pearlstuds

Biodata

Have you watched the Netflix series “Indian Matchmaking”? If so, you know the central importance of “biodata” to the matchmaking process. (And if you haven’t, you should! Such a thought-provoking show.) Basically, a “biodata” is a dating resume that describes a person’s fundamental qualities, interests, and lifestyle. The matchmaker uses the biodata to determine whether two people are compatible for marriage. Empires rise and fall on biodata!!!

This got me thinking: If jewelry came with biodata, what would it say?

To facilitate this intellectually challenging and high-brow thought experiment, I asked friends and family to identify what type of jewelry best reflects their personality and why. I loved the answers I received from my network. It inspired me to create the imagined biodata below, some of which reflect my friends’ answers (you know who you are :)). Full disclosure: one of the biodatas is my own jewelry alter ego…

[As an aside, to cast a wider net, I also posed this question in several Reddit forums. The one and only answer I got was from user “babybossmafia” who wrote: “mushroom earrings. idk why I just like them.” Certainly not an auspicious start to my research…]

Here goes. If any particular biodata speaks to you, take the plunge!

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So what do you think–any love connections here? Don’t fret if nothing suits your fancy. One takeaway from “Indian Matchmaking” is that when one match doesn’t work out, there’s always more biodata to consider.

What would your jewelry biodata say about you?

The World is Your Oyster

Until sitting down to write this post, I genuinely believed that pearls were the birthstone for July. But not so. (It’s June.)

In any case, I love pearls. Not only are they feminine and classically beautiful, but they hold the unique distinction of being the only gemstone to come from a living creature. Whether big or small, saltwater or freshwater , white or gray, round or baroque–pearls add a touch of rich elegance to any look. (For a lesson on the many different types of pearls, check out this informative guide.)

My jewelry collection includes a lot of pearls. Exhibit A is this pair of classic studs:

They are 5 mm Japanese White Akoya saltwater cultured pearl studs set in 14k white gold. They cost less than $100, and go with absolutely everything. I highly recommend American Pearl as a source for all pearl jewelry. I purchased these studs over 10 years ago from there, and they have really stood the test of time.

Next are the vintage pearl studs I wore for my wedding ceremony. Each earring features three 8 mm pearls and three tiny rhinestones. The number “3” has always been lucky for me and my family–I even got married on 9/3/15 in part because of the numerological significance of the date, with each part a multiple of 3–so the triple-pearl style really spoke to me:

I purchased these on Etsy, but similar styles are available here ($37) and here ($2,250).

Kate Middleton inspired me to purchase this pair of 9 mm pearl drop earrings in 14k yellow gold, when she wore a kindred pair before her wedding:

Similar styles available here ($36) and here ($230).

I received this stunning six-strand pearl bracelet (which can be worn with the strands twisted or straight) as a college graduation present from my aunt:

Similar styles available here ($60) and here ($1,495).

This petite pearl ring featuring channel-set diamonds in a white gold band was a birthday gift from my parents. Pearls and diamonds make quite a lovely pair, if you ask me:

Similar styles available here ($350) and here ($1,100).

Finally, here is but a sampling of my many pearl necklaces:

The thin choker is a delicate strand of freshwater rice seed pearls in irregular, nugget shapes. Similar style available here ($85).

The center, rich ivory-colored, graduated double-strand is a vintage piece. Similar styles available here ($45) and here ($4,900).

The large faux-Tahitian-pearl strand can look overly conservative with the wrong outfit, so I prefer to pair it with less frilly tops. Similar styles available here ($48) and here ($10,000).

In closing, I ask that if you ever see me in a jewelry store, with a piece of pearl jewelry in my mouth, please trust that I am not insane, but rather am checking whether the pearls are real.

Do you have any favorite pearl pieces? Please share them with me!