What to Wear With Your Tin Cup Necklace

April 5th, 2010 Amelia 2 comments

The pear arrow2 tin cup necklace arrow1 is one of the core pieces in any woman’s jewelry wardrobe. Whether you already own a floating pearl necklace or are still in the process of choosing the perfect one, you are probably wondering how to wear it. There are many  great earrings, bracelets, and even additional necklaces to pair with your tin cup necklace. This is a look at what to wear with your tin cup necklace to create the perfect look for any occasion.

Earrings are the first piece of jewelry which most women will want to coordinate to their necklace. The light and airy design of a floating pearl necklace makes it very easy to pair with earrings. It walks the line between classic and contemporary, which gives you lots of options in how you match your other pieces to the necklace. The most simple and classic combination is a pair of pearl stud earrings in either the same millimeter size as the pearls in the tin cup necklace or in the next largest diameter. This is a great daytime look to wear to the office, lunch, or running errands.

On more formal occasions, a pair of crystal and pearl drop earrings will take your pearl station necklace to the next level of elegance. A really cute idea for brides is to choose earrings with white pearls and a few blue crystals for the lucky “something blue”. For a more contemporary effect, opt for very long pearl and crystal stiletto drop earrings. On those days when you want to dress your tin cup necklace down, a simple pair of thin silver hoops will do the trick (or gold ones if the chain on your necklace is gold).

Bracelets are a fun way to add style to any outfit. The simplicity of the tin cup necklace makes it a natural to wear with casual bracelets such as classic silver charm bracelets. Another casual look is to stack several silver bangles to wear with a pearl station necklace. That looks fantastic with the silver hoop earrings mentioned above. Of course, bracelets are wonderful for dressy occasions, so when you want to achieve a more formal style, wear one or two pearl and crystal bracelets with the necklace and perhaps a matching pair of drop earrings.

Finally, don’t overlook how a great addition to a tin cup necklace can be…more necklaces. The layered pearl look is red hot, and a floating pearl necklace is the ideal piece around which to base this great look. It is one of those Hollywood trends which is ultra-easy for the average woman to recreate for herself. Just take your tin cup necklace, one or two strands of pearls, and a silver or gold chain. With just a few pieces which you probably already have in your jewelry box, you can create a very hip style. The versatility of the pearl tin cup necklace is without a doubt one of the reasons why every woman should have at least one in her jewelry collection

Types of Pearls for Tin Cup Necklaces

December 21st, 2009 Amelia 1 comment

The floating pearl necklace is one of the most popular styles of pearl necklaces for every occasion. There is nothing else that captures the same easy grace and elegance. One thing that many women do not realize about this beautiful style is that the tin cup necklace can be created with several different types of pearls. This article takes a look at the various types of pearls to help you choose the perfect ones for your tin cup necklaces.

The most traditional type of pearl used for station necklaces is the Akoya pearl. The Akoya is the classic round white pearl which you would see in your grandmother’s pearl strand. They are salt water pearls and are known for their very round shape and timeless beauty. In case you were wondering, Akoya pearls are also called cultured pearls, which means that a tiny irritant is inserted into the oyster to jump start the process of releasing nacre which eventually results in a gorgeous pearl. Every pearl on the market today is cultured, not just Akoyas. When you are seeking a classic elegance for your wedding or other special occasion, a tin cup necklace made with white or ivory Akoya pearls will be perfect.

Freshwater pearls are among the most popular for all sorts of pearl jewelry. Unlike the Akoya, freshwater pearls grow in rivers instead of salt water. Today’s freshwater pearls are quite round and have a very thick nacre, which results in an impressive lustre. They are generally less expensive than Akoya pearls, yet freshwater pearls are just as pretty, which accounts for their popularity. Choose gorgeous freshwater pearls for your illusion necklace when you seek that perfect balance between style and price.

There is another type of pearl which is frequently used to handcraft lovely tin cup necklaces. That is the Swarovski pearl, which is created by the same company responsible for the legendary crystals. A Swarovski pearl tin cup necklace is one of the all time favorite bridesmaid gifts. Brides love them not only for their beauty and affordable cost, but also for the wide range of colors available. Unlike some of the other varieties of pearls, Swarovski pearls come in a remarkable assortment of hues, which is fantastic when you want to coordinate your bridesmaid jewelry to your wedding colors. From the high end look of Tahitian black to delicate pastel shades such as peach and pale blue, the color options for a Swarovski pearl tin cup necklace are nearly endless.

