Key Takeaways
- Vivienne Westwood necklace is a well-known and highly prized piece of jewelry. This post will explain its history and meaning, as well as why many fashion lovers around the world love it.
- Due to their popularity, be aware that many counterfeit products of very poor quality exist. Discover the 6 obvious signs to distinguish a real one from a fake.
The Story of Vivienne Westwood's Pearl Necklace
Vivienne Westwood was born in 1941 in Derbyshire, England. She began her career as a primary school teacher before entering the fashion industry.
Then, in the 1960s, she crossed paths with Malcolm McLaren, an art student, music entrepreneur and, at the time, manager of the Sex Pistols.
Vivienne Westwood
The couple incorporated elements of punk music into Westwood's brand. Her approach to the fashion industry has always been rebellious and playful. Her romantic corsets, bold slogans and statement jewelry are examples of this.
Westwood and McLaren opened Let It Rock, a small boutique on London's King's Road. The store sells 1950s memorabilia and Teddy Boy clothing. It has evolved to reflect Westwood's interests and global social movements.
About a year after opening, Westwood was inspired by the punk movement, so she renamed the store Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die. She also began designing shirts with provocative messages.
The Story of Vivienne Westwood's Pearl Necklace
In 1974, the couple renamed the store SEX. They replaced the brothel creepers and lace-up ties with spiked stilettos, rubber dresses and slogan T-shirts. The change led to even more social disruption, a move that was very Westwood.
In the mid-1970s, Westwood and McLaren were at the forefront of punk. McLaren also managed the Sex Pistols at this time.
After the Sex Pistols disbanded and punk became mainstream, a disillusioned Westwood turned to historical clothing. Her signature collection, 'Pirate,' was inspired by the original cut and shape of pirate pants and necklines.
After splitting from McLaren in 1982, Westwood looked to the past for inspiration, reinventing classic English tailoring, including corsets and bodices.
In her 1987/88 fashion show, Westwood played with British stereotypes and the monarchy. She gave models hairstyles inspired by the Queen and playful versions of the royal crown. In addition, she had both male and female models wear pearls, defying traditional gender norms.
She also designed the Three Row Pearl Drop Necklace for the Fall-Winter 1990 collection, titled 'Portrait.' Her love of 19th century French art inspired her.
The Vivienne Westwood necklace was particularly featured in the 'Always On Camera' Fall-Winter 1992/93, 'On Liberty' Fall-Winter 1994/95, and 'Erotic Zones' Spring-Summer 1995 collections.
Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 1994-95 Collection
The 2020 revival of her iconic necklace has brought her art back to life. More and more people have started collecting and reminiscing about her early work. Not to mention, celebrities like Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna have helped popularize it. Even the anime character 'Nana' has helped bring the cascading pearl necklace back into the spotlight.
The manga Nana, adapted into an anime series from 2006 to 2007, paid homage to Westwood. Its creator, Ai Yazawa, a former fashion student, appreciated the British designer's punk roots. The passion for Westwood's orb jewel, often discussed in the series, makes the necklace a true Vivienne Westwood symbol.
The Meaning of Vivienne Westwood's Pearl Necklace
The Vivienne Westwood necklace is a well-known piece of jewelry. Its unique style and connection to the designer, Vivienne Westwood, make it unique. According to Westwood, it represents justice and royal power.
The jewelled orb, often marked with the designer's emblem, shows Westwood's place in British fashion. This emblem combines royal and modern symbols.
Vivienne Westwood's pearl necklace represents justice and royal power
Additionally, the Sovereign's Orb is a hollow golden orb. It is surrounded by a band of pearls and gemstones, with an amethyst and gold cross at the top. This Orb is a religious symbol representing the monarch's duty as Defender of the Faith. It also refers to quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Necklaces are often gold or silver plated. Some are adorned with crystals, pearls or other decorations for a more luxurious and dramatic look.
They bring a unique style to both high fashion outfits and casual looks. They are also popular with celebrities and trendsetters who want to make a bold statement. Read on to find out why this jewelry is so prevalent in fashion!
Why is the Vivienne Westwood necklace famous?
The Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace is elegant and stylish. However, there are many other factors that have contributed to making this fashion trend worth considering.
1. Quality
Vivienne Westwood is renowned for producing high-quality, carefully crafted pieces ranging from precious metals to semi-precious stones. Necklaces are no exception.
Some Vivienne Westwood necklaces are adorned with real pearls from oysters. Many people praise the care and mastery that goes into each piece.
