Historically pearls have graced the great Kings and Queens of England.Many a portrait of Elizabeth 1st depicts her draped in many strings of pearls. These jewels represented power and wealth.
Roll forward to the 1930s.
Coco Chanel reinvented pearl jewellery. not for her one single string of creamy pearls, worn discreetly.These were often the go to gift for a young lady coming of age.She turned to pearls to be the focal point of any outfit she wore. Her designs were elegant and understated so the pearls gave the Wow factor.She wore many strands at varying lengths often mixing fresh and faux pearls.Her fashion style continues to influence the designers of today.
“A women needs ropes and ropes of pearls” Coco Chanel.
Other fashion icons followed all falling in love with this gem. Jackie Kennedy the queen of style and elegance often wore pearls and believed them to be always appropriate for any occasion.
Elizabeth Taylor one of the most glamorous of Hollywood actresses, was given by Richard Burton her then husband the
La Pergrina pearl. This is one of the most famous pearls in history, she had Cartier’s the jewelers reset the pearl into a stunning necklace of yet more pearls and rubies.
Forward to today.
We continue our love affair with the pearl.Fashion designers and fashion bloggers still look to the glamour of the past for designs and influences of today, at the last red carpet event many A listers and celebrities used pearls to add that finishing touch.
How a pearl is formed.
Natural pearls are formed when an irritant usually a parasite-works its way into an oyster,mussel or clam, as a defense mechanism a fluid is used to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating,called “nacre” is deposited until a lustrous pearl is formed.
How to wear pearls.
The more you wear your pearls the better the lustre is maintained.
Pearls should be the last thing you put on when dressing, and the first thing you remove when undressing.
Keep perfume,body lotions and other beauty products away from your pearl jewellery and they will last a life time and beyond.
Most of all enjoy your PEARLS.