Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

How to Wear a Pearl Bracelet: PurePearls.com GIVEAWAY!!!

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Am I the only one out there who tends to think of “ladies who lunch” when they thinking of pearl jewelry? Pearls are definitely a classic, but they can also get a reputation as being old-fashioned or perhaps even outdated, especially when you think about the variety of jewelry options available on the market today. Bold colors, big designs and unique looks can leave a strand of pearls feeling a bit behind-the-times.

But I want to encourage you to NOT banish your pearl bracelets or pearl necklaces to the back of your jewelry armoire. There’s a place for these beauties of the sea, to be sure!

Today I want to showcase a beautiful pearl bracelet from PurePearls.com. First and foremost, this bracelet isn’t white or cream in color. These pearls are a glossy black, and depending on what I’m wearing, they can look purple or even a bit green. They are extremely versatile and their nontraditional look makes them absolutely perfect for today’s jewelry trend, which is bold and colorful.

This toggle bracelet is from the PureHearts collection. Look at that adorable heart-shaped toggle! This helps the bracelet feel a bit more young and fun, and less stuffy, which I also really like. The design also makes it easy to put on the bracelet all by yourself!

Here’s how I’m wearing my fabulous black pearl bracelet:

I’ve got my lovely pearls paired with a sterling sliver Tiffany&Co. bracelet that I’ve owned for several years, and I also paired it with a bracelet I purchased from an antique shop. It’s costume jewelry from the 1950s. What a fun combination these 3 pieces make! I find this combination to be very “me.” It’s funky and fun, but is definitely still sophisticated. That’s the way I like to wear my jewelry.

What about you? How are you using your pearl bracelets these days? I’d love to hear if your pearls (earrings, bracelets or necklaces) are currently in rotation for you, or if you are having any trouble figuring out how to wear them in this current “bigger is better” jewelry season.

Win it!: Just in time for the holidays, one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win the same pearl bracelet I reviewed! Yay!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

 

 

Pure Pearls Necklace Review and GIVEAWAY!!! (ARV $101!)

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I have to say, I have a pretty wonderful collection of pearl jewelry. I was gifted a long strand of gorgeous pearls from my mom when I earned my master’s degree. I have a short pearl necklace and matching bracelet that my sister-in-law brought back for me after a trip she took to China. And I have these really beautiful pearl studs from Pure Pearls (they are the PERFECT size…I wear them weekly!).

All of these pearl pieces are lovely. They are also all white. But did you know that you can get pearls in other colors, as well? It’s true! PurePearls.com has a great selection of pearl necklaces in white (of course), but you can also find pink pearls, lavender pearls, and even adorable multi-colored pearls. These are all colors of pearls that are found in nature.

You can also get black pearls, and these, my friends, are SPECTACULAR! I recently received a black pearl necklace. I was a little nervous about it…how does one pull off black pearls, exactly? Well, they happen to look AMAZING with purple, which is one of my very favorite colors to wear! This necklace is 18 inches long, which is known as Princess length. It is a very versatile size, and goes with most any cut top I pair it with! I also appreciate knowing that every pearl has been double-knotted on silk thread, so there’s no need to worry about re-stringing your pearls for several years. The clasp is 14K gold filigree, which you can get in white or yellow gold, whichever you prefer!

Now let’s talk about the price. This necklace (and the same necklace in the other colors mentioned) is offered for $101.00. It comes in a beautiful velvet necklace box, as well. Want to hear what it appraises for? $495.00! It comes with an official letter of appraisal (getting one of these costs you $40 at my local jewelry store, so it is AWESOME that it already comes with one!). This necklace is an excellent value, my friends!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win Freshwater Pearls in your choice of white, pink, lavender or multi-color! 

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Maternity Week: A Piece That Always Fits! Pure Pearls Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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With my first pregnancy, I started showing at 11 weeks…on the early side. With this pregnancy, I’ve been showing since I was 7 weeks along. It has been really tough to keep this bump under wraps while we got through the first trimester. Getting dressed every morning has been a real chore. Finally around week 9 I just gave in completely and began wearing maternity clothes full-time. While in some ways it is easier to get dressed every day with this wardrobe (far fewer choices means I’ll pick faster), I can’t really say that I enjoy it. Fall and winter are the seasons I love the most as far as the clothes go, and I’m bummed to not be able to wear my beloved sweaters this season.

Because I do not have the easiest pregnancies (lots of morning sickness, lack of energy, etc.), I feel very aware of the physical sacrifices that I have to make in order to bring a child into the world. Being pregnant takes a whole lot of giving, and you never do get a break from being pregnant, not even for 5 minutes!

So, I’m of the school of thought that in the midst of this very selfless act, its ok to treat yourself to something extra special. While that means a trip to Taco Bell for some of you (those bean burritos seem to be a popular pregnancy craving!), I’m thinking of something a bit more luxurious.

Oh yes, I’m thinking of jewelry. As my waist line expands and my wardrobe options shrink, I’ve got something on hand to wear that will ALWAYS fit and that will ALWAYS help me look fabulous. Mama’s got a new pair of pearl earrings from PurePearls.com, and they are GORGEOUS! These are White Freshwater pearl stud earrings measuring 7-8mm with 14K White Gold posts and backs. They are the real deal, friends. PurePearls.com has their pearl jewelry priced at an absolute steal, with this set currently available for $55.00! If you have been paying attention to how high the price of gold is now, you’ll know that this is a great buy.

Wanna know something even more exciting? Your pearl jewelrypurchase comes with an official letter of appraisal (something you will need if you ever lose your jewelry or have it stolen in order for your insurance to replace it). These earrings appraise for MUCH higher than what you paid for them ($295.00!). That’s not what you could expect to sell them for, but it does show the fair market value for the item should they need to be replaced. I’ve had jewelry appraised recently, and it costs $40 to have one piece done, so the fact that this company sends along an appraisal adds even more to the overall value you receive.

I perk up a bit when I put my pearls in, because they do give me a much more polished look. It’s also great to have a piece of jewelry that will remind me of this special (hard though it may be) time in my life, and I will look forward to passing them on to Darah or to the new baby if it’s a girl later in life.

I’m actually thinking about getting some additional freshwater pearls so that I can have a coordinating set to pass on later. This starlight pendant is super pretty and would be perfect, I think!

Win it!: In celebration of my little pearl, here’s a chance for you to win the gorgeous set of earrings I featured above. SQUEAL!!!!

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