A Long Love Affair with Pearls
Our love affair with pearls dates back before recorded history. Their well-earned esteem passed from one historical figure, connecting celebrities throughout the ages. Pearls’ precious beauty has long cast its spell that has transcended time, person, and place.
The allure of pearls has been so intoxicating that they have captured the imaginations of royals, socialites, starlets, and fashion designers alike. The world’s oldest discovered gem continues to hold sway and is still relevant today. Explore in this post to following -
The fashion icons who made pearls fashionable
What are the different lengths of pearl necklaces, and how best to wear them
How to care for your pearl jewelry
How different colors of pearls flatter different skin tones
Fashion Icons and Their Pearls
Some stars shine so brightly that their luster never dulls. Even in memory, their impact continues to linger and continues to shape the fashion landscape today. These icons’ affinity for pearls proves that these lustrous beauties will forever remain a classic staple that belongs in every woman’s jewelry box.
Coco Chanel
Chanel’s fierce independence redefined not just the perception of conventional femininity but introduced a modern mix of wearing pearls. Instead of the traditional formality of donning only genuine pearls, she favored whimsically combining them with fake costume strands. This wonderfully modern and fresh take on styling pearl jewelry is still appropriate today.
In 2014, Chanel’s house launched a high jewelry line in honor of its founder and her love for pearls called The Perles Swing Set. A stunning collection devoted to the luminous gem using a combination of South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls. The legend continues.
Jeanne Toussaint
Arriving in Paris, Jeanne Toussaint quickly went from charismatic ingénue to become Louis Cartier’s muse who loving nicknamed her la Panthère. Perfectly fitting for a woman about town, known for wearing a full-length coat made of panther fur.
Combined with the commissioned illustration by George Barbier depicting a woman with strands of draping pearls and a panther, it’s clear how the luxury house became associated with its iconic animal - the panther. Toussaint’s passion for pearls, often wearing a cascade of multiple long strands at a time, seemed to be a direct reflection of Barbier’s drawing and secured her place as a pearl fashion icon.
Princess Diana
Unassuming and relatable, Diana was indeed the people’s princess. As the world’s most photographed person, the evolution into her style unfolded before our very eyes. But before she was introduced to us, in her early days, she developed a love of pearls. It started with the first single strand gifted to her by her parents, which she wore almost every day.
Perhaps the most famous pearl necklace she wore was a stunning seven-strand choker with a sapphire and diamond centerpiece. The sapphire came from a brooch gifted to her by the Queen Mother on her wedding day. The reimagined piece spurred an industry of copies of the infamous design. Inspiring women all over the world to feel like a princess for a day.
Grace Kelly
The silver screen was no match for the starlets’ favorite gem’s luminous luster, the pearl. Grace Kelly’s affinity for pearls was well-known early on and made legend with her famous quote, “I favor pearls on screen and in my private life.” Pearls’ classic quality was a perfect fit for her understated style.
Even after she left Hollywood to become royalty, Grace favored pearls, wearing a two-strand choker in her engagement photos to Prince Rainier III and again on her wedding day. In addition to the single strand she wore to compliment her intricate lace gown, the Prince gifted her with a parure of pearl jewelry custom made by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Jacqueline Kennedy
For the first time, America had a cultured role model whose refined sense of style represented women’s dreams and aspirations worldwide. Her signature style’s focal point that influenced millions was her triple strand of faux pearls, designed by Kenneth Jay Lane.
Jacqueline was once quoted as saying, “Pearls are always appropriate,” advice that defined her approach to fashion, wearing them with everything—elegantly donning them with day suits or featuring them with glamorous evening gowns. Her quintessential accessory of choice took many forms, including all types and strand lengths of pearls. The result was undeniably always appropriate.
Elizabeth Taylor
Her legendary collection of jewelry well documents Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with jewelry. A selection of pieces that reflect her real-life love affairs, including one of the more notable, Richard Burton. Each of his extravagant gifts making history but none more so than the world’s most famous natural pearl, the ‘La Peregrina.’
This 55.6-carat pear-shaped pearl was brought at auction for $37,000 by Burton for her 37th birthday. The historical pearl had traveled the world for over 400 years with an illustrious provenance of queens and Tudors. Taylor later had Cartier design a custom choker to feature the famous gem based on a portrait she had seen of Mary Tudor, Queen of England, one of the previous owners of the prominent pearl.
Making Pearls Work For You
Today’s availability of cultured pearls might have made them more accessible. Still, since their popularity with the fashion icons who made them famous, pearls’ reputation became staid—being more closely associated with blue-hair and twinsets.
