Single Strand
Precious few things are true classics. Many so-called classics are tweaked toward the trends of an era, with changes to color, size or shape. True classics are dignified and unchanging, like a single string of pearls. A single strand of pearls is timeless — they bring a quiet and respectable touch of glamour.
My pearls were bought by my grandfather in Japan during World War II and given to my grandmother at war’s end. My grandmother gave the pearls to me as a wedding gift. They’ve been with me through four-star dinners, at least four weddings and a funeral. They allow me to dress up without being too flashy.
I never thought of myself as a pearl girl. Jewelry isn’t really my thing. I’m fair-skinned and thought pearls would get lost on my decollatage. Sometimes I still think of myself as a rebellious youngin’. Like other true classics, pearls take a level of maturity or at least wardrobe restraint. Perhaps my wedding was a turning point, signaling that I was mature enough to carry off the pearls.
Like other classics, pearls are pricey. This is one investment you really will use more and more with time. If you’re not in line for your grandmother’s but yearn for a single strand, start saving, marry rich or start scouring pawn shops. You can have pearls restrung to the correct length or update the clasp. I’m not an advocate of fake anything and I’m certainly not telling you to buy faux pearls to pass off as real ones (but for costuming purposes, by all means, layer them on!). Patience is a virtue, my pearl.