Pearl Rings

In ancient times, when people wore pearl rings or other pearl jewelry, they were literally wearing their money. It was the ultimate way of showing that they had "made it."

Among the ancient cultures that knew about them, pearls had the most real monetary value of any jewel. They were beautiful and unusual, but they were obtainable in sufficient numbers to make them practical as trade items. Long before the development of the mining techniques that would give us gold and silver, pieces of pearl jewelry were the status symbols of the ancients.

Today's pearl ring may take several forms. A popular favorite is the single pearl ring. Here the pearl may be placed deeply in a setting to incorporate it into a design, or it may be displayed more prominently to show off its roundness. Pearls are also often used in groups with other gems to produce an interesting combination of colors. A popular grouping is a trio composed of one pearl and two colored gems. Other rings use several pearls clustered together in a larger composition, sometimes accentuated by other stones. For a romantic gift, an eternity ring is a good choice. Here the pearls are placed on a curving band that encircles the finger, sometimes with other stones such as diamonds. A cocktail ring uses a crystalline stone such as quartz surrounded by a border of small pearls.

Today's rings are also made in vintage styles for those who prefer a retro look. Some jewelry makers have kept their old styles in production or reissued them after a hiatus, so today's buyer can sometimes obtain pearl rings just like their grandmother wore. Vintage rings often seem unique and exotic by today's standards, providing a touch of the unusual to an outfit.

Cultured pearls are now more beautiful than ever, and the popular favorites are the Akoyas. These pearls, originally from Japan but now increasingly from China, are prized for their symmetrical roundness and their beautiful pink, yellow or white colors with overtones of cream, silver or rose. Unusual colors such as green or blue are also occasionally seen. Akoyas are relatively small, ranging from two to ten millimeters.

South Sea pearls are famed for their mellow luster and large size. Freshwater cultured pearls have improved in recent years, gaining a range of colors and a uniformity of shape that makes them ideal for rings. At the opposite end of the color spectrum are the black pearls, either natural or artificial. "Blister" or "dome" pearls only have nacre on one side, but are often used in pieces where only one side is visible. Mussel pearls and the fabulous conch pearls are also used for some pieces.

Laguna Pearls has a broad selection of exquisite pearl rings and other pieces covering a broad range of colors and styles. When dealing with Laguna, you're getting a great choice as well as the assurance of quality that comes from more than 20 years in the jewelry business.