The Classic Pearl Jewelry
April 6, 2009 by The Briefer
Filed under Features, Jewelry Trends
Pearls are like the little black dress of your jewelry collection. Pearls are beautiful, come in many subtle variations of color to flatter any skin tone while casting light on to the wearer’s face. They pop into our minds when we think of many style icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Gloria Guiness (in photograph), Wallis Simpson and our new First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Today women have many options for wearing pearls. The single strand pearl necklace or ear studs, no matter what the millimeter size, are always classics. But, many female power brokers are seen wearing a single strand of large South Sea or Tahitian pearls: Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader is always seen in pearls. Thanks to the low cost of Chinese freshwater pearls, rope length necklaces, found in many different shapes and pallets, are a fun alternative. These can be worn long, straight or with a knot, or wrapped around the neck or wrist several times, reminiscent of Coco Chanel. So, whichever style fits your personal style, pearls are versatile and fabulous!
In closing, I am not sure whose grandmother said it first, but pearls should always be the last thing put on and the first thing taken off. They, as well as the string that holds them, are very delicate and can be stained or damaged by lotion, perfume or hairspray.
For more information I recommend: The Pearl Book: the definitive buying guide, by Antoinette L. Matlins, PG, GemStone Press, Woodstock, VT
Dee on Sat, 5th Nov 2011 1:30 am
Your photograph of Coco Chanel is actually of Gloria Guinness. Gloria was one of the most elegant women in the world and, though she may have resembled Chanel somewhat, was more attractive.
The Briefer on Mon, 21st Nov 2011 6:21 pm
Thank you so much for correcting my error. You are indeed correct.
I will correct the post. Thank you for reading The Jewelry Brief.