There’s no denying that throwback fashion is in right now, with most designers accessing their archives to bank on this sentiment. Enter the timeless appeal of pearls. People like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn immortalised this ‘now rooted in revivalism’ trend, and there’s simply no going back. The antique splendour is topping charts and dominating runways and could be dubbed as the go-to fashion item, this year.
A Little History Lesson
Pearls have always had a special position in the world of priceless jewellery. They were formerly thought to be the most valuable jewellery that could be found, from the fabled pearl beds of the Persian Gulf to the bountiful waters of the South Pacific and were given as gifts to Chinese emperors as they were considered to be the tears of dragons, which were connected to protection and knowledge.
European royalty also embraced the pearl tide back in the Renaissance with Julius Caesar making it mandatory for the ruling class to wear pearls in the first century BC as a symbol of their prestige.
On the spring and summer 2024 runways in New York, Paris, London and Milan, pearls were a common sight. The most prominent appearance of them was at Givenchy, where artistic director Matthew M. Williams unveiled a collection that included rings, earrings, and an ear cuff with big, exquisitely sculpted pearls. Cannes and Golden Globes witnessed an upsurge of pearls and then some more with multiple A-listers incorporating them in either their jewellery, accessories or embellishments.
Pearls were used by 1932 jewellery designer Coco Chanel on some of her most well-known designs. They were also incorporated into the collections of Karl Lagerfeld, which was further carried on under Virginie Viard’s direction.
Famous jewellery companies like Cartier and Tiffany & Co. are well-known for their diamonds but have also started honouring the eternal beauty of pearls by creatively combining them into their collections of fine jewellery.
These prestigious houses make sure that pearls maintain their proper position as a treasured fashion staple among ephemeral trends, offering everything from classic strands that enrich even the most basic ensembles to layered chokers decorated with brilliant stones. Business per usual, you see.
Bolly’s Tryst With Pearls
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Janhvi Kapoor in a Tarun Tahiliani ensemble and Begani Jewels styled by Priyanka Kapadia.
Alia Bhatt
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Alia Bhatt styled by Priyanka Kapadia, full look by Sabyasachi.
Sonam Kapoor
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Sonam Kapoor in a Tara Fine Jewellery set wearing Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, styled by Rhea Kapoor.
Seems like it’s going to be a pearlescent affair for some time now, as the recurring dalliance with pearls seems airtight. I’ll go investigate my jewellery cabinet now.
Also Read: Tailored Talk: 5 Times Sonakshi Sinha Lent Her Own Spin To Styling Blazers
