"PEARLS: FROM CLEOPATRA TO COCO CHANEL": Lecture by Ilona Egorova

PEARLS: FROM CLEOPATRA TO COCO CHANEL

Lecture by art historian Ilona Egorova

Secrets, passions, and incredible stories of the world’s most mysterious gemstone.

Pearls are an eternal symbol of elegance, luxury, and impeccable taste. Two thousand years ago, even a single pearl was an unattainable luxury, and an entire strand signified fabulous wealth.

Why were pearls once valued more highly than diamonds? How did they win the hearts of queens and become a symbol of entire eras? And how could one pearl necklace cost as much as a six-story mansion in the heart of New York?

At our meeting, we will uncover the amazing secrets of pearls, from ancient legends and the rarest treasures of the sea depths to the history of their harvesting and their transformation into a cult accessory.

This is not just the story of a gemstone. It is a story of luxury, power, beauty, and passion.