Fourth in the Fred Ward Gem Book Series, PEARLS, REVISED, has new color photographs with the latest most accurate information. Everything you need to know about pearls: culturing, buying, and caring for them. The history and lore of pearls covers natural, cultured, saltwater, freshwater, mother-of-pearl and imitation.

Man has been intrigued by the origin of pearls, sensitive to their beauty, and convinced of their medicinal value for at least 5 cent. A mixture of folklore and observation preceded the earliest scientific inquiries. Fishing and trade commenced in S. Asia, between India and Sri Lanka and around the Persian Gulf. In W. and Central Europe, Inner Asia and China, and N. Amer. Freshwater pearls were probably known and treasured before those of marine origin. A refined nomenclature points to a long familiarity with etymologically related words for 'pearl'. Pearls were prominent among the luxury products of world trade and were high among the objectives of expeditions to the eastern and western Tropics. Illustrations.

Whether you prefer a classic single strand or a funky combination of pearls and semi-precious materials, Simply Pearls shows you how to create necklaces that are easy to make yet look both expensive and professionally made. No longer the extravagance they used to be, pearls come in a variety of types - from freshwater to faux - that make these beautiful gems an affordable and elegant option. With projects designed for beginners and intermediate crafters - with a few more challenging designs for good measure - Simply Pearls is a volume that people will consult again and again for basic stringing, knotting and wire-work techniques; to find inspiration and project ideas, including tips on refreshing heirloom jewellery; and as a materials reference. Whether your look is modern and edgy or classic Chanel, Simply Pearls offers great how-to-wear-it ideas and beautiful projects that will give you the Tiffany s look at budget prices.

With today's finest cultured pearls rivaling diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire in terms of popularity, rarity and price, more and more people are searching for a reliable source of information to guide them in the fascinating and complex world of pearls-natural, cultured and imitation. This revised and updated 3rd edition is a comprehensive, authoritative guide that tells readers everything they need to know about pearls to fully understand and appreciate them, and avoid any unexpected-and costly-disappointments, now and in future generations.

... Joni lovingly strings together some of her own choice pearls and presents them to you in this beautiful devotional.

Summary: In Tiffany Pearls, Tiffany's longtime design director traces the dazzling history of pearl jewelry at Tiffany, from the mid-19th century to the present, including fascinating accounts of many of the world's most famous pearls since the Renaissance. Tiffany Pearls is lavishly illustrated with archival photographs, portraits of illustrious pearl lovers through the centuries (including Queen Elizabeth I; Catherine de Medici; Mary, Queen of Scots; and Mary Todd Lincoln), sketches and drawings of Tiffany's signature designs, and photographs of their spectacular antique and contemporary pearl pieces. In addition, celebrities from Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor, Christy Turlington, Naomi Watts, and Sarah Jessica Parker, are pictured decked out in lavish Tiffany pearls.--From publisher description.

A visually stunning, one-of-a-kind history of the shimmering, lustrous object of beauty that has mesmerized humankind for millennia. Featuring 210 superb photographs, 168 in full color, Pearls traces the evolution of the pearl from sacred icon to timeless aesthetic symbol, a history that spans 4,000 years. Shrink-wrapped.