Published Monday, November 8, 2004A Pearl of an Accessory
They're being used in new and funky ways
this season.shelley.preston@theledger.com A classic strand of pearls is a keystone accessory for sophisticated women, but this year's pearls are for women perched on the cutting edge. As necklaces, bracelets or earrings, pearls can be worn in chunky stings or on delicate bands of precious metal. What makes newer pearls stand out from mother's favorite string is a touch of the unexpected thrown in, such as leather cord, grosgrain ribbon ties or whimsical charms. But whichever funky way the new pearls are worn, they exude taste and elegance and dress up dowdy duds. This isn't the first time pearls have shown up in a more playful, sultry fashion. The flapper of the 1920s who thumbed her nose at long skirts, bobbed her hair and challenged the idea of feminine attire wore her pearls loose and long to reflect her rebellious nature. And, as the "The Girl with a Pearl Earring," the famous painting by Dutch artist Vermeer, demonstrated as far back as the 1660s, a dewy drop accentuating the nape of the neck radiated sensuality. Capitalizing on new pearl trends is Marks and Morgan jewelers in Lakeland. Cultured pearls break out of their usual settings and are instead mixed with thick leather cords and sterling silver accents. "There is a lot going on in fashion with pearls and gems paired with alternative materials such as leather," says David Bouffard, a spokesman for the company. "People are attracted to the unexpected." Other looks include cultured pearls spaced between thin gold or silver wire and long strands mixed with interchangeable pendants with materials such as jade or quartz. Even if your budget doesn't allow the real thing, there are plenty of freshwater or faux pearls that are in step with the times. At the Body Shop in the Lakeland Square mall, a haunt for teenagers and club goers, costume jewelry can be had for less than $10 each. Among them are circles of dainty faux pink pearls on elastic bands gathered together and tied with a glossy ribbon. Aeropostale sells a similar bracelet for $8.50. At Gypsie, also in Lakeland, sales associate Silvia Paez says faux pearl necklaces in colors such as pink and forest green interspersed with crystal and enamel-coated charms are so popular with customers that she has sold almost every one in stock. But if trendy pearls are not your thing, rest assured, a simple princess-length pearl necklace worn above the collar bone will never go out of style. Shelley Preston can be reached at 863-802-7517 or shelley.preston@ |