Pearls - Prestigious - Elegant - Alluring - Regal - Lustrous - Stylish

Throughout history pearls have always been owned and adored by historical and royal figures, including Queen Elizabeth the First, Mary Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, and even King Charles the First.But also in later times with the stylish and iconic Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn both were the epitome of glamour and exuded a style of their own.Alongside Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqui Kennedy, and Diana Princess of Wales.Of course nowadays classic pearl necklaces,bracelets and earrings are the choice for many brides on their all important day.

Queen Elizabeth the First possessed pearls which came from Mary Tudor and from other various Crown Jewels.The Hanoverian Pearls which she owned were very long and consisted of six rows plus a few loose pearls.Some of which were said to be as large as nutmegs.The wonderful La Peregrina pearl once owned by Mary Tudor was part of the spanish crown jewels.After many subsequent owners was purchased by Richard Burton for his wife Elizabeth Taylor and was the size of a pigeons egg,this was set into a cartier necklace for her in 1969.

At certain periods in history men also favoured pearls and Charles The First wore a very large teardrop shaped pearl earring ("ear picke") constantly even to his own demise at the executioners block.

The Louvre in Paris exhibits what is said to be the oldest pearl necklace from Syria over two thousand years old.Different types of pearls have been used in jewellery design over hundreds of years to incorporate their shape.Baroque pearls known for their irregularity featured in many Art Nouveau pieces of jewellery, sometimes as a drop to a necklace or a brooch and the torso of the Canning Jewel ,one of the most famous peices of Renaissance jewellery used a large baroque pearl for its subject Titon Of The Sea.

Mussel pearls were a popular choice for necklaces, but now are very rare, due to a number of factors mainly pollution and are now found in only a few of the scottish rivers.Seed pearls were a particular favourite of the Georgians,threaded onto silk, with a backing of horsehair with intricate openwork designs.But these pieces have deteriorated badly over time and are nearly impossible to repair.Freshwater pearls in all shapes collours and sizes are easily available now at pretty low prices coming mainly from China.

The brand name Mikimoto is synonomous with pearls and their quality.They managed to corner the market with their success in cultured pearls which are very expensive and are difficult to tell from the real article.Marilyn Monroe received a necklace of these pearls as a gift from her husband Joe Di Maggio.

The largest pearls ever found on record was recovered in 1934 off the coast of the Phillipines weighing approximately fourteen pounds! It has been valued in excess of forty million dollars.The diver who found this marvel named it The Pearl Of Allah due to its shape and image of a turbanned face.

Finally faux pearls, which are used in many peices of jewellery.If your budget is small you can still find a super faux necklace,bracelet or earrings at a more than reasonable cost.Is it easy to tell fake from real pearls? Not always.But real pearls have a grainy feel to the teeth, whereas faux are smooth.The sheen and lustre of real pearls can be copied but under an eyeglass you can tell the difference and real pearls are usually heavier in weight.

Care Of Your Pearl Jewellery:Six Tips,-

1.Do not use spray deoderant,hairspray or perfume whilst wearing your pearls.

2.Never clean with a detergent or an ultrasonic cleaner

3.If they are grubby use a damp cotton bud and wipe with a soft cloth after

4.Check the silk thread regularly especially the knots for stretching and wear

5.Have them restrung periodically

6.Keep them in a jewellery box seperated from other items and preferably in a soft bag

Lastly wear them and enjoy them - the oils of your skin keep them looking good!