Pearls Of Wisdom

“Forget diamonds and focus on pearls,� she says. “They really are a girl’s best friend.�

Chrissie is acknowledged as the UK’s leading expert on pearls and one of the world’s most celebrated jewellery designers, having been catapulted to fame when John Galliano used one of her pearl chokers in his now iconic first collection for Dior.

Her pieces can be seen on royalty, state figureheads, and celebrities such as Grace Jones, Kristen Scott Thomas, Marianne Faithful, Bette Midler, and Amelia Fox.

So where pearls are concerned she might just be a little biased. But when the refreshingly unpretentious designer starts pointing out the virtues of pearls it’s easy to see why they have long been the beauty secret of some of the world’s most glamorous women.

Think glamour. Think beauty. Think grace. Think elegance. Names such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace – all of them rarely seen without a strand of pearls in some shape, colour or size.

“Pearls give the wearer an instant face-lift,� explains Chrissie, whose designs are on permanent exhibition at the Earth Treasury section of the Natural History Museum. “They re-establish the natural harmony of the face, drawing attention away from unflattering features, and giving it a flattering and natural glow.

“You only have to look at the style icons over the years. You probably don’t even notice that they’re wearing pearls but look again and you’ll see their gem of choice.

“Once you know the secrets and beauty benefits of wearing pearls it’s easy to see why these women wore them.�

So with Christmas parties coming up and little black dresses to be worn, will you be wearing diamonds or pearls?