The Lasting Allure of Pearls

The luster of pearls has appealed to cultures around the world since antiquity for a variety of reasons, but here in the South, we agree with Jackie Kennedy Onassis: “Pearls are always appropriate.” From June birthdays and weddings to anniversaries and graduations, these lustrous gems have long marked milestones and been passed down through generations, making them a perennial cornerstone of the jewelry box.

Whether you’re dressed up or down, the polished sheen of these organic beauties lends style and elegance to any outfit. Unlike the purchase of diamonds, buying pearls involves choosing what you love rather than making an investment. Abrasions and cracking are common because pearls are soft, like opals. Also, their body color and luster are affected by the oils in your skin, “so they season over the years,” explains Rhonda Cooper of Van Atkins Jewelers in New Albany, Mississippi. Rhonda says pearl jewelry is often passed down through families for its sentimental value. “They are memory pieces,” she explains.

If you hope to pass down your pearls to a loved one, you must take care of them. Put on your pearls only after you’re completely dressed. Hairspray, perfume, and makeup are harmful to their fragile exterior, as are extreme heat, humidity, and perspiration. Before storing, wipe them with a soft cloth and keep them from nearby accessories to avoid scratches. Have your bracelets and necklaces restrung—preferably with small knots between each pearl to reduce friction—every few years if you wear them regularly. Although pearls need a little extra love to retain their beauty, rest assured they’ll never go out of fashion.

Find the full “Lustrous Treasures” story in our May/June 2019 issue.

Photography by William Dickey
Custom and estate jewelry from Van Atkins Jewelers

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