Regardless, pearls’ classic qualities should make them a staple in any woman’s jewelry box. Thanks to contemporary styling and designs, you can easily wear them in a modern way. The simple addition of pearls will have you looking chic in a timeless manner.
Pearl Necklace Lengths
There’s nothing quite as timeless as a classic strand of pearls. Deciding which length is best for you comes down to personal preference and should include your wardrobe and lifestyle. Bohemian styles with lots of volume or blouses with high necklines could affect which length is right for you. Longer lengths could get caught on objects if you have a job where you’re super active.
Here are the different lengths to help you decide which one is best for you. Who knows, you might love them all and layer them all together like some of our favorite fashion icons.
Choker - This length sits just above the collar bone. It will graze the top an open neckline of a basic tee or perfectly sit on top of a high collared shirt.
Princess - This length is the most versatile and popular. The mid-length that rests just over the collar bone makes it a flawless fit for just about everyone.
Matinee - This length adds just a bit more drama than the shorter styles. Traditionally considered more formal, but the new rules of modern styling would have you think more about the vibe you’re going for instead.
Opera - This length can be worn in multiple ways by doubling it up, knotting it, layering it, or simply wearing it on its own. Whichever way you decide to style it creatively will ensure a polished look every time.
Pearl Color and You
Figuring out which pearl colors are most flattering is similar to selecting an eye shadow palette or shade of nail polish for yourself. The wide variety of gorgeous available colors and the metallic pearlescent finish are similar to that of pearls.
While specific ranges of colors are produced in the regions where pearls are cultured, freshwater varieties offer a seemingly endless array of beautiful shades to select from. The number of options simply guarantees that there’s a perfect pearl for everyone.
Here’s a general guideline to help get you started -
Classically white and metallic colors typical to Akoya pearls work beautifully with cooler skin tones. The dark and exotic colors of Tahitian are universally flattering.
The rich golden colors typical to South Sea pearls are stunning against warmer skin tones. As with cooler tones, Tahitian pearls are also exquisitely complimentary.
Modern Pearl Styling
Just like diamonds, ballet flats, and Kelly bags, pearls have stood the test of time. Although the classic round pearl strand still offers plenty of sophistication, unique shapes like baroque are incredibly contemporary.
Tahitian pearls’ unusual shape and dark exotic colors lend a perfect edge to a sweetly feminine look. Coco Chanel was ahead of her time when she shocked socialites by mixing her genuine pearls with fake ones and other costume jewelry.
Artful alchemy is the gold standard when it comes to fashion styling today. If done correctly, the result will unforgettably accentuate your individuality and place you among the fashion greats that redefined how we dress.
Caring for pearls
The preciousness of pearls needs to be preserved with a bit more care because they’re organic. Their surface is porous as a result making them more delicate than their gemstone counterparts.
Nonetheless, a little TLC will go a long way to ensure your enjoyment of them for years to come. Below are some essential tips to keep your pearls in excellent condition with a lasting luster.
Last to put on and first to come off - The chemicals in your personal care products can be highly damaging to a pearl’s nacre, which is responsible for its luster. Consistent contact will dull your pearls over time, whether you’re getting ready for a night out or prepping for bed.
Don’t treat them like fine china - Wear your pearls often. Their organic qualities can cause them to dry out, and wearing them usually allows them to absorb some of the oils from your skin.
Let ‘em breathe - While it’s essential to store your pearls separately to prevent them from getting scratched, it’s equally important not to keep them sealed in a plastic bag. An airtight environment can cause them to become brittle. Instead, store them in a soft, breathable pouch.
Clean with care - Avoid the fire-power of ultrasonic cleaners, a triple threat of bad news for pearls - high heat, vibrating movement, and strong chemicals that can all cause severe damage to a pearls’ surface. Instead, opt for a soft, damp cloth.
Avoid the S-word, sagging - No one loves the effects of sagging, and neither does the silk cord of your pearl strand. If you wear it almost daily, take it to get restrung by a professional. For less frequent wearing, every three years should do the trick.
Conclusion
Pearls are experiencing a glorious renaissance that has reignited the imaginations of designers and fashionistas alike. These ocean treasures have stayed consistent for centuries, but the way we wear them and buy them has changed tremendously.
Cultivation has them accessible to everyone, where they were once only acquired by the wealthy. Progressive designers and fashion influencers are discovering new ways to style them, writing a new chapter in their cultural significance to continue their timeless relevance.
Get to know the whole story behind these tiny miracles and download my Ultimate Guide to Pearls below. Journey with me as I unfold their illustrious history, their story of cultivation, the various types, professional standards in grading them, a buying guide, and so much more.
