| In this economy everybody is looking to cut back | | | | 10-20 minutes to make a pearl choker for a |
| somehow, and it's no different for brides. Many | | | | bridesmaid. For longer necklaces, 18-24 inch for |
| young women are looking for ways to cut costs | | | | example, just buy two strands of 16 inch pearls. |
| in their wedding, but it's so hard to do that | | | | And if the look and luster of natural pearls is |
| without looking tacky and cheap. However, one | | | | boring to you, then you can also pick up strands |
| smart way to save a bit of money without | | | | of black pearls or some with light blue or purple |
| sacrificing class is to make your own bridesmaid | | | | hues. And for something really different, dyed |
| gifts instead of buying them outright. | | | | pearls can be found in just about any color in the |
| I know what you're thinking: you want something | | | | rainbow. |
| elegant, not something that looks cheap. But with | | | | You can also find pearls in just about every shape |
| the right materials you can create something that | | | | and size. Cultured pearls are found not only in the |
| just oozes elegance and looks like you spent a | | | | traditional round; the most popular for weddings, |
| heap of money on your bridesmaids: a string of | | | | by the way; but also in rice-shaped, roundels (like |
| pearls. | | | | flying saucers), and ovals. Sizes can be had in |
| Pearls are naturally elegant, and somehow they | | | | small, seed pearls for the flower girls, or larger |
| just belong in a wedding. | | | | round or shaped pearls which can be used as |
| You can create a nice fresh-water pearl choker, | | | | stunning a centerpiece on a gold or silver chain for |
| or maybe a longer necklace, for less than $20.00 | | | | the maid of honor (or even the bride!). |
| per necklace. Even if you have five bridesmaids | | | | Sometimes the smartest brides are the ones that |
| that still only about $100.00 total to make them all | | | | get away with not breaking the bank while still |
| matching pearl chokers. The added bonus is that | | | | delivering style, class and sophistication at their |
| the pearls can be worn in the wedding to add a | | | | wedding. And while a lot of brides steer clear of |
| real touch of class. All you need is a standard 16 | | | | "make it yourself" components for their weddings, |
| inch-long strand of pearls, a roll of bead wire | | | | making your own pearl necklace for your |
| (sometimes called Tiger Tail), some clasps, and | | | | bridesmaids just makes sense. |
| some "crimp beads" (beads used at the end of a | | | | In the end you have a beautiful bridesmaid gift |
| necklace to crimp the ends of wire together | | | | you made yourself for less than $20.00 that looks |
| making a loop around the clasp). | | | | like you spent at least $100.00. And, of course, |
| After buying the materials, it only takes about | | | | you don't have to tell the bridesmaid that! |