Though the painting sold for only two guilders back in 1881 (about $2 today), Girl with a Pearl Earring created by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer in 1665 has left a lasting impression on literature, arts, and fashion. Popular belief says the star of this masterpiece was the painter’s house servant—a theory that was supported by author Tracy Chevalier in her best-selling book turned movie. However, what’s more fascinating, to us anyhow, is the timeless fashion statement made by two effortless brushstrokes that formed a single perfect pearl-drop.
Back then, natural pearls were so incredibly rare that they were exclusively reserved for the jewelry boxes of the super wealthy. Prior to the 19th century, the cost of just one pearl was so exorbitant that they were once considered the most expensive gem in the world. Legend has it that the Roman general Vitellius (circa, A.D. 69) used a single pearl earring (from his mom’s ear) to finance an entire military campaign.
So to see Vermeer’s plain-clothed model, who was more likely a ‘commoner’ than noble, wearing such an extravagant decoration was truly something. Enough to turn heads, raise eyebrows, and possibly cause uproar (as the painter’s fictional wife demonstrated in the film) at that time.
Thankfully, nowadays, these beautiful white spheres are no longer an unattainable treasure enjoyed by solely the rich. Since Japanese entrepreneur Kōkichi Mikimoto discovered how to create cultured pearls in the early 1900s, they’ve become more accessible. So much that they are now considered a staple accessory found in most women’s jewelry collection. However, despite their popularity, they have not lost their significance and, therefore, continue to stand for elegance and purity whether you pair them with a gown or jeans.
On that note, we found three sets of stunning white jewels that would light up any outfit, regardless of your budget. As if you really needed an excuse to buy pearls?
SPLURGE Drop Earrings by Mikimoto, $980 (pictured)
SAVE C. 1970. Vintage White Cultured Pearl Earrings with Diamonds in 14kt White Gold by Ross-Simmons, $600
STEAL 11.5-12mm Cultured Freshwater Button Pearl 14K Earrings at HSN, $40
[Photography of Johannes Vermeer's Girl With The Pearl Earring (1665) courtesy of Wikimedia; Photograph of drop earrings courtesy of Mikimotoamerica.com]
Published on December 25, 2009
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
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Pearls are a treasure from the sea,that we adorn and accent the lovely areas around our human forms. There is nothing more timely and classic than a pearl necklace on a woman. A grace of style is shown when a pearl bracelet adorns the wrist of a woman. The very essense and aura of the pearl connects us with the natural world Women,Mother Earth…..creation.
Comment by Jill R Johnson — January 1, 2010 @ 1:28 pm permalink
Pearls are a treasure from the sea,that we adorn and accent the lovely areas around our human forms. There is nothing more timely and classic than a pearl necklace on a woman. A grace of style is shown when a pearl bracelet adorns the wrist of a woman. The very essense and aura of the pearl connects us with the natural world Women,Mother Earth…..creation.
Comment by Jill R Johnson — January 1, 2010 @ 7:28 am permalink
The gift from Mother Earth to Women everywhere is the Pearl.A Classic style through the eons of time when worn around the neck. The luster and light of those pearls enhances a woman’s inner/outer beauty. There is a true Grace when pearls dance upon a womans wrist.When women wear pearls all the world is a canvas.
Comment by Jill R Johnson — January 1, 2010 @ 1:32 pm permalink
The gift from Mother Earth to Women everywhere is the Pearl.A Classic style through the eons of time when worn around the neck. The luster and light of those pearls enhances a woman’s inner/outer beauty. There is a true Grace when pearls dance upon a womans wrist.When women wear pearls all the world is a canvas.
Comment by Jill R Johnson — January 1, 2010 @ 7:32 am permalink
I absolutely love the Girl with the pearl earring. I always like the painting but after watching the movie with Scarlet Jo Hansen* I feel in love and researched truth behind the painting. Its a beautiful story. I would definitely hang a replica of this in my home.
Comment by Heather Lynn Achord — January 1, 2010 @ 3:51 pm permalink
I absolutely love the Girl with the pearl earring. I always like the painting but after watching the movie with Scarlet Jo Hansen* I feel in love and researched truth behind the painting. Its a beautiful story. I would definitely hang a replica of this in my home.
Comment by Heather Lynn Achord — January 1, 2010 @ 9:51 am permalink