Friday Findings: The Elegance of Pearls

Pearls are a classic Valentine's gift, and I've always loved the elegance and enchantment that pearls seem to cultivate when it comes to love and romance. So, whether they are given as a token of affection to a sweetheart or passed down as heirlooms from mother-to-daughter, pearls have taken on value in our culture as highly cherished adornments.

Traditionally, pearls were expensive and prized by the very rich. They were hunted and harvested from the sea, and then passed down as heirlooms through royal and aristocrat families. After the technology advancements in pearl cultivation that took place during the 1920's and 1930's, the tradition of passing pearls become accessible (and affordable!) to us all. Today, you can even find glass-based pearls that achieve and remarkable similarity to cultured pearls in both luster and weight.

Since Valentine's Day is how we'll be ending this week, I wanted to pass a special collection of jewelry onto you, so you'll have some pearls to cherish. So, in honor of Valentine's Day, I hope you'll enjoy today's elegant pearl showcase:

La Courtesan
TheBirthofVenus.etsy.com

A 17" limited edition necklace dripping with delightful luxury. This stunning piece features a faceted German crystal accented with generous clusters of Pink topaz and freshwater pearls. Available from TheBirthofVenus who is offering a special discount for all Posh Mama members: Enter "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box and receive a 10% discount off your purchase. Offer valid through Friday, February 20, 2009.

Sparkling Flower with Pearls
byCJ.etsy.com

This elegant 16" white Swarovski pearl necklace features a vintage flower brooch of clear rhinestones. A special sterling silver wire attachment also allows you wear the necklace and brooch separately. Available from byCJ.etsy.com. And as a special for all Posh Mama members, type "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box to receive free shipping. Offer valid through Friday, February 20, 2009.

Circle of Peace Sterling Silver and Pearls Necklace
InsomniArt.etsy.com

This classy and versatile 17" necklace features a Thai silver circle with a floral-like combo of silver beads and freshwater pearls. It closes with a sterling silver lobster clasp and is available from InsomniArt.etsy.com. And as a special to all Posh Mama members, type "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box at check out for to receive 15% off your purchase through Friday, February 20, 2009.

linear pearls no.2. necklace
amyhatch.etsy.com

A dreamy 17" necklace created with creamy white cultured pearls are aligned in a row on delicate gold filled chain and nestled between the pearls is a micro-faceted moonstone rondelle. Available from amyhatch.etsy.com.

Freshwater Pearl and Sterling Chain Lariat
briguysgirls.etsy.com

Dainty and delicate. This 21" sterling silver chain is two Peach freshwater pearl coins surrounded by sterling silver rope rings. Available from briguysgirls.etsy.com. And as a special offer to all Posh Mama members, type "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box at checkout to receive a 10% discount. Offer valid through Friday, February 20, 2009.

Classic Hand Knotted Silk Freshwater Pearl Necklace
IrisAccents.etsy.com

Every woman should have at least one classic, and this 15.5" necklace features 7-7.5mm round white cultured freshwater pearls hand-knotted onto silk cord. The necklace closes with a traditional filigree sterling silver locking clasp. Available from IrisAccents.etsy.com..

Before signing out, please congratulate last week's Friday Findings giveaway winner, Posh Mama Shalon. Shalon has won a pair the beautiful hammered heart pendants featured in today's post from last week's giveaway sponsor Lindi at lindesigns.etsy.com.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).

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