The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
These are your grandmother’s pearls
If you keep up with magazines or blogs that cover jewelry, you’ve likely seen the headline, or some variation of it, at least once: “These aren’t your grandmother’s pearls.”
The article will feature an updated, contemporary take on the pearl strand necklace, or pearl earrings, something that takes the “older,” outdated style and gives it a facelift that is more in line with today’s style and trends.
It’s a great idea, not only for designers to play with and reinvent a style or jewelry trend that once was popular, but also for consumers to have a fresh, revived look to embrace.
Recently, however, I’ve been doing it the other way around.
A little backstory: my great-aunt Hilde, who was born in Germany and moved to the United States before I was born, was a woman of impeccable style. She favored Burberry and Chanel and when we went shopping at Bloomingdale’s the women at the Clinique makeup counter would comment on her flawless skin and handsome purses.
Aunt Hilde elicited attention wherever we would go, and there was no end to strangers telling me how beautiful my “grandmother” was (Aunt Hilde was my grandmother’s sister, and having no children of her own, she fawned over all of us incessantly.) She was a stylish, sophisticated woman, and when she passed away in the summer of 2008, I was devastated.
My grandmother and mother took me to her house a few weeks after, where they not only gave me what Aunt Hilde had left me but also allowed me to walk through the now-quiet halls and pick out anything of hers I wanted to have. After choosing special items of furniture that reminded me both of my childhood and of her, I was allowed to look at her jewelry.
At the time, I didn’t have an exceptional interest in jewelry; I had a few necklaces I rotated, but my “collection,” so to speak, was meager at best. So I took a select number of pieces--mostly jewelry I felt would bring me a strong reminder of Aunt Hilde--put them in boxes, and forgot about them for five years.
When I moved last October, I stumbled across this jewelry in the midst of unpacking. At the time I had been with National Jeweler for nearly three years, was notably more interested in fashion and jewelry, and looked at these pieces with a refreshed, discerning eye.
Now, I wear Aunt Hilde’s old pieces constantly, which prompted the title of this blog. These are your grandmother’s--or, more specifically, my great-aunt’s--pearls. I take
My favorite is this coin necklace, which I can wear with almost anything. I usually pair it with a solid color dress, although it really dresses up a jeans-and-T-shirt look as well. (Please excuse the images … a photographer I am not.)
These shell-shaped gold-colored earring eluded me for some time, but I found they work well with black outfits, which more or less are my daily uniform living here in New York, and floral shirts for a “resort” look. I once shied away from jewelry so big, but now I wear these babies like they’re the Crown Jewels.
These pearl hoop earrings were another pair I was somewhat hesitant about at first, mostly because they are so far outside the realm of jewelry I usually wear, and because I’ve never seen a style like this paired with an outfit. Now, I can’t take them off; when I wear a dress with a sweater and want a sweeter look, they’re my go-to.
My newly beloved seed pearl earrings. These add a feminine touch to any outfit, and when paired with a pastel- or light-colored, flowy shirt (like this one from Levi’s), I feel positively chic.
The best part about this jewelry is no one else has it. So if you’re lucky enough to have your grandmother’s, great-aunt’s or mother’s jewelry, wear it. Pair it with a current, trendy outfit, and you’ve created a style that truly is all your own.
Here’s to you, Aunt Hilde. Your amazing sense of style lives on.
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.