Once you have decided which variety of pearl is perfect for your floating pearl necklace, all that remains is to decide which size you prefer. 6mm and 8mm are the most popular sizes. When the tin cup necklaces are for a wedding, very often the bride will select the 8mm size for herself, and order her bridesmaid jewelry to be handcrafted with the 6mm pearls. That is a wonderful way to have a coordinated look, while still setting the bride apart. Whichever type of tin cup necklace you select, it is sure to quickly become your favorite piece of jewelry.

The Tin Cup Pearl Necklace is Popular With Celebrities

December 17th, 2009 cathy No comments

Many jewelry trends seem to come and go, but the tin cup necklace remains a hot style year after year. There must be a reason why the floating pearl necklace is a perennial favorite when other styles fall from favor after only a season or two. I set out to discover why the tin cup necklace is so popular, and this is what I found.

The number one reason why women everywhere love pearl tin cup necklaces is their versatility. The delicate and feminine style is beloved by brides and bridesmaids, but it is seen in many, many more settings beyond weddings. Celebrities like First Lady Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Hillary Swank all adore the lustre of pearls, and they are often photographed wearing different pearl necklace designs, such as the tin cup, layered with additional necklaces for a truly high fashion look. The light and airy nature of a tin cup necklace also means that it works as well in everyday life as it does on the red carpet. After all, the iconic design was named after the 1996 golf movie “Tin Cup”, and Renee Russo wore the necklace to add style to her casual wardrobe. Many women love the floating pearl necklace to add an understated elegance to their office attire. It works beautifully with a blouse, giving the wearer all of the polish and sophistication that we associate with pearls without looking too heavy or formal for work.

Something else that women adore about tin cup necklaces is that they are so easy to personalize. Think about it: you can completely customize almost every aspect of the necklace, from the length of the chain to the diameter of the pearls to even the color of the pearls. If you love warm rich colors, a gold or gold filled chain can be paired with large golden colored pearls for a necklace with an incomparably rich glow. For drama, black pearls can be spaced along a glittering silver chain. Or simply choose the timeless original: white pearls floating along a delicate silver chain.

It turns out that there are as many reasons to love a tin cup necklace as there are gorgeous versions from which to choose. No wonder that year in and year out, when women are searching for that one perfect piece to add to their jewelry collection, they pick the necklace popularized by the film “Tin Cup”.

Ideas for Wearing Your Tin Cup Necklace

December 11th, 2009 cathy No comments

The tin cup, or floating pearl, necklace is one of the most versatile types of jewelry. It suits nearly every occasion, and will add grace and style to any outfit from casual to formal. Being such a useful accessory, you will find yourself reaching for your pearl illusion necklace time and time again. These are some ideas for ways to wear your tin cup necklace.

Let’s begin with wearing a tin cup necklace for one of the most special occasions in your life: your wedding day. The timeless elegance of pearls is always fantastic on brides. The soft glowing white tone of pearls also happens to be a lovely match to a white wedding gown. A pearl illusion necklace which is to be worn with a wedding gown will usually be white in a slightly larger pearl size, like 8mm, to give it a strong presence. The open and airy effect of a bridal tin cup necklace pairs wonderfully with pearl drop earrings. When wearing a strapless gown, long drop earrings will be the best complement to your necklace, or choose earrings which are closer to the ear when wearing a gown with a strong shoulder line.

The tin cup necklace that you initially purchased for a special occasion will easily transition itself into your everyday jewelry wardrobe. It is the absolute best type of necklace to wear to the office; polished and professional, yet not stuffy, formal, or uptight. A great way to wear your floating pearl necklace to work is layered under a tailored blouse. Just enough of the pearls will peek out under the collar of your shirt to show that you took the time to really pull together a great outfit.

