By Ashie Luke
Pearls have long been a symbol of timeless elegance and luxury. Their distinctive, lustrous beauty has caught the attention of royalty, celebrities, and fashion icons for centuries, making them one of the most cherished and versatile gemstones in history. Pearls have earned their right to be named a staple jewellery item. Pearls will continue to shine brightly as an enduring symbol of sophistication and grace for generations. So, how has this versatile gem evolved?
Royalty is synonymous with opulence and grandeur, and pearls are an integral feature of regal adornments. Pearls have held a lasting place as symbols of luxury and the chosen jewellery attire of royalty throughout the ages. Antoinette showcased numerous portraits of her adorned in pearls, expressing her fondness for the gem. As the French Revolution raged on and threatened Antoinette’s life, she safeguarded her most cherished possessions by secretly smuggling them back to her family in Austria. Among these beloved pieces was a pendant of remarkable beauty—a natural teardrop pearl pendant with spectacular diamonds.
In a testament to the ongoing fascination with Marie Antoinette, this pearl pendant fetched an incredible price of $36 million USD at a Sotheby’s auction in 2018. The sale of such a piece is a tangible reminder of the allure and notoriety surrounding the Queen. Pearls and their multifaceted symbolism elegantly embody the intricate layers of her persona. Antoinette’s association with pearls goes beyond their aesthetic appeal. For her, they portrayed notions of wealth, power, and an underlying sense of serenity.
Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, celebrated for her elegance and grace, remains an enduring icon known for her fondness for pearls. Her famous quote, “I favour pearls on screen and in my private life,” reinforces their central role in her style. As a Hollywood star in the early 1950s, pearls became an essential accessory on and off the screen, accentuating her captivating presence in movies like Rear Window and complementing her journey to royalty.
Among her most remarkable pearl pieces were those received as a wedding gift. During a visit to Van Cleef & Arpels in New York, she selected a triple-strand pearl necklace featuring a diamond swirl motif, a matching triple-strand pearl bracelet adorned with a diamond blossom, pearl earrings delicately accented with baguette and marquise-shaped diamond swirls, and a captivating diamond blossom motif with a luminous pearl at its centre. This momentous occasion marked a turning point for the jeweller as three months after Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III, they were appointed the official supplier to the principality of Monaco.
Grace Kelly epitomised the art of making a statement and influencing fashion trends. Her seamless transition from Hollywood glamour to becoming a princess exuded the very essence that pearls possess. Her magnetic presence and regal status amplified the energy and allure of pearls, solidifying their position as symbols of sophistication and influence in the world of fashion and beyond.
Further in the domain of royalty, another beloved figure known for her affinity for pearls was the people’s princess, Diana of Wales. As arguably the most famous princess in modern history, Diana held significant sway over people’s style choices, and pearls were a central focus in her repertoire. Being one of the most photographed women in the world, she frequently appeared adorned with pearls, accentuating her elegance.
Diana possessed a collection of exceptional pearl necklaces, showcasing her refined taste and appreciation for their timeless appeal. Among her notable pieces were the Emir of Qatar Floral Pearl earrings, a stunning Bulgari bracelet, various tiaras, and also an exquisite eleven-strand pearl choker. Beloved and cherished by all, Diana’s inherent elegance and sophistication added to the established allure and symbolism of pearls, elevating them to even greater heights.
When it comes to elegance and refinement, few styles have attained the iconic status of pearls, and this enduring allure has captivated the attention of the first ladies of the United States. Throughout history, these influential women wholeheartedly embraced pearls as a symbol of grace and sophistication. One of the most renowned first lady fashion icons was Jackie Kennedy, who set a new standard for presidential style during her husband’s presidency. Her love for pearls, famously stating that “Pearls are always appropriate,” left an indelible mark on American fashion, inspiring countless women to emulate her impeccable taste and dignified demeanour.
