For well over 4000 years, pearl jewelry has held a special place in the hearts and minds of women the world over. In the past, pearl jewelry may have been confined to nobility, but now in the early 21st Century, pearl jewelry is available to all of us. Pearl FALCO believes one of the most significant reasons for pearl jewelrys’ popularity through the ages is how pearl jewelry conveys strength and confidence like no other gemstone.
We may all have our preferences for luxurious gems, but we think that pearls will always play a special role in marking special moments in our lives as did a handful of history’s most influential and renowned women noted below.
Powerful Women in the World who Wear Pearl Jewelry
Cleopatra
Who has never heard of Cleopatra? We would be surprised if you haven’t!
Cleopatra, 69 – 30 BC, the Queen of Egypt’s Ptolemaic Kingdom during from 51 to 30 BC era was known to be very fond of pearls and gems alike as claimed by Pliny the Elder, a well known Ancient Roman Historian and what his contemporaries and followers considered to be the World’s First Gemologist.
And there’s an ancient historical account where the queen bet Marc Antony that she could host the most expensive dinner in history in an attempt to flaunt Egypt’s wealth at the time.
The outrageous, but clever act involved Cleopatra taking out a large pearl from her pair of earrings in front of the Roman General, crushing it and dissolving it in a goblet of wine, ultimately drinking the concoction which astonished the Marc Antonyl, agreeing that Cleopatra had won the bet!
Yang Yuhuan Guifei
Yang Guifei, 719 – 756 AD (楊貴妃) was hailed as one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China – A Title befitting only “the most austere in complexion, figure, and elegance.”
Yang Guifei’s reputation for her beauty traveled beyond the borders of China. It is said that Yang Guifei applied a special skin care mask composed of lotus roots, ginger, along with jade and pearl powder mixed together. Yes, you read that right. Jade And Pearls! Talk about a luxurious skin care routine!
Chinese Herbalists posited that the mixture brightened the skin while reducing uneven pigmentation and wrinkles. The inclusion of gemstone powder may also have something to do with how Yang Guifei was very fond of jade and pearls in general.
Jacqueline Kennedy
Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis ( July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994) was an American socialite, writer, photographer, and book editor who served as first lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. A popular first lady, she endeared the American public with her fashion sense, devotion to her family, and dedication to the historic preservation of the White House. During her lifetime, she was regarded as an international fashion icon.
Her style is Timeless, classic style, never outdated. She pairs her clothing pieces with pearls perfectly and used pearls not only for official occation but daily and casually.
Even after her death, she ranks as one of the most popular and recognizable first ladies in American history, and in 1999, she was listed as one of Gallup’s Most-Admired Men and Women of the 20th century.
Michiko Shoda
Crown Princess of Japan Michiko Shoda was the first-ever commoner in the history of Japan to be married into the Japanese Imperial Family to become the wife of Akihito, the 125th Emperor of the country reigning from 1989 to 2019.
Before Emperor Akihito’s rule, it was extremely unlikely for commoners to be wed with the country’s rulers due to the unfortunate fact that most of these beautiful commoners worked as courtesans in the infamous “Red Light District,” becoming concubines of these men in power.
Princess Michiko was the first woman to ever change the stigma and put an end to this unfortunate historic trend. The Empress was known to have an impressive collection of pearl jewelry, which outnumbered her jewelry pieces and accessories fashioned from other gemstones.
Diana Frances Spencer
Diana, Princess of Wales. The Iconic British Princess Is Another Notable Pearl Aficionado. “Lady Di” was enthusiastically welcomed by the People of Britain at her wedding ceremony with Prince Charles when Diana has proclaimed Princess of Wales in 1981
As part of her royal responsibilities to represent the United Kingdom, whether charity or other public affairs, Princess Diana was frequently seen wearing pearl ensembles and jewelry. So much so that pearls seemed to be her preferred gemstone of choice, only second to her fondness for aquamarine.
Virtually all of Lady Di’s jewelry collection was either solely made up of pearls or pearls were included.
One piece of jewelry in particular that she helped to create, became well-known to all jewelers and enthusiasts alike due to its rich history and craftsmanship involved.
From Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana inherited an outstanding brooch made of sapphire and diamond, which she had converted into a noteworthy 7-Strand Pearl Necklace with the Brooch as Centerpiece.
This jewelry design became one of her few, yet remarkable statement pieces that she is fondly remembered for.
Kamala Dvi Harris
Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney who is the 49th and current vice president of the United States. She is the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president.
Harris has made pearl necklaces her trademark, teaming them on the campaign trail with Converse trainers rather than twinsets. Pearls hold a particular symbolism for Harris as a link to her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Members of the sorority, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter sorority established for college women of African American heritage, are known as “pearls”. Harris has worn pearls at every milestone, from her graduation photo to her recent Vogue cover. On inauguration day, she wore pearl necklace. Pearls help to bring softness and warmth to her business-first image.
