Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회지)

The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

A Study on the Symbolic Features and Wearing Types of Pearl Necklaces

진주목걸이의 상징적 특성과 착용유형에 대한 연구

  • Cho, Jungmee (Dept. Clothing & Textiles Major School of Ecology, The Catholic University of Korea)
  • 조정미 (가톨릭대학교 생활과학부 의류학 전공)
  • Received : 2013.04.15
  • Accepted : 2013.07.24
  • Published : 2013.12.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

The pearl is a highly valuable gem that has historically represented wealth and power. Pearl necklaces have developed intro various types and represent an essential status item for modern women. This study first examines the symbolic and various meanings of pearls. Second, this study examines wearing types and pearl necklace patterns based on historical figures and modern fashion icons famous for personal displays of pearls. This study examines and analyzes various specialty publications about jewels, history of costumes, fashion magazines, academic research data, and internet search results. The conclusion of this study is as follows. Pearls have various symbolic meanings that are unlike other gems. Pearls represent purity, innocence, marital fidelity, an intimate relationship with the moon, frozen tears of God, solitude, triumph over adversity, wisdom, and sensual attraction. The societies and people traditionally famous for pearls were the Roman Empire, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, Queen Theodora of the Byzantine Empire, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Marie Antoinette, Empress of Eugenie Napoleon III, and Queen Alexandra. They showed a special affection for pearl necklaces and various wearing patterns unique to the time. Their pearl necklaces became a historic and symbolic legacy. Reestablished through the costume jewelry of cultivated pearls designed by Coco Chanel in the $20^{th}$ century, the pearl necklace has showed a variety of fashion trends in addition to a traditional symbolism of wealth and power. Josephine Baker, Louise Brooks, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Michelle Obama and Sarah Jessica Parker have worn notable pearl necklaces and established an individual style that utilizes the adornment of fashionable and stylish pearl necklaces. They have worn pearl necklaces while applying various fashion trend motifs to symbolic pearl features of that have changed the perception of the pearl and themselves.

Keywords

References

  1. Awesome people. (n.d). Elizabeth Taylor. Retrived Febrary 20, 2012, from http://awesomepeople.com.ua
  2. Bae, S. (2011). Closet of Queen Elizabeth. Seoul: Soohaksa.
  3. Breward, C. (2003). Fashion. London: Oxford University Press.
  4. Buchanan, M. (2011, April 26). Pretty little things-Pearl jam. Elizabeth newton jewelry. Retrived January 13, 2012, from http://elisabethnewton.wordpress.com
  5. Cox, C. (2010). Vintage jewelry design: classics to collect & wear. London: Carlton Publishing Group.
  6. Evans, J. (1970). A history of jewelly 1100-1870. New York: Dover.
  7. Four photos of Marilyn Monroe, taken five days before his death. (2009, May 13). People USA. Retrived March 21, 2012, http://www.purepeople.com
  8. Gittings, C. (2006). The national portrait gallery book of elizabeth I. London: National Portrait Gallery Publications.
  9. Hong, G. (2006). Antique jewelry. Seoul: Soomacsa.
  10. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (1994, May 30). Time. Retrived March 15, 2012, from http://www.time.com
  11. Karsh, Y. (1984, June 12). Queen Elizabeth. Library and archives Canada. Retrieved March 3, 2012, from http://www. collectionscanada.gc.ca
  12. Kelly, M. O. (2002). Path of the pearl. Oregon: Beyond World.
  13. Kim, K. (2006). Enjoying jewellery. Seoul: SeKyung.
  14. Koh, A. (2010). A history of fashion. Seoul: Kyomunsa.
  15. Landman, N. H., Mikkelsen, P. M., Bieler, R., & Bronson, B. (2001). Pearls: A natural history. New York: Harry N. Abrahams.
  16. Lewis, J. J. (n.d.). Marie Antoinette image gallery. About.com. Retrived January 4, 2012, from http://womenshistory.about.com
  17. Luzurieta, S. (n.d.). Diana's Handbags. Princess Diana Remembered. Retrived February 27, 2013, from http://www.princess-diana-remembered.com
  18. Maxwell, A. (2003, July 24). Pearls, how to make your own video game and flashy fitness. USA TODAY. Retrived March 12, 2012, from http://www.usatoday.com
  19. McCarthy, C. (2013, January 1). A short history of the chain. The Jewelry Loupe. Retrived January 30, 2013, from http://thejewelryloupe.com
  20. Mulhearn, D. (2010, June 3). How to wear pearls. The Sydney morning herald. Retrived May 19, 2012, http://www.smh.com.au
  21. Pearls in Mith. (n.d.). Pearls in history. Retrived June 11, 2012, from http://www.pearl-guide.com
  22. Piper, D. (1963). Catalogue of seventeenth century portraits in the National Portrait Gallery, 1625-1714. London: National Portrait Gallery.
  23. Queen Elizabeth II - A fashion icon. (1977). Queen Elizabeth silver jubilee - Fiji. Friendsreunited. Retrived March 3, 2012, from http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk
  24. Queen Elizabeth II Wedding. (2012, February 24). Rooklane weddings. Retrived March 4, 2012, from http://rooklaneweddings.wordpress.com
  25. Rapp, D. (2012, November 22). Steal that style-Jacqueline Kennedy wedding gown. Fashionbride's Weblog, Retrived February 1, 2013, http://fashionbride.wordpress.com
  26. Royal look-alikes in history. (2011, April 27). People. Retrieved January 15, 2012, from http://www.people.com
  27. Swimmer, S. (2009). Michelle Obama: First lady of fashion and style. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal.
  28. The Kennedy family album: personal photos of america's first family. (2012, February 24). Jacqueline Kennedy. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from http://jacquelinekennedy.org
  29. The Queen delivers her 1960 christmas broadcast from buckingham palace. (2011, January 10). British monarchy. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.flickr.com
  30. Top 10 jewelry trends 2011. (2012, March 3). Squidoo. Retrieved January 15, 2013, from http://www.squidoo.com
  31. The wisedom of pearls. (2011, January 13). Style Matters. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from http://alisonkerr.wordpress.com
  32. The world's most powerful women. (n.d.). No.2: Queen Elizabeth II. Vergine media. Retrived January 12, 2012, from http://www.virginmedia.com
  33. Winterhalter, F. X (n.d.). Princess Tatiana Yussupova - 1858. Wikipaintings. Retrieved January 4, 2012, from http://www.wikipaintings
  34. Wickell, C. (n.d.). Princess Diana-A look back at princess Diana's jewelry. About.com. Retrieved 2012, March 3, from http://jewelry.about.com
  35. Wulz, C. (n.d.). Nude with pearl necklace. Corbis Images. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.corbisimages.com
  36. Young princess Elizabeth of York, future Queen Elizabeth II. (2011, March 6). Miss mertens. Retrieved February 1, 2013, from http://www.flickr.com
  37. Ziegler, P. (2010, September 20). Queen Elizabeth II: A photographic portrait by Phillip Ziegler. The Non-blond. Retrieved January 15, 2013, from http://www.thenonblonde.com