Pearl

If gods cried, on their cheeks would certainly roll over…pearls. Of course, women would gather to pick them, as for more than a century, since fashion has become essential, pearl necklace has become as well an important accessory. Fashion world, from time immemorial has faced different dilemmas: long or short, black or white, simple or sophisticated. And a famous dispute has been that between pearls and diamonds.

However, each of these gems has defined its personality according to the context, period and qualities. And if diamond has won in the detriment of brides, pearls symbolize nobles and purity. A lot of famous women have borrowed something from their charm and elegance, giving them a unique fame. That is why natural pearls are still evaluated to fabulous sums, but there are culture pearls as well which can be purchased, with a little effort, almost by everybody. In the same time, jewelers have exploited to maximum the world of pearls and they have discovered the delicacy of the nacre cover which upholsters the sea shell. So they have changed it as well in a jewel, in order to give the chance to those who can’t afford to buy pearls to wrap themselves in nacre glittering. As far as models, sizes and pearls qualities are concerned, you can never end talking.

However, a few models are famous, among which we can mention “opera”, the queen of the pearl necklaces. It is the longest of them, having 71 – 86 cm in length; it has been worn along the time with lower necked blouses or dresses, but recently designers suggest it with collared blouses. Choker is a necklace having three or more rows of big pearls, round ones and equal in size, 30 – 33 cm in length, whose closure is usually another jewel. This model has been preferred by princesses, among which we can mention Lady Diana, because of their royal aspect and the noblesse imposed by them. This model is worn with dresses with a naked shoulder or with neckline in V. Matinee is a necklace which is more comfortable, a little longer, 50 – 61 cm which matches necklines and necks having all shapes and sizes. Thus, it can be worn successfully by anybody, irrespective if she wears casual or sophisticated clothes. Graduated was the piece of resistance of the ‘50s, but nowadays it is not so appreciated. Its length is 43 – 48 cm and it is made of pearls having decreasing sizes to the closure and it matches better classic style and round neckline.

Collier is the classic piece of jewelry made of pearls having the same size, 35 – 40 cm long, belonging to the jewel cases of women irrespective of the historic period. It matches any age, any clothes, regardless the neckline type. In the same time it brings more style both to the teenager in blue jeans and to the business woman.

The oldest pearl necklace is over 2000 years old. It belonged to a Persian princess and it was discovered in her sarcophagi. But the jewel which will write the modern history of the pearls is more recent and it is signed by Tiffany &Co and it is a brooch which has a chrysanthemum shape, and which is a mixture of gold, platinum, diamonds and pearls in the Mississippi river. Actually, Tiffany &Co is famous for the quality of pearls applied on the jewels and it disputes the fame with the Japanese firm Mikimoto.

Wherever you are, wear pearl rows on each occasion because they highlight perfectly your neckline. But avoid them when you go to the swimming pool or to the beach because salty water or chlorine alters them. Besides, pearls, because they are the most fragile of the gems, need attention and special conditions, possibly by an expert in their cleaning.