Pearl Perfection: Not Your Grandma’s Pearls

In this post, sharing the beauty & history of MIKIMOTO pearl jewelry, plus fun pearl-adorned handbags and shoes, pearl jewelry for men, and caring for your pearl jewelry.

Timeless Pearls

One of the first pieces of “fine” jewelry I was given as a young adult was a set of white pearl stud earrings. I loved them and wore them all the time, until one day I made the unfortunate decision to wear them skiing. Have you ever found a pearl earring in snow? Yeah, neither have I. Live and learn!

On a happier note, I’m going to a bridal shower for one of my daughter’s friends this weekend and the theme is “Pearls & Prosecco”. I’m really looking forward to it! What’s more timeless and classic than pearls? Pearl accessories are everywhere right now. From the traditional necklace or earrings, to pearl-studded handbags and shoes, these little white gems are “having a moment” as they say, but I don’t think they’ve ever really gone out of style either. Plus they are a renewable resource!

Where Do Pearls Come From?

Naturally occurring pearls and cultured pearls are both “real” pearls. The difference is that natural pearls form – you guessed it – naturally in an oyster and are therefore much rarer. Cultured pearls are grown by placing a small irritant inside the oyster causing it to form a pearl (made of nacre) around the object. Round pearls are made by inserting round objects; baroque or irregular pearls are created by placing an irregular piece of tissue inside. Pearl value depends on how the nacre forms and the resulting shape, color, etc.

Pearls come in 13 different colors, and their color can often affect their value. Black pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia and traded in Tahiti, hence their name “Tahitian Pearls”. You can find these for sale all over Hawaii. White pearls are mostly from Japan and China if they are saltwater pearls, or from China if they are freshwater. Below is a color chart illustrating the variety of colors that can be found. As you can see there are many color options between black Tahitian pearls and standard white pearls.

Mikimoto: Bringing Cultured Pearls to the World

Did you know that pearls are only found naturally in 1 of every 1,000 oysters? They are so rare that until the late 1800’s, only the very wealthy had pearl jewelry. Then in 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearl. His breakthrough meant that pearls could be “grown” and harvested in greater quantities than ever before. He was a pioneer in the Japanese jewelry industry and was responsible for bringing pearls to the masses. Today, the MIKIMOTO brand is famous throughout the world for their beautiful pearl jewelry.

Isn’t the necklace above stunning? It is a part of the new high jewelry collection at MIKIMOTO called “The Bows”. Below are a few more pieces from this gorgeous collection.

The Pearl Necklace: A Classic Accessory

I have a vintage MIKIMOTO pearl necklace that my father brought back home as a gift for my mother after serving in Vietnam in the late 1960’s. It’s a beautifully simple and classic necklace. My father passed away last fall, so it’s very special to me. Below is my parents’ cute engagement photo with the pearls.

Pearl necklaces are probably the most popular way of wearing pearls, and some of the most iconic women in the world have incorporated them as part of their signature look. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady of the United States was often seen wearing a three-strand pearl necklace, making it a signature piece of her elegant style. Audrey Hepburn wore a multi-strand pearl necklace with her black Givenchy dress in the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Coco Chanel, Grace Kelly, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Michelle Obama and current Vice President and Presidential candidate Kamala Harris have also often worn pearls. Even Wilma Flintstone rocked an oversize pearl necklace!

Pearl Earrings

Simple pearl stud earrings are one of the easiest ways to add a touch of prep to an outfit, but there are now so many different styles to choose from that you can easily find a design to complement your style. Below are some sets from Mikimoto that caught my eye for their simple yet unique designs.

Accessorizing With Pearls

I first spotted this faux pearl bag this summer at a Kate Spade store while in Waikiki and I’m still wondering if I should have bought it. It’s absolutely beautiful. And also heavy! But what a great unique bag to have for years and years.

A quick search of “pearl” bags yielded dozens of options, from traditional to ultra modern and sculptural. I picked out a selection of styles from dressy to casual that I think would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

Pearls on Your Toes

Pearl are a neutral accessory that can be dressed up or down. When paired with leather or denim they add a classic contrast, or they can complement and elevate a more formal, feminine look too. Pearl adornments on shoes add a touch of whimsy and fun, and look especially pretty on bridal shoes.

Pearls on a Budget

If you are looking to add a pop of pearls to an outfit and don’t want to break the bank, there are some fun budget-friendly options at Target! I have the pearl slides and they are super comfy. The pearl bag below is a great dupe of the Kate Spade bag I mentioned earlier.

Pearls for Men

But pearls aren’t just considered women’s’ accessories anymore! From Timothee Chalamet to Usher to Harry Styles, style-conscious men can be seen wearing pearls regularly, particularly necklaces. And as fashion becomes generally more gender neutral, I expect we will see more men rocking pearl jewelry.

Caring for Pearls

If you own real pearl jewelry you’ll want to take care of it. Pearl jewelry requires gentle handling and specific maintenance practices to preserve its luster and beauty. Here are some tips:

Wear Them Often: Pearls benefit from the natural oils of your skin, which help maintain their luster.

Avoid Chemicals: Keep pearls away from cosmetics, hair sprays, perfumes, and household chemicals. Apply these products before putting on your pearls.

Clean Gently: Wipe pearls with a soft, damp cloth after each wear to remove any oils or residues. For a deeper clean, use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth or brush, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Store Carefully: Store pearls in a soft cloth pouch or a jewelry box lined with soft fabric to prevent scratches. Avoid storing them in airtight containers as they need moisture to retain their luster.

Restring Regularly: If your pearls are strung on a necklace or bracelet, have them restrung every 1-2 years, especially if worn frequently. Ensure they’re knotted between each pearl to prevent rubbing and losing pearls if the string breaks.

Avoid Abrasive Surfaces: Pearls are relatively soft and can be scratched easily. Avoid contact with rough surfaces.

Keep Away from Heat: Excessive heat can dry out pearls and cause them to crack. Store them in a cool, stable environment.

Following these tips will help ensure your pearl jewelry remains beautiful and retains its value over time.

Thanks for being here! I hope you found some interesting tidbits about one of my favorite types of gems. If you missed my last post about wine tasting in Sonoma and a selection of beautiful belts for fall you can find it here. Have a great week!