Many women like to go straight from work to dinner with friends, and your pearl station necklace will make the trip from office to dinner out seamlessly. If you wore a pair of pearl studs to work, switch them out for earrings with more drama for nighttime, like a delicate but chic pair of pearl chandelier earrings. They will look fabulous with the tin cup necklace, and are a quick way to change your outfit from office attire to something more fun. In the summer, another great idea is to layer a pretty camisole under your office appropriate blouse and remove the blouse when you go out for drinks or dinner with your friends. The more open style of the cami will let your jewelry really take center stage.

A pearl tin cup necklace can also be a great building block to add style to casual tshirts. Try dressing up a simple black or white tee with your illusion necklace. Then make it more funky by layering on a few more necklaces, such as longer pearl strands, silver beads, or chains. This is one of the hottest jewelry trends right now, both on and off the red carpet. Your layered necklaces will instantly transform your basic weekend attire from blah to amazing.

With so many ways to wear them, it is no wonder that the pearl tin cup necklace is the one piece of jewelry that no woman can be without. It is a timeless addition to your jewelry wardrobe that will bring you much enjoyment every time that you wear it.

Why Is The Tin Cup Necklace So Popular?

November 17th, 2009 Amelia No comments

Many jewelry trends seem to come and go, but the tin cup necklace remains a hot style year after year. There must be a reason why the floating pearl necklace is a perennial favorite when other styles fall from favor after only a season or two. I set out to discover why the tin cup necklace is so popular, and this is what I found.
The number one reason why women everywhere love pearl tin cup necklaces is their versatility. The delicate and feminine style is beloved by brides and bridesmaids, but it is seen in many, many more settings beyond weddings. Celebrities like First Lady Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Hillary Swank all adore the lustre of pearls, and they are often photographed wearing different pearl necklace designs, such as the tin cup, layered with additional necklaces for a truly high fashion look. The light and airy nature of a tin cup necklace also means that it works as well in everyday life as it does on the red carpet. After all, the iconic design was named after the 1996 golf movie “Tin Cup”, and Renee Russo wore the necklace to add style to her casual wardrobe. Many women love the floating pearl necklace to add an understated elegance to their office attire. It works beautifully with a blouse, giving the wearer all of the polish and sophistication that we associate with pearls without looking too heavy or formal for work.
Something else that women adore about tin cup necklaces is that they are so easy to personalize. Think about it: you can completely customize almost every aspect of the necklace, from the length of the chain to the diameter of the pearls to even the color of the pearls. If you love warm rich colors, a gold or gold filled chain can be paired with large golden colored pearls for a necklace with an incomparably rich glow. For drama, black pearls can be spaced along a glittering silver chain. Or simply choose the timeless original: white pearls floating along a delicate silver chain.
It turns out that there are as many reasons to love a tin cup necklace as there are gorgeous versions from which to choose. No wonder that year in and year out, when women are searching for that one perfect piece to add to their jewelry collection, they pick the necklace popularized by the film “Tin Cup”.

The Newest Trends in Tin Cup Necklaces

November 13th, 2009 Amelia 1 comment

Jewelry is one of the must-have accessories for any season. Following the latest trends in jewelry can be a lot of fun, because it is often simply a matter of combining pieces that you already have in fresh new ways to achieve a chic and stylish look. One of the most versatile pieces to use when creating a contemporary style is the tin cup necklace. This is a peek at the newest trends in tin cup necklaces, and how you can wear yours just like a celebrity.


Pearls are hotter than ever this year! They have been seen all over the red carpet in Hollywood, at the trendiest spots in New York, and even on powerful politicians in Washington, D.C. (I am sure I am not the only one who is completely mesmerized by the astonishing Tahitian pearl necklaces worn by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi!). The great thing is that the trend for pearl necklaces this year is to wear them in a way that is more funky and exuberant than traditional or buttoned-up. As much as I adore the classic look of a strand of Akoya pearls worn with a twinset, this is not the way in which pearls are being shown. They have gone downtown and creative; these are not your grandmother’s demure graduated pearl necklaces.


 In Style magazine reported this fall that an “instant outfit-maker” is to pile on layers of pearls, like celebrity Sarah Jessica Parker. A tin cup necklace is the perfect foundation for the layered look. The openness of the spaced pearls make it light enough to combine with other pieces without ever looking overdone. The really neat thing about combining a pearl tin cup necklace with other necklaces is that you can mix in both strands of pearls and silver or gold chains; since the floating pearl style features both elements, it makes the perfect addition to tie the entire collection together. After all, the trend is to be a little eclectic, but not mismatched.


