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Classic and refined, sophisticated and sensual, pearls are a quintessential favorite for brides on their wedding day. But the latest strands from the South Seas and beyond are anything but traditional.

From a surf-inspired starfish pendant to the hot peach and lavender hues of freshwater pearls, this season traditional pearls take a modern turn.

“Pearls are extremely popular. They are classic and they look perfect with a wedding dress. Just about everyone who’s going to have a wedding is going to look at pearls,” said Terry Shepherd, a certified gemologist and president of the Pearl Outlet.

Pearl pendants take top billing for spring weddings and the three-pearl drop pendant from the Pearl Outlet is in high demand, Shepherd said. The pendant features three freshwater pearls in white, peach and lavender - a stunning color combination that coordinates perfectly with the season’s pastel palette. And, unlike some pearls that have been dyed, this trio features naturally occurring hues.

“For beach weddings, our Tahitian-pearl starfish pendant is also popular,” Shepherd said. The pendant features a diamond-studded starfish, a single black Tahitian pearl and a white-gold chain.

Brides looking for something a tad more traditional will be happy to know that classic strands are still in vogue, but the latest necklaces have a new twist.

“You still see a lot of pearl ropes for weddings,” Shepherd said. “The mystery clasp necklace is very popular. It really adds a huge amount of versatility to your pearl rope. You don’t have to buy a completely separate necklace set for each occasion.”

The 51-inch strand features an ingenious hidden clasp system; the necklace is actually four pieces in one. Four strands of various lengths combine to form an assortment of necklaces and bracelets thanks to clasps hidden inside the 7.5 mm pearls.

Shopping for pearls can be as complicated as selecting wedding rings. After all, not all pearls are created equal - and finding a necklace or bracelet that will last a lifetime requires some consumer savvy. Brides can quickly tell the good from the bad by looking at the luster of the pearls, checking for blemishes and buying only pearls strung with knotted thread.

“You can quickly tell the quality of a pearl by looking at the reflection,” Shepherd said. “If you can look into the pearl and actually see your reflection, if you can make out your features, then you have a high-quality pearl. That plays into the price.”

“Most of the time when we have brides ordering pearls, they are ordering for their bridesmaids as well,” Shepherd said. “Maybe the bride will wear a three-strand necklace and a two- or three-strand bracelet, while the bridesmaids wear a single-strand bracelet - but, the bride always gets the nicest jewelry, of course.”

© Copley News Service