CULTURED PEARL GIFTS AND GIFT-GIVING OCCASIONS

Throughout history, pearls have been the gift of love. And for that, tradition has made them the jewel of brides. No other gem conveys more the warmth, and depth, the eternal quality of love. Giving the gift of love with cultured pearls is always appropriate. With an endless variety of styles and jewelry choices, the perfect pearl gift awaits everyone, on any important occasion.

In addition to weddings, think of anniversaries ... holidays ... Mother's Day ... Valentine's Day ... graduations, promotions ... and birthdays, of course, especially in June, the pearl birthstone month. Cultured pearl jewelry gifts are as wondrous and varied as your loved ones: necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings and earrings of all kinds, brooches, cufflinks and tie tacks. Cultured pearls are the perfect gift because they suit so many tastes. For homemakers and socialites, students and businesswomen, cultured pearls always hit the mark. Young girls introduced to cultured pearls will covet them for every special occasion in their lives -- from their first Communion, or high school graduation, to their wedding day and beyond.

What lovelier gift for a new mother? For an important success in school, or business? Pearl gifts forever remind her of her life's best moments. A fine strand of cultured pearls symbolizes that a woman has attained a certain level, socially and economically. And as every woman takes pride in knowing her pearls are real ... ... she secretly enjoys how their soft, sensual smoothness embodies her very essence.

Cultured pearls are the most feminine and romantic of all gems, and they never go out of style. The versatility of pearl jewelry lets every fashionable woman make her statement, whatever the occasion.

The ultimate form of cultured pearl jewelry is the most versatile of all -- the necklace ... coming in six standard lengths ... each making a fashion statement of its own. Necklaces comprise over 60 percent of all cultured pearl jewelry sales, so it's important you be well prepared to discuss their various lengths, their versatility, and the fashion styles they complement best. First are the collars, the shortest length, usually 12 to 13 inches. Collars consist of three or more strands that lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Very Victorian and luxurious, pearl collars go best with elegant V-neck, boat-neck or off-the-shoulder fashions.

Next in length are chokers, usually 14 to 16 inches long. Perhaps the most versatile of all single-strand lengths, this classic style goes with virtually any outfit -- from casual to fancy eveningwear -- and just about any neckline. Best suited for crew or high necklines, princess necklaces are 17 to 19 inches in length. Princess necklaces complement low, plunging necklines and are perfect supports for pendants. At 20 to 24 inches, the matinee length is quite right for those seeking a more mature, conservative look -- perfect for casual or business dress, and the theatre. Opera necklaces, at 28 to 34-inches, are the queen of all lengths. Refined, and perfect for high or crew necklines, an opera necklace may be worn as a single strand, or when doubled, as a two-strand choker.

And finally, at over 45 inches, are the rope necklaces. These simply drip with elegance and luxury, but they're practical as well. Rope necklaces often have mystery clasps placed in strategic locations to allow them to be separated into multi-strand necklace-and-bracelet combinations. For women seeking the complete pearl wardrobe, this length is a must.