Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Pearl Fashion Trends - Then and Now

Pearls have long been prized by men and women throughout the centuries as a ready to wear gem; from the royal courts throughout the ages to the advent of the first cultured Akoya pearl necklaces coming from Japan waiting to be fastened around the necks of GI Brides all over America after World War II, pearls have staked their place in history as a mainstay in fashion. And as times have changed so has the look of classic pearl jewelry.

Pearls were the first gemstone adornment used by man, owing to the fact that it is the only gem that required no cutting, polishing or refinement in any way. A unique jewel, the pearl is the only gemstone produced by a living organism; the oyster’s body yields easily to man’s never-ending quest for beauty incarnate. Known as “The Tears of the Gods” due to their perfectly lustrous countenances, their origins shrouded in mysticism, pearls were highly revered by the Romans, the Middle East and the Chinese, where their fame has spread the world over. Symbolizing status, purity and love, pearls quickly became the preferred jewel to adorn elegant, stylish women and brides-to-be the world over.

Fashion icon Coco Chanel revolutionized pearl fashion, using her fondness of faux pearls to complete her signature style. Who can forget the epitome of charm and grace, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s gazing into the shop window with her oversize black sunglasses and triple-strand pearl necklace? Today, we have the first female Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who prefers her numerous multi-color Tahitian and South Sea pearl necklaces to diamonds any day, to make a statement of style and intelligence that is sophisticated yet fashion-forward.

Designers are mixing tradition with the cutting edge, using pearls heavily this Season in thickly layered ropes, pairing pearls with heavy gold chains, large semi-precious gemstones and diamond accents, the sky is the limit for these new combinations. The world of pearls has exploded into a riot of fun, fresh color that can add just the right touch of sophistication or the razor edge any wardrobe is begging for, as these gems become more exotic and easily available. Nowhere is that more evident than the hallowed glossy pages of Elle and Vogue, where pearls are featured on models touting Juicy Couture, YSL and Jil Sanders and many more- the South Seas ring that Sarah Jessica Parker wears in her new perfume campaign? To die for!!

With the additions of exotic black Tahitian pearls, the unique couture shapes of Baroques, sumptuous and touchable South Sea pearls in gold and silver, and the pastel array of rainbow that Freshwater pearls are available in today, just about any statement you wish to make can be said with pearls! Yesterday, today and tomorrow pearl jewelry will remain the staple accessory in women’s wardrobes of all ages.

Visit PurePearls.com for high quality Akoya Pearls, Tahitian Pearl, and Freshwater Pearls at affordable prices and great customer service!
Amanda Raab
CEO and Founder
PurePearls.com
800-762-0977