Are power pearls the new padded shoulders?

While smaller pearls were in fashion in the 20th century, favoured by Margaret Thatcher (her cultured pearls sold at auction for $US19,500 in 2019) and Jackie Kennedy (her faux pearl necklace sold for $US211,500 in 1996) and Queen Elizabeth (real, but not for sale), bigger styles have become fashionable in recent years. Philanthropist Roslyn Packer and mining magnate Gina Rinehart have both been photographed in larger statement pearls championed by their friends, the Paspaley family.

“Consumers are looking to support Australian brands and we have seen an increase in desire for Australian South Sea pearls specifically,” said Christine Salter, creative director at Paspaley. “At the higher end, our customers are looking for one-of-kind bespoke pieces.”

“More women are buying Paspaley designs for themselves, to celebrate their milestones and achievements. It is an empowering feeling for our customers to be able to celebrate their own accomplishments by selecting a piece that inspires them.”

The pearl trend has even made its way to filming of the Sex and the City follow up, And Just Like That…, with noughties trendsetter Sarah Jessica Parker trading in her signature “Carrie” necklace for a demure strand of pearls.

Another reason why an actress in her fifties and successful women who have outgrown Lovisa and Sportsgirl accessories might be attracted to pearls goes beyond their intrinsic value.

“Putting on pearls is like using a scrim in a photo studio,” Thomas said. “I was once at a dinner where former Governor of NSW Marie Bashir was speaking and she was wearing an elegant black dress. She put on a string of baroque Paspaley pearls. I saw her face lift and the dress looked 10 times better.”

Stylist Mattie Cronan from the Australian Women’s Weekly has put pearls on Lucy Turnbull and Julie Bishop for the magazine and most recently bedecked the stylish Maggie Tabberer in lavish strands for the cover.

“Some women arrive with their own drawstring bag of pearls,” Cronan said, refusing to name names.

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“They’re in fashion now but pearls are actually timeless. It’s the light that comes off them and the organic shapes. Each pearl is one of a kind and that will always appeal to women.”

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