While you are experimenting with creating your own designer look with tin cup necklaces, don’t forget to mix up different lengths and even pearl colors. Celebrities such as singer Rhianna know that a jumble of long white ropes of pearls is the perfect way to add drama to an all black outfit. The dark color of Tahitian pearls is favored by movie star Angelina Jolie, and First Lady Michelle Obama does a fantastic job of mixing up black, white, and grey pearls in layered necklaces. Play around a little by combining your favorite pearl necklaces with a new piece or two, and before you know it, you will be looking as fabulous as a celebrity!

Tin Cup Necklace Gift Occasions

November 12th, 2009 Amelia No comments

The timeless beauty of a pearl tin cup necklace is an absolute classic. The versatility and style of a floating pearl necklace also happen to make it an ideal gift for women of every age and for numerous events. These are some of the special occasions for which tin cup necklaces are the perfect gift idea.

Remember those add-a-pearl necklaces that we all had as kids? The piece started off with one pearl, and each year, another pair of pearls would be added to each side of the original pearl. The idea was that by the time the young girl had grown, she would have a full pearl necklace to wear. The reality, however, is that by the time you factor in all the labor to restring the necklace with the new pearls year after year, the add-a-pearl necklace is no bargain.

Not to mention which, by the time the owner has grown up, the tiny little pearls will make the add-a-pearl necklace look exactly like the child-sized jewelry that it is – meaning that it is not likely to be something that would be worn by an adult. A much better idea is to give a young lady a piece of jewelry that she can grow into, such as a pearl tin cup necklace. The delicate spacing of the pearls makes the necklace dainty enough for a girl, yet the style is one that she will still adore when she is a sophisticated adult. This is why a pearl station necklace is an ideal gift for a birthday, holiday, First Communion, or graduation.

Tin cup necklaces are always a favorite for weddings. Created in lustrous white pearls, they are a marvelous classic style to complement any bridal gown. A floating pearl necklace is just the thing for a bride who loves pearls, but prefers something more unique than the traditional strand. The tin cup necklace is both fresh and classic, making it the perfect finishing touch for brides. It is an equally popular gift idea for bridesmaids. Beautiful pearl station necklaces can be made in elegant white pearls, or can be customized in Swarovski pearls in colors to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses. Best of all, this is a wedding gift that the bridesmaids will actually enjoy wearing again later!

Finally, don’t overlook the floating pearl necklace for anniversaries. Especially appropriate? The tenth wedding anniversary, for which the traditional gift is tin. What better type of tin than a fabulous tin cup necklace? Any wife would appreciate the beauty of the pearl station necklace for her anniversary. Not only that, but a tin cup necklace can so easily be dressed up for special occasions or worn more casually for everyday use that it is sure to be one of her all-time favorite pieces of jewelry. You can’t do much better than that when shopping for a gift to commemorate a special occasion, or simply a present to say, “I love you”.

How to Design a Tin Cup Necklace

November 11th, 2009 Amelia No comments

The tin cup, or floating pearl, necklace is one of the most essential pieces to have in your jewelry box. One of the truly unique things about a pearl station necklace is that it can be specially handcrafted to suit your own needs and personal style. Here is what you need to know to work with a jeweler to design a tin cup necklace of your very own.

The first step when having a custom piece of jewelry created is to consider the occasion. Are you shopping for a classic necklace that you can wear everyday? Or maybe you have a special event on the horizon, such as your wedding. Tin cup necklaces are perennial favorites with brides, both for themselves and as bridesmaid gifts. Perhaps you are going to be attending a party or wedding, and need that perfect piece of jewelry to complete your look. Whatever the reason, you will find that your tin cup necklace becomes one of your “go-to” pieces every time that you pull out your jewelry box. Floating pearl necklaces are one of the few styles that are versatile enough to work for both formal and informal occasions.

