Pearl earrings and other pearl jewelry are known for their elegance, no doubt about it. If you are going to a formal event, you can never go wrong with pearls as accessory. Pearl earrings, necklaces and bracelets always connote style, class and sophistication. Pearls are very flexible, too. You can dress very simply, or you can dress to the nines, but wearing a pair of pearl earrings or a string of pearls on your neck will never fail to complete your look. This is exactly why every woman should own at least one piece of pearl jewelry in her lifetime.

Pearl jewelry, such as these earrings, can be a girl’s bestfriend:

Pearls are greatly valued and expensive because aside from their beauty, they are rare and quite difficult to culture. Authentic pearls can last years and years, too, without diminishing in beauty. Pearl jewelry, in fact, can make a really precious heirloom piece — something one woman can pass on to the next generations of women in the family.

Pearls jewelry pieces, like this string of pearls, are timeless!

Women ought to beware, though, as many jewelry pieces are made of fake pearls. Fake pearls may look just as beautiful without being too pricey, but they still don’t come close to the real thing. How can you tell whether the pearl is fake or real? There are actually a few simple tests you can do to make sure you get only the authentic ones.

1. The Weight Test. Bounce the pearls carefully in your hand. Real pearls actually feel heavy to hold while the fake ones feel unusually light.

2. The Magnifying Glass Test. Get a magnifying glass and examine the pearls very closely and try to spot flaws or blemishes. Real pearls mostly have their characteristic minimal ridges, irregularities and imperfections. The fake ones, on the other hand, look wonderfully smooth and flawless.

3. The Sun Test. Take your pearls out into the sun or hold them up one by one under a bright indoor light. Real pearls won’t be perfectly matched under the light or under the sun. You will see variations in the pearls’ iridescence and color. Fake pearls are mostly perfectly matched for their color and overtones.

4. The Tooth Test. Put the pearl in your mouth and rub it very lightly or softly across your upper front teeth. Be very careful not to swallow it. Real pearls feel sandy or gritty while the fake ones will feel smooth.

Not all pearl experts find this a reliable test, though.

5. The Price Test. You can tell a real pearl from the fake one by just basing on the price. You should know beforehand the average price of authentic pearls from known dealers. Real pearls have a comparative or reasonable price while fake pearls are unbelievably cheap or discounted.

Of course, if you still cannot tell from these simple tests, you can try drilling a tiny hole in the pearls (preferably after buying them, of course). Get a magnifying glass and examine the edges of the hole. Real pearls will have smooth and sharp edges while fake ones will have bumpy or ragged edges.

Remember, though, that there are two types of real pearls, the natural and the cultured.

Cultured pearls like this are still considered genuined pearls:

Real pearls may also either come from freshwater or saltwater. And there are also slight differences between these kinds of real pearls, so it is still best to talk about this with your dealer. After all, pearls are a great investment, and you wouldn’t want to invest on something you have no previous knowledge about.

Jewelry making can be a fun and exciting activity to do, especially if you have little girls just learning how to dress up and accessorize like mommy. And DIY necklaces are one of the easiest accessories to make. It will be a perfect bonding activity for you and the girls.

The good thing about handmade jewelry is that materials abound. There are so many craft stores and online shops offering a wide array of art materials and what-nots. You can purchase chains, cords, and ribbons for your necklace and lovely charms and accents to make as pendants.

A lot of stores sell interesting accent pieces and beautiful ornaments to hang on your necklaces, such as this heart pendant:

A lot of stores also offer different kinds of beads – from colored glass beads to the cheaper ones made of wood or polymer clay. You can string these beads together and come up with a fun and fabulous design to wear with your daughter’s favorite summer dress.

You also don’t need to worry about clasps and other tools like tweezers, cutters, and pliers. You can get them from these art and craft supply stores at affordable prices.

Little girls love anything colorful and they love necklaces with cute and fancy trinkets or pendants. Mismatched accents or charms hanging on bright-colored ribbons or chains would look pretty on young girls’ necks. And the best thing about it? You don’t have to go for something expensive. This is mainly because girls nine years old and below are generally active and still love to play and run around, so losing pendants and even the entire necklace is a common incident.

Little girls love colorful accents and pendants like this:

Older girls, especially the ones who are in their early teens, prefer the more feminine and elegant designs. At this age, they start to appreciate cute but more classic and more subtle pieces. They start to appreciate jewelry with more lady-like materials, like diamond, pearl, crystals, and simple silver or gold chains.

