Tin Cup Necklace

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!