The Timeless Elegance Of Pearl Jewellery: Seven Decades In Review

Timeless.

Adjective

1. Not restricted to a particular time or date
2. Having no beginning or end

We love the word timeless as a descriptor for pearls. Pearls transcend time, changes in fashion and are beloved in families for generations. The spherical shape a tangible illustration that there is no clear beginning or end.

We truly believe that pearls are to be cherished for a lifetime and passed down to future generations, hand in hand with pearls of wisdom from a life well lived. Heirloom jewellery comes with such special, personal meaning and creates an extraordinary family history. It brings together loved ones past, present and future in a shared experience, a connection founded by precious gemstones that have been present through the journey of one’s life. This allows the wearer to continue to experience a strong bond and keep a part of their loved one close.

As the world’s oldest gemstone, pearls were treasured by Romans and Egyptians as far back as the 5th Century BC and considered gifts from the gods. Over the thousands of years of wear, pearls have become known to represent wisdom, integrity, purity and love, bringing wellness and good fortune to the wearer.

Regardless of the decade, pearl jewellery represents elegance and class. We’ve looked back over the most recent decades to bring you some of our favourite styles and their iconic wearers. 

The 50’s – Grace Kelly 

Grace Kelly once famously said “I favor pearls on screen and in my private life.” The star of the silver screen dazzled in her beloved pearls and later became royalty as the Princess of Monaco following her wedding to Prince Rainier III in 1956.

The 60’s - Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn

The classic style of these iconic women is highlighted through Audrey’s understated elegance and Elizabeth’s glamour.

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The 70’s - Jackie Kennedy

“Pearls are always appropriate.” Inspiring a generation of women, Jackie Kennedy is synonymous with enduring style. In the 1970's the pearling industry in Broome was producing 60-70% of the worlds pearls. We love to look at images from this decade and marvel at the voyage of these pearls from the pristine turquoise waters of Broome to the necklines of some of history’s most prominent women.

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The 80’s - Princess Diana

Arguably the most influential icon of all time, the “People’s Princess,” Princess Diana embodies grace and inner beauty. Pearls have long been associated with the Royal Family and the Queen boasts an extensive collection of pearl strands.

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The 90’s – The Supermodel Era

Pearls graced the catwalk throughout the 1990’s with the supermodel era providing a front row seat to couture style. Adding femininity and sophistication to designer creations, pearls adorned models including Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.

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2000’s – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

Pearls starred in the early 2000’s as a classic addition to the outfits of Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, in the Sex and the City television show which ran from 1998 - 2004. The character incorporated designer and couture outfits, complimented by both classic pairings and over-the-top lashings of pearl strands (as pictured left). The fashion choices by this character have cemented Carrie Bradshaw as a style icon for this decade.

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2010’s – Michelle Obama

Bold and impactful, Michelle Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009-2017. She was adorned by an array of pearl strands and earrings, ranging from classic strands to elegant masterpieces.

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The magnificence of pearls to transcend this time period remaining at the height of elegance and sophistication pays tribute to the virtues they embody. Looking back at the phenomenal changes in lifestyle and culture, it is truly remarkable that this gemstone remains beloved throughout generations. A timeless natural beauty.