Older girls prefer necklaces with more elegant and lady-like pendants such as those with diamonds or pearl, like these:

Creating handmade necklaces is easy. You just need some practice on how to do the clasps or how to connect the two ends together, because this is the tricky part. It is just great that people these days are into the more avant-garde designs so you can be as creative as you can get. Knowing how to make your own necklaces makes it easier for you to spice up any particular outfit.

Wrist watches come in all styles and colors. Some look more functional, while some look more of a fashion accessory. And there are a few types of wristwatches, too. One of these is the diver watch.

But what makes a diver watch different from all other types of watches?

For one, a diver watch should be water resistant. For those who don’t know, there has been an international standard issued by the ISO that prohibits the use of the term “waterproof” when referring to watches. Water resistant means that the watch should have gaskets that form a watertight seal around it and a sealant is also applied to the watch’s case to help keep water out.

Diver watch cases are typically made of materials that are sure to withstand the forces when under water as well as the corrosiveness of saltwater. These materials include high quality stainless steel, ceramics and pure titanium.

Take note, however, that not all watches claiming to be “water resistant” is suitable for diving. A diver watch possesses a high degree of water resistance that enables it to endure temperature changes, water pressure conditions, and water density variations.

Divers, when underwater, can lose their perception of time. In order to keep track of elapsed time, a diver watch needs to have a rotating bezel complete with markers. Through this bezel, a diver can compute the length of his dive. This feature will save the diver from having to do subtraction otherwise performed if a watch’s regular dial was used. A digital diver watch can also perform this function through a standard stopwatch.

The bezel, and of course the dials and the markers on the diver watch face must also be legible under water and under low light conditions. There should be an indicator that the watch is functioning in total darkness.

An analog diver watch also needs a water resistant crown. Usually, the crown needs to be unscrewed in order to make certain adjustments to the date and time and is then retightened. But there are now diver watch models with crowns that are much like those of non-diver analog watches. Screw down crowns and traditional water-resistant crowns can’t be operated when underwater.

Wearing jewelry set with your birthstone will never go out of style. Birthstones will always be special and precious, not only referring to their monetary worth. Birthstone jewelry will always be a personal piece and even sentimental and meaningful for the wearer. This is because birthstones commemorate your birthday (duh), and that traditionally (or generally), it’s only the special people in your life who could think about giving them to you as a gift.

What better gift to give a special February birthday girl than a lovely Amethyst ring?

Moreover, birthstones are believed to bring in good luck for people born in their specific months. There are also those who believe these gemstones possess healing properties that get heightened during their months. For instance, if you are born in May then your birthstone is emerald and you will get the most benefit from emeralds by wearing them during your birth month.

The birthstone list may become confusing, though. Some jewelers follow the traditional birthstones, while some follow the modern ones. There’s also the Mystical Birthstones and the Ayurvedic Birthstones. Here’s a chart to guide you: http://www.gems4friends.com/birthstones.html . If you get confused as to which birthstones chart to follow, I personally think it depends on which one speaks to you the most and which one you believe in.

For those who don’t want to limit themselves (and their luck) to gemstones associated with only their birth months, there’s no rule against wearing a piece bearing multiple gemstones.

A necklace with various gemstones of various colors is pretty and refreshing:

And while gemstones are otherwise known as birthstones or are associated with a person’s birth month, gemstones can also be associated with each of the nine planets, with the astrological or zodiac signs, with the days of the week, and even with wedding anniversaries.

Ruby, for instance, is also associated with Sunday.

And jewelry with turquoise makes a great gift to your spouse for your 6th wedding anniversary.

And yes, gemstone jewelry is mostly associated with women, but there are those designed for men, too. After all, it’s not only the women who need all the luck and the good energy they can get.

Gemstone rings like this are designed for men:

It is the age of flip flops.

A few years ago, we limit wearing slippers and flip flops inside our homes or at the beach. In fact, it was a sort of a fashion taboo to be seen outside the house wearing something too casual and relaxed like rubber slippers. But, nowadays, fashion has indeed evolved and flip flops are the IN thing.

Flip flops are the trend! Even celebrities wear them at the red carpet!

Fashion in this day and age has gone beyond norms and has learned to prioritize ease and comfort above all else. Gone were the days when women need to wear hot and itchy stockings and painful high-heeled shoes before stepping out the door. Fashion authorities have learned to accept that these are too uncomfortable and would limit a woman’s activities. Also, gone were the days when wearing a pair of short pants were considered too sexy, vulgar and scandalous. Short pants have even become trendy that you see people wearing them wherever they go, even to work, when the weather permits.

