styled Shoot, Uncategorized

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Accessories, Art Deco, Beaded Jewelry, Beads, Bracelets, Bridal, Bridal Collection, Bridal Jewelry, Bride, Bride-to-be, Bridesmaid, Brooklyn, Earrings, Fashion, Fashion jewelry, Fashionista, Jewelry, Luxury, Madison Gems, Necklaces, New York, Photo shoot, Rings, Statement Jewelry, Styled Shoot, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Jewelry, Wedding photo shoot, Weddings

 

JSPhoto-501-Team-122

Ify Onwualu accessorizing Model Carley Beck

 

Earlier this year Madison Gems was gratefully fortunate to be a part of a fabulous Art Deco Styled Wedding photo shoot. It was held at the swanky 501 Union in Brooklyn, NY. This awesome shoot was beautifully curated by wedding coordinator Simone Vega of Coordinated To Perfection and Jessica Schmitt of Jessica Schmitt Photography; in addition, to a host of unrivaled first-class vendors. As a result, our shoot was honorably featured on MODWedding.

Our art deco styled shoot was the perfect combination of colors and details for a contemporary 1920’s wedding. In that fashion, dazzling hues of pink, black, white and gold really complimented each other. Likewise, the bride and bridesmaid wore unconventional garments and ornaments that mirrored a bit of vintage, a dash of modern and loads of glam.

Accordingly, Madison Gems provided jewels that captured a modern and luxurious feel. The bride showcased three jewelry looks: edgy, vintage and glam-luxe. While the bridesmaid harmoniously flaunted a chic, in-vogue guise. Together, they forged a look that was symmetrical and unparalleled, complimented by an outstanding décor. Withal, we hope our gallery of photos illuminates a bit of inspiration and that our concept is one that you’ll adopt freely.

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-99

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-32

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-35

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-36

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-72

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-81

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-84

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-61

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-86

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-93

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-174

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-70

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-138

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-52

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-114

Square Faceted Button Earrings – $13

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-118

Art Deco Beaded Necklace Set – $20

Textured Door-Knocker Earrings – $14

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-131

Crystal Frontal Necklace Set – $20

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-59

Gold Foil Statement Ring – $13

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-127

Crystal Back Chain – $19

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-63

Owl Hinged Bracelet – $13

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-149

Jet Stone Chandelier Earrings – $16

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-136

Art Deco Crystal Cuff Bracelet – $28

JSchmittPhoto-501shoot-142

Square Crystal Stud Earrings – $16

Check out this fabulous behind-the-scenes film by NST Pictures.

 

Wedding Coordinator: Coordinated To Perfection | Photography: Jessica Schmitt Photography | Venue: 501 Union | Flower And Event Design: Bastille Flowers & Events | Videography: NST Pictures | Black Feather Hairpiece: Olivia Headpieces | Brides Shoes: Brian Atwood | Dresses: Jean-Ralph Thurin | Linens: BBJ Linen | Metallic Tattoos: Jewel Tats | Pillow Decor: Starling On Bond | Table Numbers And Decals: LBV Designs | Jewelry: Madison Gems | Cake Pops: Cakes Jagla | Stationery: Royale Amethyst | Fashion Stylist: Vainglorious Brides | Hair Stylist: Lawanda Pierre | Makeup: Face The Day NY | Models: Carley Beck and Jillian Tayeh

 

Contact us anytime for jewelry & accessories inquiries…

Phone: 917-933-1747

E-mail: info@madisongems.com

Website: www.madisongems.com

Follow our Gem Adventure on:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Pinterest | Google+ | YouTube

LET’S CONNECT

TwitterPinterest FacebookInstagramGoogle+Youtube
Follow Madison Gems on WordPress.com

Gem Archives

  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • August 2016
  • June 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015

Recent Posts

  • Creative Gift-Wrapping with Broken Jewelry
  • December’s Birthstone: Turquoise
  • November’s Birthstone: Citrine
  • October’s Birthstone: Opal
  • September’s Birthstone: Sapphire

Recent Comments

Ify Onwualu on August Birthstone: Peridot
Anny Lenardo on August Birthstone: Peridot
Ify Onwualu on Fashion Jewelry Cleaning &…
@thatwritingchic on Fashion Jewelry Cleaning &…
RW on March’s Birthstone: Aqua…

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Madison Gems
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Madison Gems
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...