People And Pearls: The Magic Endures

by Ki Hackney, Diana Edkins

Pearls -- small white beads of purity and perfection. It is no wonder that they have fascinated and bewitched cultures the world over for thousands of years. But just what is it about this ancient gem that has so closely bonded it to our lives, our culture, and our bodies? People and Pearls explores and reveals the power of pearls, with their remarkable ability to bestow upon their wearer a sense of mystery, elegance, and grace. It offers a personal look at the world's most celebrated jewel through portraits of the most memorable personages throughout civilization to have worn them -- from Queen Elizabeth to Uma Thurman, from Josephine Baker to Marilyn Monroe. It recounts the stories of particular strands of pearls that have such an enthralling history about them that they seem to take on a life of their own. Embellishing the text are more than one hundred lavish illustrations, photography as unique as the subject of the These are seductive, beautiful works of ail. Some are humorous. Some are as snapshots from a personal diary. Some are breathtakingly romantic, such as the portrait of Kiki de Montparnasse wearing only her pearls. And some -- like the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's -- are dreamlike visions that are simply unforgettable. Masterfully written and beautifully designed, People and Pearls is not only a cultural, historical, and personal look at the magic of pearls-it is the definitive photographic book on the subject.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Cameron Toney · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would be excused for thinking that this was just a coffee table book, a tome filled with pictures of people in pearl jewelry. I can see why you'd think that, as initially I thought that as well, but its really a very good read.
This book is passionate about pearls. As someone who is passionate about pearls myself, I was bound to like it. Its not just about how a pearl is grown, though there is a section on it, nor is about buying jewelry, though it does have a section on pearl jewelry and how to care for it. No, this is a book about the mythos and mystique of pearls.
It takes us through sections of this gems history, from the treasure of kings to the adornment of ladies. From the preferred decoration of innocents to their seductive and almost erotic quality. From tastemakers to the timeless. Its a love letter to the pearl in any style, in any configuration, on anyone.
If you love pearls, or even just have a keen interest in jewelry, I'd pick this up.
Oh, and the pictures are fabulous, too!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me even more obsessed with Pearls than I was before. Just great pics. Makes you want to live in the 20's