Following her footsteps, Michelle Obama continued the tradition of adorning herself with pearls, further reinforcing the association of these radiant gems with authority and timeless elegance. Through the generations, the choice of pearls by the first ladies has become an iconic tradition, symbolising refined taste and projecting an image of grace and authority. Their endorsement of pearls has profoundly influenced American style, inspiring women nationwide to embrace the timeless allure of these majestic gems.
One can’t discuss pearls without mentioning the name that brought them into high fashion. The allure of pearls, once reserved for the realms of the notable and untouchable, gradually permeated the dynamic fashion world, thanks to the celebrated visionary, Coco Chanel. As a true trailblazer, Chanel played a pivotal role in popularising pearls, forever etching them into the annals of style. The brand’s masterful incorporation of pearls solidified its status as a timeless fashion statement, gaining even more prominence during the Lagerfeld-Chanel period. This iconic era was characterised by the grace of supermodels on the runways and by their transformation into cultural icons, elevating the influence of pearls to its pinnacle.
Larger-than-life figures in the fashion world, such as Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, and Naomi Campbell, exuded confidence and elegance as they adorned themselves with pearls. With their innate ability to effortlessly showcase designs, these supermodels’ personal preference for pearls played a massive role in shaping consumer perceptions and driving the popularity of gems to new heights. Undoubtedly, their enchanting presence and impeccable taste continue to inspire a timeless appreciation for the beauty of pearls in the fashion world.
Fashion’s impact reaches far beyond its immediate setting, permeating the very fabric of pop culture and weaving its magic into the narratives of beloved characters. From Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl to Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada, from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the ever-iconic Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City — these fictional personas have captivated audiences with their strength, individuality, and unapologetic sense of style. Amidst their compelling stories, pearls have emerged as the perfect expression of their unique fashion sensibilities, adding a touch of timeless elegance to their iconic looks.
Blair Waldorf, the epitome of Upper East Side sophistication, often adorned herself with strands of pearls that accentuated her regal poise. Andy Sachs, the aspiring journalist turned fashion insider, was engrossed in a world where pearls symbolised refinement and chic allure. Audrey Hepburn, forever etched in cinematic history, captivated audiences with her portrayal of Holly Golightly, and her iconic black dress accessorised with a striking pearl necklace became an emblem of style and independence. Carrie Bradshaw, the quintessential New York City fashionista, effortlessly fused modernity and vintage charm, often punctuating her ensembles with pearls that exuded a timeless elegance.
These characters, all rooted in the bustling metropolis of New York City, seemed to embody the very essence of pearls—an embodiment of strength, confidence, and impeccable style. While pearls are undoubtedly cherished worldwide, there is an intangible connection between this radiant gemstone and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of New York City—an unspoken recognition that the city, with its relentless pace and unyielding spirit, serves as a natural canvas for the timeless allure of pearls to be celebrated and embraced.
In recent years, pearls have gracefully transcended into male jewellery culture, challenging conventional notions and showcasing that femininity can be a source of strength within masculinity. Renowned celebrities like A$AP Rocky, Harry Styles, Joe Jonas, and Pharrell Williams have been at the forefront of this trend, fearlessly incorporating pearls into their ensembles. By embracing individuality, these style icons have shattered stereotypes by confidently adorning themselves with this elegant gem. The 2020s have witnessed a refreshing shift in attitudes towards gender and fashion, with these influential men proudly wearing pearls symbolising their unique and unapologetic self-expression. They have not only elevated pearls to new heights of masculine sophistication but also exemplified that embracing elements traditionally associated with femininity can be a powerful statement of strength and authenticity.
As we approach 2024, the evolution of pearls from classic to modern chic shows their unchanging allure and elegance. From gracing the necks of historical figures like Marie Antoinette to becoming a fashion statement for iconic personalities like Jackie Kennedy and Carrie Bradshaw, pearls have consistently held their place as a symbol of sophistication and grace. Their seamless integration into the fashion world, pop culture, and male jewellery demonstrates their adaptability and transcendent appeal. As we progress, pearls will undoubtedly shine bright, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique beauty and confidently wear these exquisite gems as an emblem of refinement and individuality.
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