Next, you will get to choose the type and color of pearl that you would like for your necklace. The most traditional is the white Akoya (saltwater) pearl. Freshwater pearls are extremely popular for tin cup necklaces due to their beauty and affordability. Swarovski pearls are often selected when the station necklaces are being designed for a bridal party as they are available in a lovely range of colors and are very reasonably priced. If you are designing a necklace for a black tie event, consider opting for dramatic black pearls. Classic white or ivory pearls are ideal for brides as well as for casual occasions, and soft pastels like rose and peach are incredibly flattering against the skin. You will also be able to select a diameter for the pearls – the most popular sizes tend to be 6 or 8mm.

Once you have selected the perfect pearls for your illusion necklace, it is on to the chain. Most tin cup necklaces will be created on sterling silver or 14kt gold or gold filled chains. When choosing the precious metal for your piece, the deciding factors will be price, skin tone, and the color of the pearls. Sterling silver has a gorgeous soft glow and an affordable cost that make it perfect for bridesmaid jewelry gifts and casual everyday pieces. The rich tone of a gold chain on a spaced pearl necklace adds an upscale flair that is wonderful for dressy occasions, and that blends especially well with warm colored pearls such as bronze or copper. This style of necklace is intended to be worn close to the neck, so 16″ and 18″ are the most common lengths.

After all of the other decisions have been made about your customized pearl tin cup necklace, you will have the fun of choosing the “extras”. Do you want to have your necklace made with a drop for added drama? Or perhaps you would like to complete the set with a matching tin cup style bracelet and classic pair of pearl earrings. Some women prefer to have two floating pearl necklaces made which can be worn singly or as a set: one in black pearls and one in white. This gives you the ultimate in versatility. As soon as your personalized illusion necklaces are ready, you will have the pleasure of wearing them!

The Tin Cup Necklace – How It Got The Name

November 10th, 2009 Amelia 1 comment

The tin cup necklace, which features pearls spaced along a fine chain, is one of the most beloved styles of jewelry. Have you ever wondered about the origins of the design, and why floating pearl necklaces became so popular? If so, you are in luck, because this is the history behind the iconic necklace.

One thing that puzzles many people about the tin cup necklace is how it got its name. What on earth does a tin cup have to do with a beautiful pearl necklace?, you may wonder. The answer is that the style was featured in the 1996 movie “Tin Cup” starring Kevin Costner and Renee Russo. The film is about the romance that develops between golf pro Roy “Tin Cup” McAvoy (Costner) and psychologist Dr. Molly Griswold, played by Russo. The movie was generally well reviewed, but its enduring legacy is the white pearl illusion necklace worn by Russo.

The famous necklace was designed for the film by Wendy Brigode, a jewelry designer who got her start in Hollywood as a personal stylist to the stars. The pearl station necklace made famous by “Tin Cup” was originally created by Brigode as an alternative to the heavier look of traditional pearl strands. She designed the floating pearl piece to be a modern and ageless option for women who loved pearls, but not the high price tag or old-fashioned image associated with the classic strand. When Russo’s character wore the necklace on film, women everywhere became enamored of the versatile style, and the tin cup necklace became that rare thing: an instant modern classic.

Excitement for tin cup necklaces grew as Renee Russo wore another floating pearl necklace in the movie “Ransom”, which was released just a few months after “Tin Cup” in 1996. Ironically, costume designers for both films selected one of Brigode’s pearl illusion necklaces for Russo, without knowing that she was wearing one in another movie. I guess that if the timing had been slightly different, we would refer to the floating pearl necklace as the “ransom”, rather than the “tin cup”!

The stylish and collectible tin cup necklaces quickly became a hot accessory for television and print media. Appearances in chic magazines such as Town and Country and in the top television hits of the ’90s like “Seinfeld” and “Beverly Hills, 90210″ ensured that the pearl station necklace would soon be the must-have item for every stylish woman. Unlike other trends, this one proved to have enduring power, and before long, women were able to select from tin cup necklaces which were created not only from the 7-8mm white pearls used in the original, but in beautiful freshwater pearls, affordable Swarovski pearls, and luxurious Tahitian pearls. Over a decade later, the tin cup necklace remains a favorite for both special occasions and everyday wear of women around the world. And to think that it all started with a golf movie!