Is it fad or fashion?

From biblical times to the present, the lure of the pearl has never wavered for women and men, worn by both genders as a fashion adornment.

Unlike diamonds, which are cool, cold and untouchable, pearls are warm to the eye and the touch. Images of pirate treasure chests with pearls spilling out have inspired some local craftsmen to create works of art that compliment our summer fashions, unlike the serious costume pieces of Chanel that are held together by the unmistakable logo of the dou-ble C's.

Pearls today are created in fantasy settings by one of our talented craftsman at Arriaga Pearls in Seaside. Amazing pieces have been created with various colored pearls to reflect coastal fashions. While not inexpensive, they are affordable and enhance the relationship between pearls from the sea and the coastal lifestyle.

Pearls bring to mind an eye-opening ex-perience shared by my husband and me some 12 years ago on a trip to Tahiti. We decided to reaffirm our wedding vows on our 10th anni-versary on a south sea adventure at the Hotel Bora Bora.

Yes, we arranged the Polynesian warrior wedding ceremony with native dress, chieftain priest, hula dancer, and native warrior. What a great memory for a lifetime and video enter-tainment generations to come.

OK, back to the pearls. I had always ad-mired the south sea black pearls and was hoping to find a strand that would always bring my memories back to this magical place. I was looking for a choker length - and choke is what I did when I saw the prices. One could pur-chase a new car for the same amount.

Along with sticker shock we did receive an extensive education on their creation, cultiva-tion and quality. It was a wonderful experience and even though I did not get my necklace, my husband did surprise me with a beautiful, large, single black pearl set in gold with dia-monds to wear on a gold necklace. When worn, it always brings me back to the warm breezes of Tahiti.

Recently, I came across a woman wearing one of those Arriaga creations that was simply a work of wearable art. Something created by two living creatures: the oyster and the arti-san. Not a fad but a must for your tropical wardrobe.

Sorrelli jewelry is beautiful as well for summer ensembles. Colored stones make the transformation elegant for evening wear. I find that the Sorrelli pieces look most attractive on bare skin. Most of the designs resemble flow-ers and sparkle with amazing brilliance. These creations can be readily found in most fine accessory shops.

When wondering what to do with one of your free days, why not lunch with a friend and wander about the many shops and galleries on our beautiful Emerald Coast. A treat for any fashion conscious shopper.

Are they investments? Naturally gold, dia-monds, natural pearls, and precious stones are investments that will increase in value over time, however, these modern creations will be fashion collectables that will keep their place in your accessory treasure chest.

After all, the famous fashion designers like Gucci, Chanel and Versace design most of their logo pieces in non-precious metals and stones. Are they not collectable?

So get out there and find the coastal fashion jewelry piece that will make your statement and enjoy the compliments.

Fashionably yours,
Linda Bennett

Linda Bennett is owner and president of ModelScout-Bennett and in partnership with Bennett Photo of Destin. For information call 850-424-6095 or e-mail modelscoutbennett@cox.net.