This Month it's all about June's timeless birthstone: Pearls. Pearls are a classic staple that should be included in every girls arsenal of accessories! In today's post we'll show you some of the types of pearls, how to determine if your pearls are real or imitation, and some stunning Pearl pieces we have at Charles Albert!

Pearls come in a few different types. Natural Pearls are the rarest, most expensive and are very hard to find in nature as most of the natural pearls have already been harvested. Cultured Pearls are grown in pearl farms. The mollusks are raised until they are old enough to accept the mother-of-pearl bead nucleus. Pearls can also be grown in salt or fresh water, which can drastically change the shape, color and size of the pearls. Imitation pearls are usually a coated glass bead. Most have a high luster, but not the depth of luster seen on high quality cultured pearls.

The best way to know if your pearls are genuine is to buy them from a reputable jeweler. But if you haven't, the best foolproof method in determining authenticity of pearls is to gently scrape your teeth on the surface of the pearl. If they are real pearls, then the sensation will probably be rather unpleasant, as the surface of a pearl will have the texture of fine sand to your teeth. With imitation pearls, you'll be able to feel the smoothness of the plastic or glass between your teeth.

As a June baby myself, whose used this trick, I swear it works! But pearls will always be a timeless classic. So no need to save pearls for just June birthdays, pearls will work for any occasion- anniversary's, valentine's day, and so many more!

Check out some of the stunning Pearl Baubles for all your June Baby Needs from Charles Albert!

With Fall fashions just around the corner, we wanted to share some of our tips here at Charles Albert for wearing your jewelry! Below you'll find tips for wearing all kinds of necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

A Wide Choker or Bib Necklace: Above Coco Jones is the perfect example of how to wear a wide collar necklace.  She wore a Charles Albert Alchemia Amethyst Geode & Pyrite Necklace attending the Radio Disney Music Awards. This type of piece should be your sole statement maker. Forgo other jewels when wearing such a large and/or statement piece.

Pile Them On! A mix of necklaces in varied shapes and sizes can give you a great look and it can also give you the look of a Christmas Tree. Remember to stop at a few strands so that you don't look weighed down. Below Victoria Justice nails this look to a tee wearing a Charles Albert Woven Neckwire in the February 2013 Issue of Annex Magazine!

Some Other Necklace Wearing Tips:

• A top with an open neckline highlights your glitzy accent. Solid-colored shirts will do the trick just as well!
• A draping necklace is stunning with a long dress. Try and choose a shorter stand with higher hemlines.
  
• Always consider the vibe and occasion you're dressing for! Adding colorful beads for a boho feel, chunky chains for a touch of punk or pearls for a prim and proper feel.