Why did the Duchess of Windsor, Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn all chose pearls as their signature gem? No mined, cut or polished stone is as subtly expressive. What exactly is the appeal? Their rarity says it all.
Legend of the Pearl
Pearls are one of the most coveted rarities dating back to 150 million years ago and prized by man since 50,000 B.C. Eastern cultures have prized the perfect beauty of a pearl for thousands of years, so there’s no surprise that they play a big role in legend, mythology and astrology. Throughout history, some cultures have placed little or no value on pearls and have focused instead of luminescent mother-of-pearl that lined mollusk shells. Before the 1800’s, Japanese shell divers who found pearls apparently didn’t even bother keeping them.
Historically, pearls have been abundant in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Mannar, which is located between India and Sri Lanka. This geography is the reason is the reason that the Indian and Middle Eastern cultures most likely have been revering pearls longer than any others. In Islamic thought, pearls represent perfection and completeness. The depth of the Middle East’s affection for pearls is mentioned several times in the Quran.
For Hindus, the pearl is one of the planetary gems, associated with the moon and second only to the diamond in regard. The Indian rulers considered the luminous gemstones symbols of love, union and purity. Hindu lore speaks of pearls as dewdrops that fell from the night sky and into the sea. Ancient Indian legends say Vishnu plucked the first pearl from the depths of the ocean and gave it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day.
By the middle Ages, pearls became included amongst the most sacred of precious objects due to their identification with religious purity in Christianity. They are seen adorned on Bibles, icons and religious artefacts. Early Christians described the Holy Grail as being embellished with pearls to give the holy water in a cup magical powers. These artefacts were often put on display during major religious holidays.
Styling with Pearls
One of today’s hottest pearl styles is to wear multiple strands of pearls. To take your look from demure to dramatic, layer on pearls! This sassy secret has worked wonders since the beginning of time. Imagine a cascade of pearl strands swinging over your simple black sheath or sweater set.
Mix different pearl sizes and lengths with reckless abandon but still keeping your pearls close in colour as it produces the best effect. Multiple strands of pearls work for both day and night. They look best with simple crew or V-necklines, although adventurous may layer them flirtatiously in an unbuttoned neckline of a blouse or shirt.
How to Care
Pearls are fragile and need special care. They should never be tossed on top of or next to other gems in a jewellery box. Store them separately in a jewellery pouch instead.
Some women’s skin is more ‘acidic’ than others. If a pearl necklace is frequently worn, as it should be, some of the pearls will constantly be in close contact with the woman’s skin on her neck at the shoulder line. Pearl pendants do not always have such constant contact with a woman’s skin. The pearls in the necklace will gradually absorb acid from the skin and the skin will slowly eat into the spherical pearl. Over time the pearl will not only lose its luster, but will become barrel-shaped. You can however slow this process by wiping the pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them each time.
Besides being soft, pearls are easily damaged by chemicals like perfume, vinegar and lemon juice. Heat can turn pearls brown or dry them out and make them crack. Dry air can also damage pearls. Most safe deposit vaults have very dry air hence think twice before storing them in there, although it might sound like the safest spot.
When taking of pearl ring, grasp the shank, or metal part, rather than the pearl. This will prevent the pearl form loosening and coming into contact with skin oil on your hand. Because of their delicate nature, special care must be taken when cleaning these precious baubles. Talk about high maintenance!
