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A Vogue fashion editor and model in the 1940s, Babe Paley was also a glamorous New York socialite. She made the International Best Dressed List 14 times and was inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 1958. Babe adored pearls and often wore multi-strand ropes that were draped becomingly around her neck, casually thrown to the back or cascading from her wrists. Known as a high priestess of fashion, whatever Babe wore instantly became the new look. As one-time close friend Truman Capote commented, "Babe Paley had only one fault, she was perfect. Otherwise, she was perfect."

For Diana Vreeland, pearls were a symbol of luxury and class and were a must-have accessory for any discerning woman wanting to add elegance to an ordinary outfit. Diana worked in New York as a columnist and fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar (1936-1962) and then, for Vogue (1963-1971). She was largely admired for her personal style and visionary fashion sense. In a memo to Vogue staff in 1966, she expressed her disappointment at the lack of pearls in previous issues and advised, "Nothing gives the luxury of pearls. Please keep that in mind."

Grace Kelly mesmerized audiences with her luminous beauty and superior acting skills. The 1950s actress was also one of the most influential fashion style icons of this era. Grace’s most memorable signature looks featuring pearls can be found in the Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. In one scene, she wears a single-strand cultured pearl choker and multi strand pearl bracelet with a chic suit, and in another teams them with a sultry black dress. This New Look created by Christian Dior highlighted Grace’s ability to appear both demure and sexy on camera.

Lupita Nyong’o is making a big impact in the movie world and much more on the red carpet. The 32 year-old winner of Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave has showcased a number of striking looks featuring a strong use of colour and bold jewellery. The most notable of these is her white pearl figure hugging halterneck gown encrusted with more than 6,000 pearls for the 2015 Oscars. The Calvin Klein custom-made gown has firmly cemented Lupita’s status as a style icon that isn’t afraid to make fashion statement.

Strong women need strong jewellery and actress, producer, ambassador and celebrity style icon Angelina Jolie is no exception, preferring pearls to diamonds any day. After all, the pearl is Angelina’s birthstone and she’s learnt there’s no jewellery more flattering to her complexion than a classic rope of natural pearls. Pairing her white pearl necklaces with stunning South Sea pearl stud earrings, this woman of mystique always makes a subtle but bold fashion statement, be it in front of Queen Elizabeth or announcing her brave life choices to the world.

"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” So said Coco Chanel founder of the Paris-based fashion house who rose to fame in the early 20th century for her redefining of women’s fashion. Coco did what she wanted when it came to fashion and jewellery, wearing trousers and excessive displays of real and faux pearls when such things were frowned upon for respectable women. When questioned, she simply said that she preferred fashion jewellery as it was ‘provocative’. The House of Chanel today designs collections of cutting edge pearl jewellery with the unique forward thinking Coco Chanel in mind.

Pearls became trendy in the late 90s and early 00s--thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker who played New York fashionista Carrie Bradshaw in the hugely favorite TV series, Sex in the City. In the TV show, ultra-feminine Carrie showcased multilayered ropes of faux pearls with a casual T-shirt or as single swinging strand teamed with a pink dress and black studded belt. The show inspired women all over the world to dust off their pearls and style them up. A pearl lover fashionista in real life, actress Sarah is often photographed wearing an opera length double strand of white round pearls.

The 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s not only exerted a major influence on fashion at the time, it also shone the spotlight on pearls. In the opening scene Audrey Hepburn, playing the character of Holly Golightly, wears a stunning multi-strand faux pearl choker which has gone on to become the most iconic faux pearl necklace in history. In real life Audrey formed a lifelong friendship with Givenchy, who created her look in the movie. She too loved pearls and often wore a pearl necklace given to her by her husband, Mel Ferrer. With her classic beauty and girl-next-door quality, Audrey always radiated elegance and charm.