Having recently binge-watched Season 2 of The Crown on Netflix, I’ve developed an unexpected craving for pearl necklaces. Worn by the Queen in nearly every episode, they were also a staple of Princess Margaret’s jewelry wardrobe. Both sisters favor double- and triple-strand versions of the classic style, but in episode 4 (titled “Beryl”), the younger royal poses for her Cecil Beaton birthday portrait in an art deco–era design comprised of five pearl strands secured with a platinum and diamond clasp.
According to information released for a 2006 auction at Christie’s, the pearls were a gift to the princess from her grandmother H. M. Queen Mary on the occasion of her 18th birthday.
Interestingly, I’m not the only one with a Crown-induced desire to drape myself in pearls. The classic 16- or 18-incher will do in a pinch, but according to pearl companies, there’s increased demand for opera-length styles that can be looped and layered to create the effect of multiple necklaces worn at once. And the influence of The Crown is cited often by leaders in the category.
Could multistrand pearl necklaces be this year’s must-have accessory?
With another royal wedding set to take place in May, plus innumerable pearl appearances on the spring and AW18 fashion runways (see multistrand examples from Michael Kors Transeason 2018 below), a certain ladylike glamour, albeit one reinvented for the 21st century, means retailers should put pearls on their radar stat.
via destinationkors.michaelkors.com
via destinationkors.michaelkors.com
We have a trend report devoted entirely to pearls appearing in the May issue of JCK, but you can dig into the “New Opulence” right here, right now with the magnificent jewels below.
Three-strand Pearl Necklace with akoya cultured pearls and 18k white gold Bublina clasp set with 1.23 cts. t.w. diamonds, $13,800; Assael
Gothic Window Pearl Necklace in platinum with diamonds, price upon request; Featherstone Fine Jewelry
Museum Collection white South Sea and Tahitian pearl double-strand necklace with an 18k white gold floral clasp set with 2.51 cts. t.w. white diamonds and 6.98 cts. t.w. black diamonds, $86,985; Tara Pearls
Natural South Sea Pearl necklace with citrines in 14k gold, $4,365; The Mazza Company
Triple-strand pearl and diamond necklace in 18k white gold, price upon request; Mikimoto
Multistrand necklace of multicolor natural Tahitian pearls, from $4,000; Baggins
Necklace of South Sea and akoya pearls with 6.94 cts. t.w. diamonds in 18k yellow gold, price upon request, Yoko London
(Top image: Deco Collar with white cultured pearls and an antique-inspired, 18k white gold clasp set with 0.9 ct. t.w. brilliant white diamonds, $7,480; Mastoloni)
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