WOMEN'S news Pearls Make Come-Back

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32361, 29 July 1970, Page 2

WOMEN'S news

Pearls Make Come-Back

NORMAN HARTNBLL)

(By

LONDON.

The “twin-set and pearls,” beloved of dowagers and tweedy women, may be dead—but pearls have never been more vigorously alive. There has been a dramatic revival of interest in the long ropes of pearls which used to be worn by Edwardians, while the longer, more-romantic look in fashion has brought the choker necklace back also.

It might be worth your while rummaging through your grandmother’s jewel box for those “old fashioned" strings of pearls which have been lying abandoned for years. They could be just the thing for today’s trends. There are three basic types of pearl, the cheapest being the artificial sort, made by coating a small glass bead with a virtually indestructible pearl coating. With this type of pearl you can afford to be extravagant. At the other end of the scale, there are the highlyexpensive genuine pearls, produced unaided by the pearl oyster. Most of you will probably prefer the compromise, which is the cultured pearl. These are made in the same way as the natural pearl, by the oyster. The only difference is that the oyster is

helped by the introduction of a tiny mother-of-pearl bead, which starts a reaction which ultimately produces a pearl. These cultured pearls are the genuine article. All that has happened is that the parent oyster has been given a little man-made encouragement to produce a pearl when; it might otherwise have remained dormant for years. Once you have acquired your pearls, remember that they improve when worn next to the skin, as this lubricates them and gives them a rich sheen. Mild Soap Never clean them with spirit, but instead wipe them gently with a soft, damp cloth after wearing to remove all traces of powder and perspiration. If they get very dirty, wash them in lukewarm water and mild soap, using a soft cloth. Take them to be cleaned professionally about once every two years. The jeweller, will probably suggest that you have them restrung at the same time, as the silken thread is inclined to fray. Another tip—do not put put your pearls on until you have completed your makeup as sometimes the weak acids in make-up may damage the pearls’ surface. And never let hair-spray touch them. Angel’s Tear They are best kept in a small chamois bag, or satinlined box, not in your jewel case, as other stones and metal may scratch the surface. Remember it took the oyster years to produce each pearl, so that they are wort£ looking after. Legend has it that the first pearl was formed when a tear fell from the eye of an angel. Perhaps that is what has given pearls their reputation as being a rather gloomy form of decoration, worn mainly by the middleaged and the old. Today, I am glad to say, this is no longer the case. Pearls have become “trendy.” But as long as pearls are seeing the light of day once again, I do not really mind that the garments they are teamed with are a little outrageous for my taste. At least they ai*e smarter than twin-sets.