Genuine pearls are for formal events and special occasions only, right? The only women that can wear pearl jewelry everyday are women of an elite socioeconomic class. Wealthy CEOs, celebrities, and women in politics can wear classic, formal pearls all the time without anyone questioning it. In fact, that’s how they are supposed to look. You, as an “ordinary” woman with an “ordinary” life starting an “ordinary” day, why in the world would you dig out your fancy pearls and put them on today? Seems rather silly and probably downright inappropriate, correct?
Wrong! In case you have not noticed, pearls of all shapes and colors are everywhere, accenting just about any outfit, casual ones included. They are now stylishly worn in outfits that have traditionally been viewed as the complete polar opposites of pearl-worthy clothes. Funky, “chunky” pearl pieces rock that evening mini dress or leather jacket. Jeans, cowgirl boots and hats scream for those feminine pearls to complete the look. Not into either of those ensembles? Pearls also complement sundresses worn to the park or your typical work blouse at the office or the cardigan worn out to lunch with friends. They add glow to any plain fitted t-shirt or tank top–the same outfit you may be wearing while you read this.
Now that the contemporary “how and when” to wear your pearls has been established, let us explore the modern day “why” to wear your pearls everyday. Aside from the just-stated obvious of adding a bold or subtle statement to your exterior look, pearls can do wonders for your interior. And, this is not in reference to the health benefits of crushed up pearl powder, taken internally or used cosmetically. (Low quality pearls that do not make the grade, literally, are ground up and used as a healing agent in skin care. Pearl powder also treats ailments pertaining to the heart, eyes, uterus, digestion, and the nervous system–anything from liver issues to insomnia.) Not, the interior benefits to which I refer are the deeper psychological and emotional aspects of pearl jewelry, apart from just giving that outfit a little somethin’ somethin.’
Since the dawn of humankind, jewelry has been worn for many reasons–for beauty, as status symbols, for symbolic and religious significance. It has also linked us to tradition, to rites of passage, to major accomplishments and life events. Pearls are no exception. They continue to carry a perception of pricey upper class (even though there are many contemporary pearl pieces out there that are quite affordable), and they are given as gifts for milestones and important occasions such as weddings, graduation, and anniversaries. Tradition is very much ingrained in pearl jewelry. India Rows, a certified pearl grader and owner of a successful cultured pearl jewelry company, describes pearls as “memory keepers.” Attached to these gems, she claims, are years and events spanning generations before us and ahead of us, and so she collects personal experience stories associated with pearls. These connections and memories run deep for the owners of heirlooms. Heirloom jewelry, by the way, is not defined by monetary value. An heirloom is anything that links us to traditions, to people and loved ones, and of course memories. The value lies in the meaning of these pieces and our emotional connections with them.
Therefore, wearing your mother’s or your grandmother’s pearls is not merely a physical reminder of her in the past. The act evokes feelings and thoughts of tenderness, respect, love, and honoring. So, perhaps keeping pearls tucked away in the jewelry box for occasions that are few and far between in not necessarily the right thing to do. Wearing the memories of loved ones retains a bond in the present. You may want to protect your treasured family pearls safely in a drawer, unworn for years, but chances are the original owner would want you to enjoy them! If you are concerned about the condition of old pearl jewelry, pearls can be easily wiped with a cloth or soaked in a very mild soap (Ivory or baby soap) to clean. Also, restringing pearls to replace the yellowed knotted silk improves them to wonderfully wearable. Restringing pearls need not be costly either. Jewelry businesses such as The Pearl Girls will restring them for $3 an inch ($54 for an 18-inch strand).
In addition to the psychological and emotional importance that pearls have in connecting us with loved ones and memories, wearing that special piece of pearl jewelry can do you a world of good in other ways. The perfect jewelry accessory adds confidence, shows individuality, and expresses personality. In business or social situations where you want to be you and you at your best, pearls can let inner qualities shine through like their luster. A polished jewelry statement makes one feel polished, as well as empowered, intelligent, feminine, sensual, stylish, confident, and simply put together. Jewelry enhances one’s interior as much as one’s exterior. For this reason, the mental health benefit of pearl jewelry can and should be any day, not just select special occasion days. So go ahead. Put them on, and improve you health!