Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check out this gemstone chart: www.dashaboutique.com/gemstone chart.html. Yes, once again I've crossed off every last person on my Christmas shopping list before Halloween. Mom, Dad, Grandma, brother Steve, brother Jason, kids, nieces, nephews, even bus drivers, schoolteachers and the mailman. I've stockpiled hostess gifts, stocking suffers and a few random presents for those surprise exchanges that pop up every holiday. Everything's already wrapped and tagged. Come December, I'll be relaxing in a hot bath with a good book while the rest of the world scrambles to amass ratchet sets, bezel set diamond studs and the latest Tickle Me Elmo.
Why not join me? Besides the smug satisfaction you'll enjoy from getting your holiday shopping out of the way early, you'll get to actually appreciate the parties, the cookie baking, the egg nog, the mistletoe—even the relatives—without guilt.
So how'd I do it already? With a little advanced planning. You can get your Christmas shopping done early too, if you follow my lead. Here are my secrets:
Nine Christmas shopping tips (Hanukkah shopping tips too) to make the holidays easier:
Wholesale jewelry store can provide the perfect choice for wedding jewelry.
Orignal From: Learn more about all semi-precious
Say someone really liked strawberries, but could never find enough of them in the woods, or the ones they found were too small, or too tasteless? 
A pearl starts growing when some irritating foreign substance such as a sand grain, bit of mud, parasite or other object becomes lodged in the shell-producing gland called the mantle. Pearls formed in the soft flesh where nacre can be added on all sides are most likely to be spherical and the most highly prized. By far the great majority are flattened or variously distorted and have little value. Size, color, luster and freedom from flaws are other essential qualities. Unlike other gems, such as diamonds, pearls have an average life of only about 50 years. In time the small amount of water in a pearl's make-up is lost and its surface cracks. Because they are mostly lime, necklaces which are worn often are injured by the acid secretions of the human skin. 
Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and other mollusks. Cultured pearls also are grown by mollusks, but with human intervention; that is, an irritant introduced into the shells causes a pearl to grow. Imitation pearls are man-made with glass, plastic, or organic materials. 
Always check the color. Yes it really depends on the preference of the buyer on what kind of color to get but as much as possible, try to not get the solid black pearls if you regard it as an investment. The more overtones a pearl has, the more valuable it is. Therefore choose a pearl that has blue, green, red, purple or pink overtones. 
Unlike other gems that are cut, shaped and polished to bring color brilliance and shine, pearls are natural gems. Basically, pearl is a natural product of an oyster's body defense mechanism. They grow inside their mother oysters with a shimmering iridescence, luster and soft inner glow that are unlike in any other gem on this earth. Natural pearls grow naturally in oysters living at sea without the human intervention. When any irritant or a parasite enters inside an oyster or mollusk then the process of natural coating begins with layer upon layer of nacre inside the oyster. 
Akoya Pearls Akoya pearls hail from Japan, where they are cultured. More expensive than freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls are also typically more perfectly round and smoother than freshwater pearls. The luster of an Akoya pearl necklace and pearl earrings makes them the jewelry of choice for many brides-to-be. Factors Affecting Price The price of pearl jewelry can vary widely, depending upon a number of factors. Taking the price of the setting out of the equation, pearls are valued based on the type of pearl, their size, their roundness, and the absence or presence of flaws. If you are looking for affordable or wholesale pearl jewelry, freshwater pearls are your best bet. The most expensive pearls may be South Sea pearls, which are made by the pinctada maxima, or golden-lipped oyster. 
Pearl bracelets and pearl earrings come in magnificent colors such as red, turquoise and canary yellow that makes any outfit pop. Other jewelry options for pearls include adding beads made of semi-precious stones or crystals. 
In your physical body, Mother of Pearl produces an overall soothing effect as it gently stirs the life energy of your cells. Like waves lapping the coast, this moving is steady, relaxing, and graceful. Overactive mechanisms throughout your body are calmed, and the flexibility of your cells increases, improving their ability to accept oxygen and life force. 
Nowadays, pearl jewelries are not anymore that expensive. With several pearl farms in different parts of the world, the rate of pearl production has drastically increased, making the price of pearls affordable to almost anyone who wants them. So if you are considering giving pearls as a gift, you can actually find one that fits your budget. 
The price range of pearl bridal jewelry totally depends on its weight and quality. However, if you compare pearl jewelry with any other metal jewelry, the rates of pearl are much cheaper than any other metal like gold, silver or platinum. Moreover, they are a priced possession; something you will never regret of owning! 
Check the strands after every use for signs of wear or have them restrung periodically depending on how often they are used. Have knots placed between pearls in a strand to keep them from scratching each surface they come into contact with and to prevent most or all the pearls from falling off a broken strand.Heat causes discoloration of pearls so avoid this where possible 
Pearl jewelry has been cherished and handed down through generations of women who have loved them enough to learn the proper ways of looking after them. Pearls, unlike other natural gems, are fragile and need gentle handling and non-exposure to harmful chemicals to maintain their beauty and value. 
Traditionally, the standard for pearl jewelry has been to use white or near-white cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, or natural pearls that are perfectly round. The white, round beauties have been treasured because, in the world of pearl jewelry, they are rare. Increasingly, however, women are appreciating the uniqueness and versatility of pearls in a variety of shapes and colors - just as nature makes them. If you've always thought of pearls as white and round, it's time to think again. Pearl Shapes Round - Traditional round cultured pearls are often used for pearl bridal jewelry, the traditional pearl necklace, and other cultured pearl jewelry, like pearl stud earrings.