This month, the rich history, culture and status of pearls will be brought to light in an exhibition at the V&A that will showcase over 200 pieces of jewellery. Pieces drawn from the V&A and QMA’s collections sit alongside jewellery from Tate Britain, The British Museum and The Royal Collection as well as established jewellery houses such as Tiffany & Co, Bulgari, Cartier and RenĂ© Lalique.
Ancient Roman jewels made as early as the 1st century AD, fine examples of pearls worn by Indian Maharajas and European nobility, a pearl-drop earring worn by Charles I at his execution in 1649 and a necklace given to Marilyn Monroe in 1954 are just some of the highlights that will sit alongside contemporary jewellery be designers practising today.