Pearl and Crystal Jewellery Collections

Pearl and crystal: an entirely different level of decadence

Pearl is often referred to as the Queen of the gemstones and for good reason. Pearls have been sported by royalty down the ages, from Cleopatra in ancient Egypt to Queen Elizabeth I at the turn of the 17th century. 

Since then, pearl and crystal jewellery has been a staple among the fashionable members of royal families the world over and the desire for this jewellery has even spilled over into less regal circles - including in Hollywood, where pearls became the piece de resistance thanks to the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. 

They have even become a popular choice on the British high street, and, thanks to their inimitable qualities will remain so for some time to come. 

Roman and Egyptian pearl and crystal jewellery has been unearthed dating back to the fifth century BC and Ancient Rome practically expanded its empire to gain access to both fresh and saltwater pearls. Emperor Caligula even adorned his horse in pearl and crystal jewellery - surely making it the best dressed for dressage.

Other amazingly famous pearl lovers included Princess Diana, Coco Chanel, who made pearls her signature look in the 1920s, and Rene Russo. Even modern celebs are getting in on this jewellery trend that has never stopped taking the world by storm, with Keira Knightley, Kate Moss and even grunge-rocker Taylor Momsen sporting them on occasion. 

Getting the best precious pearl and crystal jewellery - without breaking the bank

It figures that with the list of monarchs and celebrities who have sported pearls over the generations that handmade pearl and crystal jewellery can be a tad on the pricey side. In fact, some of the price tags attached to A-list quality jewellery are eye watering. Jackie O's famous triple strand pearl choker was bought by the Franklin Mint in 1996 for a cool $211,500 - despite the fact that the gemstones on the necklace were not even natural pearls. And, Coco's House of Chanel has featured pearl pieces ranging from $29,000 all the way up to $450,000 over the years.

But fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to get some of the finest pearl and crystal jewellery on the internet. Simply head to Cavendish French, where handmade silver jewellery is available alongside some of the finest contemporary pearl and crystal adornments.

Sure, we don't have ivory silk gowns studded with more than 10,000 pearls and sequins - a la Diana Princess of Wales - but we do have a fantastic selection of classic pearl pendants, like this elegant flower and pearl drop pendant, dazzling pearl and crystal drop earrings and unique flower and pearl necklaces.

Pearl and crystal in contemporary

Contemporary pearl and crystal jewellery is popular because the beautiful simplicity of pearls can be teamed with an equally simple, yet elegant, silver surround. This gives pieces an adaptability that other jewellery types can only dream of. Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring showed the grandeur that a single pearl can add to even the most basic of outfits and Cavendish French's very own contemporary twist on traditional pearl and crystal jewellery merely compounds that fact; pearl and crystal jewellery is good for any occasion. 

Cavendish French picks only the finest pearls for use in its handmade jewellery; and what better way to buy handmade pearl and crystal jewellery that has a distinctive, contemporary twist than online.  At Cavendish French it is easy to compare styles and stones of different sizes - as well as prices. So look no further than Cavendish French when you are searching for that perfect jewellery gift (or treat).

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