South Sea Tin Cup Jewelry

The term tin cup jewelry refers to a particular style, not a type of pearl. This style has existed for some time but has seen a big surge in popularity in recent years. A number of celebrities have been photographed wearing tin cup pieces, and the catalogues of most fine jewelers now carry many items in this style.

South Sea tin cup jewelry is characterized by small stones spaced at intervals on a silver chain. The chain is nearly invisible against the skin, and the stones seem to float unsupported on the neck. South Sea tin cup jewelry uses pearls harvested in any of several nations with coastlines on the Pacific. When you see white South Sea tin cup pearl jewelry, the source is usually either western Australia or Myanmar.

This style has produced a wide assortment of bracelets and necklaces. Since the desired effect is one of delicacy and lightness, smaller pearls work best, and it is unusual to find a tin cup bracelet with pearls larger than 11 millimeters in diameter at the most. The chain is generally silver, so white pearls with gray or silver overtones are preferred.

A White South Sea tin cup necklace is light, ethereal and perfect for daytime events, especially outdoors in the summer. Pearls of other colors are sometimes seen, but white conveys that sunny feeling best of all. White South Sea tin cup pearl jewelry is a favorite of brides, especially at outdoor weddings.

With tin cup jewelry, only high-quality pearls are acceptable. Since the pearls are the center of attention, the color and overtones must be perfect, and even the slightest flaw will be noticeable. Some jewelers are more demanding than others, so shoppers are advised to deal only with those like the Pearl Source whose standards and expertise are always dependable.