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Since time immemorial, jewellery has adorned the bodies of women for many reasons. Some for beauty, some as a status symbol and some for religious significance. However, the most revered of jewels is the Pearl. The pearl’ s iridescent luminosity has bewitched men and women alike for thousands of years. Whether offered in romance or taken in victory, worn as a symbol of chastity or a mystical aphrodisiac, pearls have been- and continue to be- among the most coveted gems in the world.
The ancient Greeks wore pearls at their wedding ceremonies, believing they would ensure marital bliss and prevent new brides from crying. This time-honoured custom lives on today, with brides of many cultures wearing pearls to enhance their beauty and symbolize the purity of their love. So greatly were pearls valued, they have even changed history. After accepting Cleopatra’ s wager that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal, Marc Antony watched as she removed a pearl earring, dissolved it in a glass of vinegar and then drank it. Awed by her extravagant gesture, he became enamoured, neglecting his duties to the Roman Empire.
TIMELESS, ELEGANT AND VERSATILE
Today, pearls are staging a fashion revival. Fashion designers at Chanel and Oscar de la Renta have unveiled pearl studded clothing and accessories within their latest collections. Not limited to just fashion, poplets such as Rhiannon & Lady Gaga have taken to the stage covered in pearls so what is it about this gems that have stood the test of time?
Pearls have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are considered the most magical and feminine of all gems and are the only one created by a living organism. Pearls emanate a certain warmth and glow not found in other gems, due to their unique beginnings and bringing these beautifully gems to mainstream fashion is successful pearl jeweller Kokichi Mikimoto.
Hailed as the“ King of Pearls” Japanese pearl jeweller and founder of Mikimoto, Kokichi is the pioneer of cultured pearls after successfully culturing the world’ s first semi-spherical pearl in 1893 his dream was to adorn every woman’ s neck with pearls and now, 120 years on, the brand continues to present elegant masterpieces envied by women young and old.
For more information visit: www. www. mikimoto. com
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