PALAWAN, Philippines, May 20 (Xinhua) -- At a remote Palawan farm in the pristine Sulu Sea, Branellec and his assistants mark the water levels once a year on each Nov. 28. Looking through the crystal clear water, you can easily spot an over half-meter difference between the 2006 level and the 2007 one. The difference between 2007 and 2008 is even larger.

"Every year, we have experienced global warming and the rise of the sea level," said the 60-year-old Frenchman. Branellec started a pearl business in 1979 with his Filipino partner Mr. Manuel Cojuangco, and now their Jewelmer International Corporation has become one of the leading golden pearl manufacturers in the world, with six farms and more than 1,000 workers -- most of whom have been working with the company over ten years. Cojuangco is the president of the company and Branellec works as managing director.
 

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The pearl, a symbol of love and purity, is perfectly fitting for the bride. Its lovely and magical appearance has captured the hearts of brides for centuries. Neither gaudy nor flashy, the pearl possesses an ethereal and demure personality that reflects the warm glow of a bride on her wedding day.

Ever since history's first bride said the first "I do," pearls have been a bride's best friend. Once considered mystical gems with the power to ensure long life and prosperity, today pearls are perhaps the perfect jewel to accompany a blushing bride down the aisle. A fine strand of pearls is probably the best single jewelry item a bride can wear. Not only are pearls elegant, traditional and always in fashion but they complement almost any bridal design as well. They seem to have that unique ability.

With the wide array of different bridal designs on the market today, all it takes is a little fashion savvy, and good taste to select the perfect strand of pearls to suit a particular look. For over-the-shoulder, scoop and boat necklines, shorter strands of pearls in single or multiple layers are the key. For high and "V" neck styles, long strands of pearls create a regal, yet demure feeling.

Brides are wearing cultured pearls as opposed to imitation pearls, not simply because of tradition, but because cultured pearls are gems they will hold their value over time. Cultured pearls are as real and warm as brides hope their wedding day will be.  Cultured pearls can be worn with pride long after the 50th anniversary for they will always remind a woman of that very special day in her life.

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A farmer takes care of oysters, which are raised for their pearls on Phu Quoc Island. — VNA/VNS Photo Hanh Nguyen

KIEN GIANG — Visitors to Phu Quoc Island may not know that Phu Quoc pearls are said to be the best in the country, but they will certainly notice the abundance of pearl stores dotting the island. Despite the fame of Phu Quoc pearls, most pearls sold do not originate there, and are mostly cheaper fresh-water pearls. Connoisseurs say genuine Phu Quoc pearls are scarce and expensive.

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