Pearls as a fashion accessory have been part of women's ensembles for years. Pearls are so versatile they can be added as accessories to create numerous looks and fashions. People mistakenly believe that designer pearl jewelry is too expensive, but that isn't usually true. They're certainly less in cost than diamonds or some other gemstones would be.

If you open almost any fashion magazine, you'll see plenty of models wearing designer pearl jewelry. Keep in mind that there are different kinds of pearls, though. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth. But, what's great about making jewelry from pearls is that other shapes - baroque, for example - are available, and they also can make for great and memorable pieces.

A pearl is the product of a living mollusk such as the oyster. The highest quality pearls have been appreciated as gemstones for thousands of years. The majority of pearls today come from cultured or "farmed" (from an oyster or mollusk farm) batches. Seawater pearls are also more valuable and prized than those cultured from freshwater mollusks.

When looking at designer pearl jewelry always be on the lookout for imitation or fake pearls.Examine them closely to gauge their iridescence. Fake or imitation stones will have a very poor quality of it. Fakes are pretty easy to tell from real pearls. In olden days, pearls were often sewn into elaborate headpieces or in clothing. Many royals or monarchs had more than a few pieces of clothing adorned with pearls.

Designer pearl jewelry as a home craft has become more popular this last decade. There are several books available which can show you how to make chokers, bracelets and earrings, among other fine pieces. All it takes is a few simple and uncomplicated tools and supplies and the mastering of several relatively easy techniques. There are a wide variety of styles - from classic all the way up to modern and funky - that pearls can be used in, and all are fun to make and wear.

Appreciating fine designer pearl jewelry is made easier because the pearls themselves are so beautiful. From the more common white type all the way up to the rare (and expensive) blacks, you'll see them in most any jewelry shop.

If you find pearls to be interesting, take some time to learn a little about them, for they're extremely fascinating gems. You can prolong the life of your pearls by taking proper care of them. Pearls should never be worn while bathing or swimming, in fact, you must keep them away from any liquids. After you take your pearls off, wipe them gently with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and keep them stored away from other items that can stratch the delicate pearls.