REFINED ELEGANCE P earl A HISTORY OF
GOOD TASTE + STYLE
jewelry
I
In the early 20th century, pearl jewelry was synonymous with elegance and status. The Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras favored delicate, intricate designs that complemented the soft luster of pearls. Necklaces were often long and layered, accentuating the graceful necklines of the period’s gowns. Pearls were also prominently featured in tiaras, brooches, and earrings, adorned with filigree work and often combined with diamonds and other gemstones for added brilliance. The 1920s brought the Jazz Age and with it, a dramatic shift in fashion. Pearls became a symbol of modernity and liberation,
famously worn by flappers in short, multi- strand necklaces that danced and shimmered with movement. This era celebrated the sleek sophistication of pearls, moving away from the complex styles of previous decades.
In the mid-20th century, pearls regained their status as a staple of refined elegance, thanks in part to icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. The 1950s and 60s showed
us classic designs, with single strand necklaces and simple stud earrings becoming timeless accessories for formal and everyday wear alike — a style movement so strong for pearls that it’s still prevalent today.
28 LENOX JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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