This photo is from the New York Magazine's Michelle Obama Look Book.

Did you see Speaker Pelosi during the final debate for healthcare reform this last Sunday? Regardless of your opinion on healthcare, you have to admit the Speaker was looking sharp with her strand of large pearls. Larger pearl necklaces are the "in" thing right now and are our biggest seller. Check out our tahitian pearl and south sea pearl strands. The Speaker's necklace is made from three types of pearls, a combination of white south sea, golden south sea, and tahitian pearls. Through our custom design services we can create the perfect pearl necklace for you. Contact us for more information.

From NY Daily News:

The would-be future queen of England had to search through dog poop after her cocker spaniel ate a pair of pricey pearl earrings given to her by Prince William.

Royal girlfriend Kate Middleton loved the antique studs Wills gave her on her 28th birthday, and she was distraught when they went missing from her bedside table, according to the Daily Mail.

"She knew William had spent a lot of money on the earrings and she was embarrassed that she had mislaid them," a friend of Middleton's told the Mail.

Middleton suspected that her beloved dog Otto had chowed down the baubles, and she resorted to walking him several times a day in hope of recovering them.

Otto eventually produced the evidence of his guilt, but the earrings were damaged beyond repair. The prince graciously offered to buy his gal another pair.

"He said the main thing was that Otto was okay," the source told the Mail. "He adores the dog, who's very sweet."

Milan, Italy - February 16, 2010 - The Pearl Commission of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, has released its special report ahead of the 2010 CIBJO Congress, which will commence on February 19 in Munich, Germany. In the report, the commission reviewed a number of amendments to the Pearl Blue Book.

Among the amendments that had been ratified at the 2009 Congress in Istanbul was a requirement to disclose a treatment achieved during the “Akoya” cultured pearl’s growth as “colour induced cultured pearls.” The treatment consists of injecting metal fluids into the pearl’s sac to induce varying colours, depending on the metal used.

Also mentioned is a new definition for Keshi cultured pearls to a trade term that designates a non-beaded cultured pearl formed accidentally or intentionally by human intervention in marine pearl oysters such as the Akoya oyster, Silver/Gold lipped oyster, Black lipped oyster and freshwater molluscs.

The reports also mentions a change to Clause 4.2.8 in the Blue Book, which states that when making reference to a saltwater cultured pearl the words "cultured pearl" needs to be preceded by the word "saltwater."

The Pearl Commission report also notes discussion on the need start working on a detailed coding system for the different types of pearls and their treatments, similar to the coding system being developed by CIBJO’s Coloured Stone Commission.

The CIBJO Pearl Commission will meet at the 2010 CIBJO Congress in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, February 21, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., in Room 5 of the International Congress Centre.

Check out the CIBJO's website.

East Providence, RI, January 28, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Officially launching during the AGTA show held in Tucson, Arizona, February 2, 2010, the contest will run through September 1, 2010; winners to be announced November 1, 2010. Winning entries will be on display during the AGTA and JCK shows in 2011.

Celebrating one of the world's most prized and mysterious gems, this contest invites artistic expression inclusive of all pearl varieties. Winners will enjoy award designation along with the prestige as being first recipients of this inaugural competition.

The pearl enjoys a rich history steeped in tradition including a reputation as an iconic symbol of style, grace, privilege and influence. While these attributes have not changed, our view and perception has expanded, envisioning endless new possibilities for jewelry design and affinity for cultured pearls.

The timing is perfect for the CPAA'S first International Design Competition honoring the beloved pearl.

For complete contest details visit www.cpaa.org or call 888-31-Pearl

Contact Information:
The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc.
Kathy Grenier, Director of Marketing
888-317-3275
cpaa@cpaa.org
www.cpaa.org

Great article on the numerous considerations 2009 brides have to make; jewelry being one of them. Be sure to sign up for exclusive offers for fine pearl jewelry at Madison Pearls!

Pearls have been a popular wedding jewelry choice for hundreds of years. This year will see them as well. However, rather then sticking to the traditional ivory or cream colored pearl, today’s bride may opt for color instead. Pastel pearls in pink, gold, or pale cocoa brown are likely to be popular. However, black pearls will also offer a startling contrast against a white bridal gown.

Read the full article here.

Here is a great fundraiser where pearls are donated to the YWCA and then auctioned off as a newly created piece of jewelry.

The High Hopes fundraising committee wants your loose, broken strands, or otherwise unworn pearls to create a fabulous ensemble to auction off at this year’s "Girls Night Out" event: “Girls in Pearls – The Black & White Bash” to be held August 13 at the Sunrise Mansion offices of Farmer Cline & Campbell.

They're asking ladies to check their drawers and jewelry boxes for any pearls they no longer wear, and to donate them to create a beautiful and unique treasure for a great cause. That old set of pearls or single pearl earring in your drawer could help create a brighter future for a victim of domestic violence.

Read more at: WOWK-TV, Charleston YWCA

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