New Orleans was terribly hit by Hurricane Katrina in September 2005, resulting in an unprecdented loss of property and lives. But despite the damage, the people of the Crescent City rallied and pushed ahead with the annual Mardi Gras tradition -- complete with great food, jazz music, flowing drink, funky jewelry, and all the bright accoutrements that help make the event an enjoyable one.

In the olden days, people had Mardi Gras balls where they dressed in their finest. Masks were also the order of the day and revelers would try to guess the identity of the person behind the mask, making the balls all the more titillating. To this day, many items of jewelry showcase many attractive mask designs. One would find earrings, bracelets, pins, and pendants that feature the face of a harlequin or the faces of comedy and tragedy side by side.

Green, purple, and gold are the theme colors for Mardi Gras. These colors have become traditional ever since they were chosen as the official colors by King Rex, the king of the carnival. This title is held annually by a man chosen by a group called the Mystick Crewe of Comus, and the most elaborate and lavish float during parades naturally is that of the king's.

But there's no question that the most popular types of jewelry are the ones made of beads. The greater the number of beads and the larger the size, the better they are. Mardi Gras is not a time for understatement or discreet jewelry. Layers and layers of bead necklaces adorn many of the necks of the people gathered in the streets during Mardi Gras, and many of others are given away to both friends and strangers alike in the spirit of fun and participation. In fact, in the days and weeks before the carnival is held, people can be seen busy buying beads in large amounts and creating bead jewelry to wear or give away at the event.

However, not all Mardi Gras jewelry is costume jewelry. Fine jewelers have a slew of offerings for those who have a taste for something more elegant and classy. Pearl jewelry enjoys brisk sales during the season, perhaps because they resemble the beads that are in abundance during Mardi Gras. And of course, pearl jewelry can be worn all year round and with almost any kind of attire since they are easy to dress up or down to.

Hurricane Katrina failed to drown the spirit of the people of New Orleans and they showed this during Mardi Gras with their elaborate parades and parties. Adorned in colorful and flashy jewelry while partying in the streets, enjoying Creole and Cajun cuisine, singing and dancing to jazz music, and drinking the nights away, they showed that life doesn't only go on, but that it should be lived to the fullest.