My parents often get invited to the special preview nights at the V&A, and sometimes I’m more than happy to go in my Dad’s place to the more fashion geared events. Last night was the premier opening of the V&A’s special exhibition Pearls. Lasting from Sep 21 until 19th Jan next year, this exhibit is a collaboration between the V&A the the Qatar Museums Authority. I was keen to go, seeing how much next accessory creation will be a pearl necklace!
In the the reception hall guests were dawning, in my opinion, rather gaudy yards and yards of pearls. Though I’m sure they were all enthusiastic to dress for the occasion, not to mention those exquisite jewels no doubt had wonderful history to them, a friend of ours remarked how I looked more subtle with my single black Mikimoto. After a glass of bubbly and a brilliant opening speech from the representative for the collection and Boris Johnson, we headed into the exhibition.
As always, the V&A never fails to deliver unconventional presentation. Not only did it showcase some stunning pieces, from religious icons to Elizabeth II’s coronation dress, the exhibition presented the history and production of the pearl industry. The pieces was presented in massive antique wooden boxes, an innovative way to present such intricate historical jewels. And finally it discussed the historical significance of pearls. At first their association with purity being used in icons featuring the Virgin Mary, but later taking on the more mature sophisticated view we have of them today when they began to symbolize fertility-the reason they’re traditionally worn at weddings.
As a vintage jewelry lover, I’m keen to go back and gather ideas for other pearl featuring accessories for future projects. I’d love to have another look at the pearl necklace that belonged to Marilyn Monroe, not to mention a piece that belonged to the most amazing collector of all time, Elizabeth Taylor.
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