What do we think of pearls- or suggest other stuff.

[bella65]

I have some money to spend- it was earmarked for something else which is not happening so am going to slurge on myself.

I already have a nice diamond solitaire necklace - And earrings to match, a nice watch and a ring I bought. I have a chunky simple silver necklace from Dower and Hall, and a nice one-off silver bracelet from a designer.

I am not a really girly- girly dresser and like simple jewellery, but also have some coloured necklaces- think White Stuff- mainly for summer.

I was thinking about some pearls- maybe a single row - and wondered about those from Claudia Bradby.

Are they really mumsy/ middle aged on a middle aged person :) - or nice?

I like them.

But I am 45.

Mind you i've liked them forever.

You see, I think they look lovely on young people but somehow worry they look a tad middle aged on a middle aged person. I suppose its how you wear them too.

I love them, I have lots of sets in lots of styles.

I'm 35 and I started wearing them on my wedding day 15 years ago though, so I might fairly be accused of getting in a rut with them.

When you say you have lots of sets etc are they the real McCoy and if so, have you gone for cultured or fresh water?

I love pearls but know what you mean about them being a bit "twin set" on the more mature lady but, I wear mine often. My mum gave me them and I have large pearl earring stuffs to go with. I do wear the earrings daily as they seem to "light" my face. Without them, my face loses something, I think.

I read somewhere that ladies of a certain age should wear them as they lift and brighten the complexion. Think Mary Berry.... She always wears them in one form or another.

I like pearls and have done since I was a teenager. They are very flattering.

Personally, I prefer a long string of pearls to a choker though.

Love Dower and Hall. They do some lovely black pearl necklaces incorporating their white rose design ie a cheaper version of this or like this with all black pearls

I love mine.. also got a real set and wore on my wedding day. They were expensive but I have worn them on every special occasion since and hope to pass them on to children. I am early thirties.

Another yes vote here. I love pearls - I think they are classic and flatter almost all skin tones. I wear my pearl stud earrings practically every day and will fight anyone who says I look mumsy

I don't think the Claudia Bradby pearls are mumsy - I'd say they are definitely a younger take on pearls, especially as they aren't perfect round shapes and have charms on them etc. But equally, they aren't classic pearls. If you're not sure about whether pearls are for you, I think the ones you are looking at are a good start rather than making a big investment/mistake later on. Good pearls are expensive (and the better the quality, the more you pay) but don't increase in value over time like diamonds. If you are looking to invest, it's best to go directly to a pearl dealer who can show you the differences between colour, size and price (I'm sure there are a few assets I am missing) rather than going into a department store where there is less choice (plus it's a fascinating experience).

TavekInColour you put that so well.

I like black pearls.

Pearls are so flattering.

I think getting a longer length is key to wether you look twinset and pearls or not ...

I think pearls look better if you wear with more funky/edgier clothes and would probably say the opposite to travvelincolour ie pearls on kate winslet/middleton = bit frumpy and on kate moss thinking jeans/tshirt= ok??

DH bought me a long string of freshwater pearls for my 30th birthday - ahem 6 years ago now. They just slip over the head. No clasp. They are multi tonal in ivory, gold, taupe and dark purple/ grey colour.
They are without doubt my favourite piece of jewellery. I wear them with jeans day to day and with dresses for special occasions.
Not frumpy at all!!

No girl should be without a pearl necklace, whatever age.

I wear mine with T shirts and jeans not so much twinsets.