And what’s a more perfect combination than shorts and flip flips?

However, with almost everyone sliding into a pair of flip flops, you cannot help but think they have become a cliché. Seeing slippers here and there surely make this footwear a little less interesting or refreshing, and even boring at a certain degree.

How do you spice up your outfit without giving up the ultimate in comfort? To be more specific, how do you make your get-up a little more interesting without having to throw out those flip flips you’ve learned to love so much?

The answer is simple. Wear anklets! Anklets make your feet look cuter and give it a bit of a personality. You can wear anklets or ankle bracelets with designs that speak about you, or that matches your top.

These dolphin anklets are perfect for the beach lover:

Opt for a very feminine touch with lovely this butterfly anklet:

Or spread love with this heart ankle bracelet:

Well-coiffed hair; long, black Christian Dior gown; Christian Laboutin shoes…the perfect accessory would be? PEARLS.

But it’s a sunny day and you just want your hair down, wear a pair of denim shorts and a simple t-shirt…but you still want your pearls! Why not?

Choose some kind of down-to-earth pearls that can be worn on dress down days.

Buy this pink mesh bracelet for two simple reasons: It’s chic and symbolic. Why symbolic? Because pink is the color of breast cancer awareness. So wearing this not only makes you look good, it will make you FEEL good and part of a greater cause!

But for a casual outfit like an A-line skirt, a t-shirt, gladiator sandals, this mesh bracelet keeps the entire ensemble chic. Just make sure that every piece of outfit is neutrally colored so that the pink mesh and the pearl gleams.

Here’s another variety:

You want to keep your hair down and still want to wear pearls, choose dangling Earrings »”>pearl earrings to keep the look young and fresh.

Whether you’re a blond, a brunette or a red, this pair of pearl and wood bead drop earrings present colors that attract. But if you want the pair to dangle away, keep you hair away from your face with a headband so that you can display the true beauty of the earrings.

Say you’re wearing a pair of jeans and a boring tube top. Accessorize again with a pearl necklace. It is best that you keep the cleavage at a minimum though so that the view will not compete with this casually elegant pearl necklace.

If you want to keep it casual, always stick to the smaller pearl pieces.

And if you really are gaga over pearls, check this out:

How did Dakota Fanning make the transition from the responsible girl from “I am Sam” to cheerleader?

I cannot remember the exact moment Dakota Fanning grew up. I remember her as the kid that mentally outgrew her mentally retarded father in “I am Sam.” I can still picture her kissing a boy under the rain as the younger version of Reese Witherspoon in “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Suddenly, there are pictures of her as a cheerleader, being crowned homecoming princess. Dakota is a kid no more. She went on to star in the biggest teen vampire movie ever made in the New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight series.

I remember the kid, now I’m seeing the teen. But I could not see her as the pre-teen that she must have been.

I can still picture Dakota in an award ceremony where she could not reach the podium. She had help from Orlando Bloom to reach the microphone. She was wearing a black dress with colored puffed sleeves. Not bad for a kid:

But in a Teen Vogue cover shoot, Dakota donned a leopard print mini-dress that did not give a shadow of the cute kid that she once was—she’s now a pretty lady.

Walking on the street, Dakota wore printed, skinny jeans topped with white shirt, velvet jacket and a pair of black combat boots.

On the red carpet, Dakota wore a black Valentino tube mini-dress:

This laid-back teenager, who has so far chosen the road less traveled for teens—the opposite of train wreck, loves keeping it simple and light. She loves jeans and t-shirts on normal days. Also a favorite is a leather necklace with pendant. Check out this variation of Dakota’s favorite accessory:

The few times she sports a watch, she prefers silver, slim kind. Just like this:

She also prefers pink bracelets:

I love spring! It’s not cold, it’s not hot, the weather is just perfect. The problem is what to do with the hair. Summer means short hair, winter means weaves. But spring means to experiment!

This year though, braids are in for spring.

The side-braid: if you sport a long hair, bring all the strands to one side and braid it. This hairstyle is perfect for Venus-cut dresses, keep the braid at the opposite side of the strap of the dress. This will also compliment tube dresses. Accessorize with this multi-shape necklace:

There are two ways to do the side-braid. You can keep it neat or untidy. Keep it neat by using hair polish. Sport this during semi-formal events while the untidy braid is to give the hair an edgy look. The latter, just for the uneventful around-town events.

