Move Over Diamonds, Pearls are a Girls’ Best Friend

MOVE OVER DIAMONDS,

Pearls are a Girls’ Best Friend

BY MAGGIE HACKWORTH PHOTOS BY CORRIN SWITZER

The timeless gemstone first emerged in the fashion scene as early as 420 B.C. Pearls are the oldest gem known to man, possibly because alterations are not necessary to reveal their beauty. Pearls appear in art, jewelry, and even medicinal practices throughout history and are thought to have mystical and healing properties. While pearls have a strong history of other uses, not just jewelry, they are a timeless accessory that has grown throughout the ages.

Enriched in a deep history, one of the earliest references to pearl embellishments was in Iliad by Homer. The author describes the goddess’ pearl earrings as “glittering gems.” The earliest evidence of pearls being used in jewelry, a majestic necklace containing 216 pearls dating no later than the fourth century, was found in a region of Iran. By the early Middle Ages and well into the 20th century, necklaces, earrings, rings, and crowns included pearls and other gemstones in their designs.

In the early Middle Ages, some medicine used pearls. Many believed that pearls were a remedy to cure eye diseases, consumption, poison, minor illnesses, and to increase general health. Interest in the healing properties did not stop there; some believed that pearls also have a majestic virtue, signifying humility, innocence, and purity. Pearls were believed to have various health benefits such as financial gains, positive thoughts, and knowledge.

During the Spring-Summer 2022 season, brands such as Chanel and Tom Ford helped reintroduce the classic accessory into runway looks that were dazzling and eccentric. Celebrities gave life back

to pearls and aided them in their comeback into the world of fashion, like Hailey Bieber and Billie Eilish, who took the pearls off the runways and wore them as everyday accessories.

Fascinated by the genuine beauty of pearls, in the last decade pearl jewelry has caught the eyes of the fashion industry. Pearls are having their time in the spotlight and are shining bright as ever. While many knew pearls for being a posh and classic accessory in the past, now they are much more playful and allow for more versatile styles. Not only can pearls enhance an outfit, but they can also bring an outfit to life. They are stylish and adaptable accessories that come in various forms, including earrings, necklaces, rings, chokers, headbands, and many more. One does not have to fit into a particular social class to participate in this new surge of pearl accessories. Enriched by such a profound history, pearls are a great trend to get into.