Pearl Against the Abuse of Pearls

As not to break the stereotype, I wear pearls- a lot. I can’t say I have not been accused of being obsessive on more than one occasion, but the stone is my namesake and my birthstone. Would you react differently? For me, new pearls have always been acquired during celebratory occasions. Besides the strand that I received for my baby dedication at church, the first strand that I was entrusted with was upon my 10th birthday. Nothing is more precious to me than that 16-inch strand of Chinese cultured freshwater pearls that my parents gave to me, and although I have since graduated to a finer grade, that first strand still graces my neck upon the most important occasions. I even plan on wearing them to my wedding one day!

Pearls have a sentimental value greater than any other gem in my (maybe biased) opinion. A lady receiving her first strand of pearls is almost like a rite of passage, and every girl remembers the day they are given to her. They are graced at the most special events and add charm to any appropriate outfit. They have adorned the neck of classiest ladies (here’s looking at you Jackie and Audrey).

Despite all of the stone’s rich history, ladies, I’m afraid we have a problem.

A gem of such fine attributes is constantly abused. Now, I try so hard in every situation to give people the benefit of the doubt, but the problem is becoming ever so apparent to me. In order to maintain the sentimentality and classiness of the adornments, we need to re-educate ourselves on when it (usually) is inappropriate to wear pearls:

1.) At the gym

2.) While working out in general

3.) With sweatpants and a t-shirt

4.) While at the beach

5.) When you are sleeping

6.) While wearing a ball cap

7.) When wearing less-than-modest clothing (my biggest pet peeve)

As to not be the pot calling the kettle black (oh goodness, my mother used to always say that), I will admit that I am guilty of breaking the law of the land of pearls. An avid baseball fan, I have worn them with my jersey to games, and I definitely ran my first half marathon in them (tutu and tiara too, of course)…but in hindsight, we all make mistakes, right?

I only bring this up because I care both about you and the reputation and care of stone.

Keep on keeping it classy, ladies.
-Pearl