A pearl necklace is an essential piece of jewellery in every woman's wardrobe, capable of adding a touch of elegance to even the most casual outfits. To choose a quality necklace, it is important to consider several factors:

• Type: Pearls can be freshwater, also known as river pearls, saltwater, cultured or natural.
• Size: Freshwater pearls usually range between 3 and 8 mm, with baroque pearls reaching 11-15 mm. Saltwater pearls, depending on their origin, range in size from 8 mm to over 20 mm, and average between 10 mm and 14 mm.  
• Shape: Freshwater pearls can be elongated like grains of rice, ovoid or teardrop-shaped. Perfectly spherical forms are rarer, but more common today due to improvements in cultivation techniques. Baroque pearls, on the other hand, are distinguished by their irregular shape. Saltwater pearls are generally spherical with a smooth, regular surface, but even then there can be exceptions.
• Colour: Shades vary from the white of river pearls, with their silver or pink reflections, to the black of Tahitian pearls, which feature iridescent reflections from green to purple. Other colours include mauve, purple, brown, blue, green, grey and even gold and copper, with a surface colour that can be green, blue or pink. The iridescence of a pearl is determined by itsorientation, an optical effect created by light refracting on the mother of pearl, which is made up of tiny crystals bound together by an organic glue.

The quality of a pearl necklace is determined by considering all these factors together with shine, surface quality and overall harmony of the pearls in the composition.

To keep your pearls shiny and in the best condition, simply clean them gently with a cloth dampened with distilled water and dry them carefully.If your pearls have turned yellow, on the other hand, you can follow these steps to restore their natural lustre:

1. Place them in a 40-60 denier nylon stocking to protect them.

2. Soak them briefly in a solution of lukewarm water and mild liquid soap.

3. Rub the beads gently with the stocking.

4. Rinse them with water and dry them with a soft, dry cloth.

To preserve their natural brilliance and characteristic flashes, follow a few simple precautions:

• Wait at least half an hour after applying make-up and a few minutes after spraying perfume or hairspray before putting them on, so they don't get spoiled.
• Avoid wearing them during physical activity or in intense heat, as sweat can damage them.
• Don't wear them to sleep.
• Store them in soft cloth bags or lined jewellery boxes, away from other jewellery and hard stones that might scratch them.

In general, always follow the golden rule: your pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.

There are numerous types of artificial pearls on the market that closely imitate the colour and appearance of natural pearls. However, their perfection is often the first clue that can raise doubts about their authenticity. On closer inspection, these pearls appear perfectly round and smooth, with attractive colours and a uniform lustre.

In contrast, natural pearls show small variations in size and discolourations, differing slightly from each other. Their uneven surface casts sporadic flashes, which vary depending on the perspective from which they are observed. This makes them unique and unrepeatable, each one totally different from the other. 

In addition, real pearls tend to be heavier than artificial pearls of a similar size, due to the density of the mother of pearl. If in doubt, it is always advisable to consult an experienced jeweller who can provide a professional analysis. To banish any doubts and answer the oft-asked question "how do you know the pearls are real?", the guarantee certificate ensures the authenticity and different quality grades of natural pearls.

Giovanni Raspini's silver pearl jewellery frames the beauty of natural pearls amidst the reflections of silver: authentic handcrafted works of art that capture a timeless splendour.

Apart from considering the length of the necklace in relation to the neckline of the clothing, there are other ways to pair an elegant accessory like a pearl necklace with different outfits.

Matching the colour of your pearls to your skin tone

Pearls can also be matched to skin tone and seasonal colours. Here are some guidelines:

• White pearls: Suitable for all complexions.
• Pink pearls: particularly striking on women with fair complexions and hair.
• Lavender pearls: Ideal for women with a dark complexion and dark hair.
• Black pearls: They create a pleasing contrast on women with light complexions and hair, while adding a touch of mystery on those with dark complexions and hair.

If you are undecided on what to choose, bring different colour pearls close to your face to see which shade suits you best.

When to wear a pearl necklace?

Pearls are extraordinarily versatile and can be worn on many occasions, with a few simple guidelines:

• At work: In a formal setting, it is advisable to wear a classic single strand of white pearls, paired with small pearl earrings for a refined look.
• In your free time: Experiment with two-strand pearl necklaces, pendant pearl necklaces, chokers or lariat designs.
• Ceremonies and evening events: opt for multi-strand necklaces in colourful shades to match the outfit, or elaborate chokers. On these occasions, it is best to wear pearl sets with no other types of jewellery. 

With patterned evening dresses, choose a simple single-strand necklace; with a dark dress, a white pearl necklace is a timeless classic. The incredible versatility of pearls accounts for their popularity among women who like to wear them in everyday life and on special occasions.

Let's discover some examples of pearl jewellery and the ideal occasions to show off their beauty:

• Pearl earrings: A timeless classic, pearl earrings can range from simple studs to more elaborate drop earrings. Studs are perfect for the office or formal meetings, offering a touch of discreet elegance. Drop earrings, on the other hand, add a sophisticated touch to evening events or ceremonies.
• Bracelets with pearls: Bracelets with pearls can complete a daytime look with a hint of refinement or elevate an evening outfit. They are ideal for elegant dinners or special occasions, where you want an accessory that attracts attention without overpowering your outfit as a whole.
• Pearl rings: Pearls in rings are often set in precious metals such as gold and silver, and are perfect for dates and social events. They convey an air of luxury and elegance, and can be worn either as unique pieces or as part of a matching set.
• Pearl brooches and clasps: These accessories can transform a dress or a hairstyle, adding a vintage or contemporary touch depending on the design. Pearl brooches are perfect for weddings, formal events and occasions where you want to wear a distinctive details.

Explore the Giovanni Raspini pearl jewellery collection: unique creations that combine tradition and modernity, ready to enhance every special moment.