2. Versatility
Vivienne Westwood necklaces come in a variety of shapes, from chokers to pendants and intricate multi-strand designs. This means there is a necklace to match any outfit, taste or occasion.
Whether it's for a low-key birthday or a cocktail party, you can never go wrong with this piece of jewelry.
3. Unique Design
Vivienne Westwood's pearl necklace features a unique design
The Vivienne Westwood necklace is famous for its distinctive design and bold appearance.
The central orb, usually made of silver or gold, draws attention and symbolizes celestial power. It also pays homage to Westwood's obsession with the occult and the divine, adding a touch of mystery to the classic beauty of pearls.
In addition, it combines classic pearls with contemporary elegance. Exquisite pearls are mounted on leather cords, some are embellished with metal tips or interwoven with heavy chains.
This blend of delicacy and robustness creates a bold sophistication, a signature Westwood trait.
4. Timeless Appeal
Vivienne Westwood necklaces often blend stylish and classic elements that are timeless. They are on trend today but have a timeless appeal for the future.
5. Cultural Significance
Vivienne Westwood's rebellious and countercultural fashion sense has made her a cultural icon. She frequently challenges conventional aesthetics and questions traditional norms.
Her designs utilize provocative elements like mismatched fabrics, punk-inspired studs, and sardonic themes, reflecting her desire to challenge the current status quo.
In addition, their necklaces symbolize rebellion and independence. For these reasons, they are increasingly popular, especially among the younger generations.
Apart from factors like quality, unique design, versatility etc., these necklaces have also become famous thanks to global celebrities and influencers like Kim Kardashian, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna.
Many factors contribute to the popularity of Vivienne Westwood necklaces.
When they wear the Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace at events or in public, they attract attention. People talk about it, triggering a hunt for similar pieces. Sometimes, designers design new pieces inspired by this iconic necklace.
How to recognize a real Vivienne Westwood necklace?
Here is a simple guide to spotting and verifying an authentic Vivienne Westwood necklace. Some people think that fakes are great deals, but they lack beauty and durability.
1. Authenticity card
First, check for an authenticity card to confirm your Vivienne Westwood jewelry. This small card confirms that it is authentic and includes the store and date of purchase. Every authentic Vivienne Westwood jewelry piece includes an authenticity card.
This card is made from FSC-certified paper and is free of plastics. It reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability and verifies the authenticity of the product.
The authenticity card is only provided to trusted buyers like Gisel B. If you plan to resell your jewelry in the future, you will need an authenticity card to confirm its quality.
Vivienne Westwood Authenticity Card
2. Quality
People love Vivienne Westwood necklaces because of their high-quality craftsmanship. However, counterfeit products may have poor finishing, so look for rough edges, uneven plating, and loose stones.
If pearls are present, they should be uniform in size and color. Metal parts should be well polished and smooth.
3. Materials
The Vivienne Westwood necklace is handcrafted with pearl details and sterling silver materials, so checking its quality is a great way to verify its authenticity. All jewelry is made of sterling silver, brass or steel and may contain other metals and stones.
Check for misaligned stones, oddly shaped orbs, and cheap, dull, or overly flashy jewelry. Vivienne Westwood jewelry can tarnish over time. But be wary of items that tarnish too quickly or discolor your skin.
Another sign is the weight of the necklace. Authentic Vivienne Westwood necklaces are heavy because of their high-quality materials.
4. Packaging
A genuine Vivienne Westwood necklace comes with official packaging
Your necklace should always come with a branded box with a dust bag. Also check that the Vivienne Westwood emblem is clearly printed and centered on the box.
Counterfeiters can easily reproduce these items, but the added cost of finishing often deters them. For this reason, a Vivienne Westwood piece of jewelry sent in branded packaging is more likely to be authentic.
5. Punches
Another way to recognize an authentic Vivienne Westwood necklace is the hallmark. This is a mark that verifies the purity of a metal.
An authentic Orb necklace should have a mark indicating the metal used and a stamp with the brand's orb emblem. Many brands also include a maker's mark on each piece. You can usually find the markings on the inside of the pendant or on the clasp. These marks reinforce the Vivienne Westwood significance by emphasizing the authenticity and superior quality of the product.
An authentic Vivienne Westwood necklace is hallmarked
6. Price and origin
If the price seems too good to be true, it is probably a fake. Typically, the necklace can cost between $179 and $550.
Also, be wary of very low discounts or unknown retailers. To buy an authentic Vivienne Westwood item, choose authorized sellers. These include well-known department stores or the official website. Many reliable retailers have reviews on their sites, proving that they sell authentic products. This is a great way to identify an authentic item.