No matter the style of the day, Pearls always seem to enter the fashion scene with an air of romance and sophistication. A Pearl Renaissance is in the making and I thought it would be fun to explore this lovely gem a bit with you today.
The allure and mystery of the pearl has captured the imagination throughout the ages, appearing everywhere from the poems of Homer to the lobes of Cleopatra. They later marked the accomplishments and status of aristocracy and royalty and became a feature in Hollywood cinema. From Marilyn Monroe’s Mikimoto Akoya pearl single-strand to Elizabeth Taylor’s La Peregrina Pearl necklace and Coco Chanel’s ropes and ropes of Pearls to the fabulous four-strand Akoya Pearl and Diamond necklace worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana’s Pearl and Saphire choker paired with her “revenge dress”, this Gem has become an iconic symbol of feminine strength and energy.
Today, Pearls are topping the fashion scene in new and exciting ways. No longer relegated to the graduated Japanese Hanadama Akoya Pearl strands, designers are embracing Tahitian, freshwater, Baroque, Keshi, teardrop, button Pearls and more – and using them in innovative and unexpected designs. Pearl jewelry today might be big and bold, like Pharrel Williams’ Tiffany Titan collection, opulent and avant-garde as in Chanel’s elaborate designs or delicate and refined like those from Mateo New York. Whatever the look, it’s clear that Pearls are here in a big way this year and I’d guess the creative minds of fashion designers will only push the envelope further in the future.
As for me, after years of occasionally opening the soft velvet box containing my grandmother’s pearls and admiring their soft lustrous glow, I fully embraced pearls when I began creating jewelry. The metaphysical aspects of Pearls are undeniable, sending us powerful feminine energy, tranquility for the mind and restoration for the body and spirit. Pearls are the birthstone for June. They are ruled by the moon and water and are considered a gift from mother earth’s seas.
In my designs I like to pair pearls with gemstones of the earth, bringing additional energies to the wearer and colors to the style. I work silver into the design as it amplifies the energies of the Pearls and gemstones and gives a little edge to the styles.
How ever you choose to wear Pearls, I hope they bring you all the joy and energy that women and men have enjoyed through the ages. Whether they lift you to a new level of regal elegance or allow you to get in touch with your water loving relaxed vibe, let the beauty of the Pearl sooth your soul.
