JNA Nov/ Dec 2021

MARKET INTELLIGENCE 54 | JNA Nov/Dec 2021 MEN AND THEIR PEARL JEWELLERY 男士們的珍珠首飾 | Philippe Bouasse | Forward-moving social conventions that increasingly celebrate equality, fluidity and a higher level of freedom of expression alongside the undeniable power of social media, celebrities and influencers have given birth to a modern phenomenon: Men once again wearing pearl jewellery for diversity and style revolution. 社會不斷推動性別 平等、流動的觀念和自我表達的自由，加 上社交媒體、名人和網紅的影響力，催生 了一個新現象——在多元化和潮流革新的 背景下，男士珍珠首飾再度興起。 F rom the maharajas of India to the elite circles of Europe and Asia, men of power have historically donned pearls as an indisputable symbol of royalty, authority and affluence. Perhaps the most endearing proof of these state jewels was the mythical necklace of Maharaja Khande Rao Gaekwad of Baroda, made of seven rows of natural pearls that were impeccably matched in colour, luster, size and shape. While the whereabouts of this outstanding piece remains unknown today, part of the necklace appeared at Christie’s New York in April 2007 – an exceptional two-row necklace reconstituted from the original Baroda pearls. Sold for US$7.1 million dollars, it is still one the most expensive pearl necklaces ever sold at auction. “Referred to as the Baroda pearls, each luminous strand radiated elegance, wealth and power, and would be the prized possession of Royal Gaekwars of later generations,” noted Christie’s. Further testament to the important role of pearls in imperial coffers, a portrait of King Charles I of England wearing a large pearl drop earring was done in 1636 by Pearl of Hope bracelet by Jewelmer Jewelmer 的 Pearl of Hope 手鐲 Pearl bracelet for men by Romeo J Romeo J 的男士珍珠手鐲 Pearl necklace by Mateo New York Mateo New York 珍珠項鏈