zb32, have you seen this?:
http://www.pearlparadise.com/detail.aspx?ID=2233
That is the PearlParadise.com special for June but it hasn't been withdrawn yet...not sure how long it will last. Seems like a nice item for an anniversary if you ask me. Even if your Mom has a strand, it may not be a long strand, and it can be doubled for a different look. A strand like that can be more casual or more dressy.