Throughout time, people have been fascinated and bewitched by the pearl; its luster, purity, and perfection. It has been featured in jewelry since early civilization and has adorned kings and queens, first ladies, and movie stars. The power of pearls is their remarkable ability to bestow upon the wearer a sense of mystery, elegance, and grace. In contemporary fashion, the technical ability to create new pearl forms in an inexpensive manner has generated an excitement about possibilities of freshwater pearl jewelry. Pearls are not only available in classic round and glistening white form, but in a range of exotic and beautiful colors and shapes. The popularity of the pearl in fashion has never been greater. This is the first jewelry-making book focused on pearls - no longer only seen at church and weddings. The projects range from casual design to bohemian and classic styles, to unique signature pieces in contemporary styles. Chapters cover the development of pearls as a material, their care, proper stringing techniques, an illustrated techniques section, 16 projects and variations, plus a special section on creating jewelry for brides, mother of the bride, and as wedding party accessories and gifts.