“Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but pearls are MY true gem!” ~Holly Holden
My classic interior design mantra for my first book was: Design once, for a lifetime, which also applies to jewelry. Pearls NEVER go out of style! They are precious, rare, and have been prized for their enduring beauty for centuries. Pearls are appropriate and charming any time of day.
My second book, Pearls of Palm Beach, features eight timeless and tailored houses… elegant and quietly understated, just like pearls!
“The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” ~Grace Kelly
Pearls are rare because they are not easy to find or harvest and are indeed the gems of royalty. Kings and queens have prized pearls for their unique luster, luminosity, rarity, and symbolism for centuries. Queen Elizabeth II consistently wore her triple strand of pearls (given to her by her father) or her double strand for almost any occasion or venue. For formal or state functions, her pearl necklaces were enhanced with diamonds and other gems.
Photo source: socalrarefinds
Pearls are often associated with cherished memories and feelings. I will never forget when my dear father went to Tokyo on business and returned to our home in Taipei, Taiwan, to give me my first strand of pearls. They were from Mikimoto, a name I had never heard of! I put them on, and I have always worn pearls from that moment forward. They remind me of my beloved father. Besides that, they are pretty and bring happiness!
“Pearls are always appropriate.” ~Jackie Kennedy
Pearls are appropriate for any occasion, any time of day! Pearls are durable gemstones and complement anyone with timeless appeal, regardless of age, skin tone, hair color, or outfit… which also makes them a good investment for jewelry lovers. They come in many colors, from natural and cultured to freshwater, which is a whole other topic.
To this day, I love to wear pearls everywhere and every day, thanks to my thoughtful husband! Through the years, I have learned a few secrets. Here is one on how to use a pin to repurpose a long strand of pearls.
Grand Millennials:
Pearls remain the traditional and appropriate jewelry of choice when attending a funeral.
If you need a gift for a classic-minded lady… from a teenager to a bride on her wedding day, or an anniversary or birthday present, think pearls! Pearl earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces remain cherished and timeless gifts for ANY occasion.
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To wear an additional necklace (i.e., a gold necklace) along with a string of pearls.
What is done: Pearls are worn alone… but it doesn't matter how many strands of pearls you have on! An old-school, secret rule is that when wearing a strand of pearls, adding a different necklace is only done if it is another strand of pearls. In essence, do not add a gold necklace or any other kind of necklace to your strand of pearls. What is the reasoning? I think originally, it was thought that a gold or silver necklace would scratch the luster off of the pearls.
No-no: To wear pearls in water (shower, pool, ocean).
What is done: Pearls need to be worn, and the oils from your skin keep them happy!
No-no: To allow any perfume or hairspray to touch them.
What is done: Apply your perfume and hairspray prior to putting your pearl jewelry on, and also apply it where your pearls will not be placed.
No-no: To place your pearls next to other pieces in your jewelry box, especially when traveling, as the pearls may get scratched (sadly, I am speaking from experience!).
What is done: Wrap a piece of tissue paper around each piece of pearl jewelry to protect it from other pieces damaging the pearl’s luster.
“Pearls will make you glow like moonlight!” ~Coco Chanel
Gosh, do you remember the “add-a-pearl” necklace, which was traditionally given to little girls? When did YOU receive your first string of pearls?
Xx Holly