LOVE OF PEARLS

Since the 13th and 14th Century pearl jewelry was the sign of royalty, aristocracy and wealth. With the changing fashion, pearl became so popular that cultivated pearls have been introduced to meet the crying demand for this precious element. Although the cultured pearls have replaced the natural pearls in jewels, the demand for ornaments crafted with pearl have never diminished and remain a symbol of unblemished perfection.  A fragment of the first pearl was  found in the sarcophagus of A persian princess who died in 520BC.  It is currently displayed in the Louvre.   The Latin word for pearl literally means "unique" therefore no two pearls are identical.

Pearl fashion, style and taste over the years has evolved.  Pearls  are no longer a symbol of wealth available to only a few.  The concept of pearls & aristocry changed in both meaning and form. form.  In the 30's  Coco Chanel began combing gems and pearls to accessorize her highly fashionable clothing line.  Coco loved wearing jewelry since she was a child.  It was her belief the jewelry should be worn to adorn and not to display wealth.  Chanel costume pearls were bigger in scale and designed in fashion shades consisting of multiple rows. The
Romanov jewels given to her by the Grand Duke Dimitri of Russia, gave her ideas to create long gilt chains with Baroque crosses creation of the artifical glass pearl.  

Thanks to Coco Chanel and other European fashion designers of her time who were all fascinated with the Renaissance and Byzantine periods  pearls became a new fashion statements for the people from any walk of life irrespective of their age and socioeconomic status.  A pearls beauty is only enhanced further when showcased in a gold or platinum settings.  The soft hues of pearls are utterly feminine and when combined with other gemstones, and especially diamonds the look is sheer elegance.






Purchasing the real thing:

One does not need to be an expert when purchasing pearls, however certain critical aspects should be considered before buying as with any fine piece of jewelry. 

Type: Review, evaluate and determine the type of pearl that you prefer.   The types of pearls include freshwater and saltwater pearls. They vary largely in terms of their luster, texture and shapes. Although the freshwater pearls are available with wide range of colors and shapes, they are not as glittery as saltwater pearls. Therefore, the shapes, color and glitter of the pearl can highly affect its overall look. 

Quality:  No matter how beautifully designed your setting maybe, it is the pear's quality that will make the jewelry piece exceptional. Luster, texture, shapes and sizes are the features that decide the quality of them.

Design:  Once a high quality pearl or pearls have been selected, the main factor to consider is the actual design.  Jewlery design is personal.  It can create a total new look or image and best yet it can enhance your own innate personality.  Pearl are no longer worn just for special ocassions and do not define age.  Todays ornamental pearls as well as yesterdays vintage pearls by renowned fashion designers Chanel, Valentino, Givenchy ($300 to $1,500) are worn on and off the runway with models wearing the latest pair of designer jeans heavily layered with chunky colored beads and chains or modeling a chanel style crop  jacket and short skirt.  Pearls are the perfect accessory to refreshen last years wardrobe or a new sensation. Whether you can afford the finest Mikimoto perarls ($2,000 to $8,000) or you've fallen in love with a chunky Anne Klein or Swarovsky Pearl & Crystal necklace ($50 to $200)  vintage pearl costume jewelry is here to stay.  PS. Don't forget your local thrift store, too. ($3.00 - $12.00). 


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Some of the jewlery featured in this article are available Karl Lagerfeld (Lower Right); Ugo Correani (Middle Right - SOLD);  Yves Saint Laurent (Top Right)