Cleopatra reputedly swallowed one dissolved in a cocktail to win a bet with Mark Antony. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said hers were non-negotiable. And Coco Chanel was never without ropes of them thrown around her neck—even when on horseback. Such is the allure of pearls. Legends abound imbuing these small (and not so small) beads of beauty with all manner of mystical powers, including love, success and wisdom. Some of us may not believe the folklore surrounding these organic gemstones, but there’s no doubting the power of pearls to transform an outfit. A single strand of uniform pearls worn in the neckline of an open-collared shirt is as timelessly elegant as multiple lengths of baroque pearls are unapologetically bold. We’ve picked some stunning necklace examples for you to indulge your passion for pearls.
From lower left: baroque pearls, $2,295; turquoise and baroque pearls, $1,195; silver beads and baroque pearls, $845; Nice baroque pearls, $1,295; Jessica pearls with flower clasp, $395; baroque pearls with silver branch, $925; Pierre & Harry, Naples, pierreandharry.com
