The History of Pearls
Officially the world’s oldest gem, pearls have been revered since long before written history. For this reason, their discovery cannot be attributed to one person in particular, but it is believed that they were first discovered by people searching for food along the seashore.
The abundance of natural oyster beds in the Persian Gulf meant that pearls also carried great importance in Arab cultures, where legend stated that pearls were formed from dewdrops that were swallowed by oysters when they fell into the sea.
Pearls have been an important trade commodity since Roman times, and the discovery of pearls in Central and South America in the 15th and 16th century led to the so-called Pearl Age. With the escalating demand for pearls in Western Europe, where ladies of nobility and royalty wore elaborate pearl necklaces, earrings, pearl bracelets and brooches, by the 19th century, demand for pearl jewellery became so high that oyster supplies began to dwindle.
Unlike gemstones that are mined from the earth, a living organism produces a pearl. A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a parasite or piece of shell, becomes accidentally lodged in an oyster’s soft inner body, causing it to secrete a crystalline substance called nacre, which builds up around the irritant in layers until a pearl is formed.
Today, natural pearls are among the rarest of gems and their almost entirely depleted supply means that they are found very infrequently only in the seas off Bahrain and Australia. The scarcity of natural pearls is reflected in the prices they fetch at auction, with antique pearl necklaces and earrings selling for record-breaking sums. Last year, a pair of natural pearl earrings set a new world record when they sold for US$3.3 million at Doyle New York.
How to enhance your look with Pearls
Jackie Kennedy was one of the major pearl icons who’s looks never failed to impress when matching a simple two piece suit with a set of beautiful pearls.
Jackie Kennedy’s style inspired an entire generation of women in terms of fashion. Her public appearances were always full of charisma and magnetism. There was allurement in her presence quite different from that of any other. A real style icon, Jackie O. owned extremely simple, yet elegant trademarks. A symbol of the 1960s fashion, Jackie collaborated closely with fashion designer Oleg Cassini. As her influence grew, she started to develop a passion for Chanel jackets and A-line skirts by Dior. Her most famous signature piece is the triple strand pearl necklace.
Like Jackie you could combine pearls with a bright bold colors which can really make the pearls stand out yet perfectly compliment the ensemble.
Sleek, silky and elegant gowns can also pair great with a double strand white pearl necklace.
Here are also a few examples of how Jackie rocked her pearls and how pearls are worn compared to today’s high fashion.
As you can see, pearls worn different ways in today’s fashion such as on glasses and on the garments themselves. These are a few ways that you can accessorize with pearls in a new creative way or classically wear them around the neck like Jackie Kennedy did.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for a great way to enhance your look add pearls, if you are looking for a great stylist call QUAD
(917)-409-7971
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