People are finding that pearls go with everything, casual, conventional or elegant. Pearls are flexible and versatile enough to be coupled with all kinds of jewelry trend, with the added bonus of always looking elegant, even when paired with casual dress.

Color: Pearls come in a wide variety of colors, not just the shiny whites that your mother used to wear. Tahitian pearls are naturally black in color, and freshwater pearls are available in everything from white and black to pink and purple. Pearls from the South Sea are silver, cream or golden yellow. Black and white pearls are typically more expensive, but not necessarily because they are any prettier than their colored cousins. Pearls are also available in a dyed format, which means a whole host of other color choices for your fashion needs. You can find pearls in every color from hot pink to violet and several different shades of silver. One of my personal favorites is “oil slick”, a shimmering purple and black mix which looks stunning in many different pearl shapes and settings.

Shape: Classic pearls are round, and are typically more expensive depending on how round they are. However, pearls naturally grow in many different unique shapes ranging from sticks to teardrops, and even asymmetrical shapes as well. If you are looking for pearls that offer a unique statement, opt for pearls that are not traditional round in shape. Man-made pearls are even available in stars, hearts, diamonds and flat squares.

Settings: Knotted silk is out, because pearls are capable of so much more. The fashion possibilities are absolutely endless. Pair bright pink pearls with shimmering Swarovski crystals for a delicate look, or mix some chunky black and purple “oil slick” Biwa stick pearls with Czech glass beads for something fun and casual. You may even consider mixing semi-precious gemstones like hematite or carnelian with pearls of different shapes and colors to pair pearl jewelry with every outfit in your closet. Coin pearls have been gaining serious popularity, because of their stunning colors and their perfect round shape. Coin pearls are large and bright, and look great dangling delicately from ears, or in a cluster around the throat.

There is still a place in the world for traditional silk and pearl jewelry, but it is also imperative that you see that pearl jewelry is making a serious fashion statement and is gaining popularity as a fashion jewelry trend. Pearl jewelry is a style which can be incorporated into any style, because the pearl is an extremely flexible part of the fashion jewelry world. Pearls are incredibly versatile, and well worth adding to your jewelry collection.

Pearls can become scratched very easily. You want to take extra care to protect the pearls from hard objects that can damage their coating. Always store your pearls in a soft cloth bag. This will help polish the pearls between wearing. It will also protect the pearls from hard jewelry in your jewelry box, such as diamonds and metals. If possible, store your pearls in their own separate drawer.

Because pearls are light in color, they can easily pick up dirt, makeup and other debris. When you plan on wearing your pearls, make sure to put them on after you’ve put on your makeup, used hair products and put on perfume. Pearls are very susceptible to getting stained from these items, so it’s best to put pearls on right before you walk out the door.

Before you handle your pearls, make sure to wash your hands. Lotions, creams and even the natural oil on your hands can cause discoloration over time. Once you’ve got the pearls on, try not to handle them excessively. You can wear down the coating of the pearls when you touch them too much.

It should go without saying that pearls shouldn’t be worn during exercise or while you are swimming. Sweat can discolor the coating on your pearls. It might not be that noticeable if you do it only once, but if you make a habit out of it the pearls will quickly become discolored. The chlorine used in swimming pools can have a very damaging effect on your pearls. They should always be removed before swimming.

It’s a good idea to carry a soft cloth bag with you when you wear your pearls. This way if you need to remove your pearls, you have a safe place to store them. Pearls can get damaged easily if you toss them in your purse with hard objects like your keys.

Even with the best of care, you will need to clean your pearls from time to time. Be sure to use a soft cloth, lint free cloth to wipe them down. Gently buff the pearls with the cloth until they are as shiny as they were when you purchased them new.