Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, French style guru and author of A Guide to Elegance once said, “There is just one piece of jewelry that is equally becoming to everybody, lovely with almost every ensemble, appropriate for almost any occasion, and indispensable in every woman’s wardrobe. Long live the pearl necklace…”
Here at McKenzie & Smiley, we couldn’t agree more. The June birthstone is timeless, elegant, and always in style.
Pearls have been coveted for ages; the first fresh and saltwater stones were harvested over 6,000 years ago and their natural rarity meant they were a symbol of wealth. While the process of culturing pearls has made them more widely available, they are still considered very special stones and are often reserved for life’s most important occasions.
Pearls are said to symbolize wisdom gained through experience. They are thought to attract wealth, bring luck, offer protection, and strengthen relationships. In Eastern cultures, the beautiful June birthstone is also considered a symbol of transformation, signifying its wearer’s generosity, purity, and honesty.
In ancient Greece, pearls were associated with unity and love and were believed to lead to a harmonious marriage.
Just like the stone itself, this ancient marriage symbolism stands the test of time. Pearls are still considered the perfect bridal accessory…and as the June birthstone, they’re even more perfect for summer weddings!
Pearls are often passed down through generations to be worn on the big day — in fact, many brides receive their first strand of pearls from their mother or mother-in-law as a wedding day gift. It’s a fitting tradition, as legend says wearing pearls on your wedding day will guarantee a happy marriage.
Whether you are the bride yourself or a bride’s relative looking for a special, sentimental gift, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing pearls.
The most important thing to consider is if a pearl is natural, cultured, or synthetic. You also want to consider its luster, shape, color, surface, and size. These are all things we are happy to explain and assist you with on your next visit to McKenzie & Smiley.
The wonderful thing about pearls is that it’s hard to go wrong. No matter the design, a single or double strand necklace, simple or chandelier drop earrings, or pearl bracelets are all equally as elegant and timeless.
As Coco Chanel once said, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” So whether you’re the bride, Mother of the Bride, a bridesmaid, or simply looking for a timeless and beautiful piece of jewelry rich with symbolism, the pearl is the perfect stone for you.
Stop by McKenzie & Smiley this summer to shop our collection of cultured pearls. We’re here to help you find something special.
