Pearls have always been objects of fascination, and they always will be. What starts out as a way for a mollusk to avoid a bit of discomfort ends up as one of the great treasures of humanity? It only takes a tiny speck of foreign matter inside the creature's shell to start the secretion of nacre, the glistening substance that we humans find so alluring.

Pearls are often featured alone on a ring or earring, but one of the favorite ways to display them is in groups. Pieces of pearl jewelry look wonderful together, especially when they have been carefully matched for size, shape and color. A matched pearl jewelry set establishes the motif for an outfit, working with the color scheme of the clothing to form a striking look.

However, getting this look requires perfectly matched pearls with the finest color and overtones. A pearl set is certain to attract attention, so it must be perfect. The pearls must be perfectly round, since uniformity is the key to the set's visual impact. Lighter colored pearls are preferred for sets, though there are exceptions. Traditional pearls for this purpose are white, silver or cream with silver or rose overtones.

The rich luster of Akoyas is ideal for sets. The highest quality among these is Hanadama, comprising only the top two percent of the crop. Sets of Hanadama pieces are stunning, but the other beautiful Akoya grades are a less expensive alternative. Freshwater pearls with excellent luster and white or silver color also make nice sets.

The parts of a full pearl jewelry set are the necklace, bracelet and earrings. Sets tend to be of very simple design, since an elaborate design might detract from the prominence of the pearls. The necklace is usually a single strand, as is the bracelet. Earrings are generally studs or some other simple design. The emphasis is always on the shape and color of the pearls rather than the design of the jewelry. There are some sets in which pearls are mixed with other precious stones, but these are rare.

When buying a pearl jewelry set, the grade and matching of the pearls is of utmost importance. Buyers should always obtain their pearl sets from a quality merchant with a history of competence and integrity. Laguna Pearl only offers high-quality pearls in perfectly-matched sets, so buyers can count on them for consistent quality.