Pearly gifts, petite prices

If you observe the tradition of Christmas gifts for friends and family, it's time to plan. Those charitable contributions are noble and needed, but perhaps–given these prices–you might both delight and donate.

Here's where to find pearls from $22 to $202, for gift or wish lists.

Because a woman is even more beautiful in pearls. She just is.

Tahitian pearl and black diamond pendant

October special: Tahitian drop pearl and diamond pendant, a hip combo from the usually conservative Pearl Paradise; who knew?  

9mm-10mm peacock Tahitian pearl and .30ct black diamond briolette, on a substantial 18-inch white gold chain, $202; $185 for the 16-inch length. Thirty-day return policy; free shipping in US, $26 to Canada.

Huge lavender baroques

Lavish lavender baroques (up to 15mm) with a decorative vermeil clasp, not perfect rounds, but pearls of character and charm. Note that the necklace is choker length, 16 inches. Price, $189 from etsy seller Yvonne's Pearls. 

Sold  as a set with pretty ametrine bead and lavender baroque earrings. (Give the earrings, keep the necklace? Naughty girl!)

Mauve pearl and ametrine necklace

If you like long necklaces, Yvonne's Pearls offer a floating 8mm-9mm, 24-inch mauve freshwater pearl and ametrine necklace strung on pink silk, a feminine, delicate layering piece. Sale price, $22. (I've bought tights that cost more.)

Wouldn't this make a delightful stocking stuffer?

Hydrangea ring with pink pearl

Amie Plante is one of my favourite etsy sellers; in a sea of earnestness, her work stands out. The eloquent Hydrangea ring is offered in various finishes.

Shown, copper multicoloured patinaed silver with a pink pearl. Price, $120. (Allow up to three weeks to produce and ship your order.)

Exotic natural coloured studs

You have to be wary of eBay pearl sellers– especially those in Asia; the pearls shown are not always what's sent. I've had excellent results with pearlunar; you do get the pearls pictured. (And unlike most vendors, returns are accepted.) The eBay store is called Pearluna Pearls Only.

These lavender blue-green 8.5mm studs are notable for their exotic natural colour and very good luster. 14k gold posts. BIN price $80, with free shipping to US and $5 to other countries. (This pair is item #360300200238.)

Firecracker salmon, peach and lavender strand

Kojima Company's specialty is the unique and rare, and though that kind of pearl love can dent the kitty, a number of delights are under $200.

A 10mm x 14mm "firecracker" strand of glowing, natural colour salmon, lavender and peach certainly pops! The 16-inch strand is $120, which includes stringing. (Stringing adds 1 1/2 to  2 inches.)

When you order, you can select a clasp in silver, gold plate or gold, for about $10-$175, depending on size and material.

I hope I've served anyone who wonders, What could I give that's special, but doesn't cost the earth?

As Chanel said, "There is not a woman alive who does not know how to wear jewelry". I've known a few who don't (and I guess Home Depot will be relieved), but if she enjoys gems, consider pearls: timeless, treasured, and never more accessible.