You can also do the side-ponytail, which has the same principle as the side-braid.

Braided pigtails: Now, you might think that this is just for pre-schoolers. Not, if you are a trendy yuppie. Go experiment! Be bold! Be trendy! Keep the braids high and bouncy. Use polish to make it shiny and neat. The up-do braids give an opening to the neck, so compliment the hairstyle with a choker:

Aside from the braids though, high buns are also in-style, although, more appropriate for formal events or to manage the summer heat. This spring though, make the bun at the top of the head, thus called a high bun. Because this do will keep the neck naked, wear this multi-colored gemstone necklace:

But if you’re sporting short hair, then it’s not a problem. To be more chic though, spray chemicals on it. Tussle the hair with comb then spray it with spray net. Marry the hairstyle with this three crosses silver necklace:

The winning spring hairstyle is Jessica Alba’s wavy bob:

If you have a face like Jessica’s, there is no need to accessorize. But if not, try this gorgeous butterfly pendant to keep the attention more on the neck rather than the face.

Cool Sterling Silver Heart Locket

If you are looking for the perfect gift idea for a loved one, then look no further than a photo locket.  Photo lockets are the ideal gifts for somebody close to your heart.

1. Mommy’s memories. A photo locket with your picture, or her picture when she was younger would be a great gift for your mom.  Not only will you bring a smile to her lips, but you will give her something that she can really cherish.  Let her remember fun times with the family, while keeping them close to her heart.

Go for a classic design, like this one from Luster Forever:

Delicate Sterling Silver I Love You Heart Locket

Or perhaps something more stately.

Exquisite Silver 20mm Oval Diamond Locket

2. Daddy’s Joy. Men are less inclined to wear photo lockets, but that should not stop you from giving Daddy the gift of memories.  He will definitely love a no-nonsense locket that he will have no trouble wearing, like this one:

Sheer Sterling Silver Polished Locket

3. Nothing Says I Love You More Clearly than Photo Lockets.   More than flowers and chocolates, a perfect gift for a spouse, or significant other is a picture of you together.  It could be your first date, or a trip to Paris, or just one of those really romantic escapades you had.  All of these photos would be perfect gifts with these lockets:

Stylish Silver with Pink Mother of Pearl Heart Locket

or:

Sheer Sterling Silver Pink CZ 18mm Heart Locket

Simple yet precious, these lockets drive home the point that you cherish your loved one and the memories they shared with you.

4. Little girls and the Debutante. Little girls are the darling of any parent’s eyes.  And it is only deserving that we give them the best gifts.  A photo locket is just the thing if you want to let them know how they are cherished.  A baby picture or a family picture would be perfect photos for lockets that you want to give your little ones.

And the locket itself?  Make it a mix of whimsical and traditional.

Hip Sterling Silver Floral 18mm Heart Locket

You woke up with a hangover, you can’t think, and you’re meeting a friend for breakfast in 10 minutes. The first thing you saw in the closet is a pair of jeans and a tank top. You quickly changed and realized that it’s not really what you want to wear. But your hangover is making it difficult for you to think. Solution: grab your leather jacket and go!

You’re late for work, you haven’t done your laundry in three weeks. The only clean work outfit you have is a white dress that is not fashionable enough. There is no time to make a quick visit to the laundry mat and you don’t want to wear a stinking outfit. Solution: top that white dress with a leather jacket and off you go!

Every woman should own at least one leather jacket, the same with the man. If you can afford a lot of leather jackets then you can play with colors. But if you should own just one, choose black, the basic.

A leather jacket is the most versatile fashion item there is. It really doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a dress, shorts, jeans or nothing at all, leather jacket is the perfect accessory.

To keep it in the leather category, there are a few Bracelet »”>leather bracelets that could compliment the jacket:

or

Black is basic and sometimes boring. So keep the leather jacket funky by wearing colorful necklaces. Perfect focal point when you wear the leather jacket open. Use a long chain with this Murano glass pendant so that it will dangle in the tummy area, a center attraction to the black leather jacket:

You want to wear a micro-mini dress or skirt with knee-high boots. Wear a knee-length leather coat as well. I tell you, you can’t help but walk on the street like you are walking on the runway. Keep it cool with this Peridot pendant:

Keep the chain short because the boots are already high and the jacket long.