Pearls have been a valuable gemstone, dating as far back as the Chinese royalty in 2300 BC. But when did pearl jewelry become a popular fashion statement?
Learn more about the rich history of pearl jewelry in fashion. Ready to join the trend? Ursula K Design has a wide assortment of pearl necklaces and earrings. Shop our pearl earrings, pearl necklaces, and pearl + stone necklaces.
The Roaring 20s — Long Pearl Necklaces
During the Roaring 20s, long pearl necklaces became quite the statement piece — especially with the newfound ability to create costume pearl necklaces that every woman could afford. This ability to make quality “fake” pearls meant that women could get pearls in pastels colors, including pink, green, and blue.
At the beginning of the 1920s, women would drape on long, pearl necklaces with shorter pearl necklaces coming into style by the end of the 20s.
The 1930s — Coco Chanel
In fashion, extending beyond the 1920s, pearls have been a sign of status. During the 1930s, Coco Chanel and her brand played a large role in fashion — so it’s not surprising that Chanel’s love of pearls meant that pearl jewelry had a place in the world of Chanel fashion.
Her love for pearls is conveyed in her iconic 1936 portrait where she wears a long, multi-stranded pearl necklace draped over her shoulder. As she is famously quoted, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.”
The 1960s — Audrey Hepburn
Fashion in the 1960s was heavily influenced by the big celebrities of the time, including Audrey Hepburn and her influential role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961. In this iconic role, Hepburn’s look was defined by her opera gloves and a pearl necklace made of four strands of pearls connected together through a statement pendant.
Today
Part of what makes pearl necklaces and earrings so iconic is that they stay in style. Pearl jewelry still plays a large role in today’s fashion with iconic celebrities like Kate Middleton, Michelle Obama, and Scarlett Johansson incorporating pearl jewelry into their fashion.
Shop Our Pearl Necklaces and Earrings
Become part of this timeless classic when you shop our wide selection of pearl necklaces and earrings. At Ursula K Design, you can shop by category, choosing from our pearl earrings, pearl necklaces, and pearl + stone necklaces.
