String of Pearls
Pull up a chair and sit awhile
November 5, 2026
Dear Friend:
I've always loved pearls. As a little girl, I would sit and watch my mother put them around her neck. I dreamed of the day when I would be grown up and sophisticated enough to wear a set of pearls of my own.
And then there was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was the picture of elegance, and she very often wore pearls. I always thought of them as part of her signature look. There was something about the way she wore them that made them seem both timeless and effortlessly beautiful.
Whenever we were in Watt and Shands Department Store in Lancaster, I just had to make my way to the jewelry counter to look at all the beautiful things, but especially the pearls. After graduating from high school, along with purchasing the much-needed wardrobe for my new job, I just had to buy myself a set of pearls. It was something I had dreamed about for years.
Even my first Barbie doll was dressed in a beautiful set of pearls!
Then there were the trips to my aunt's house. She was my dad's sister, and I absolutely loved visiting her. I would walk into her house and could hardly stand still waiting for her permission to go upstairs to her closet. Once I had the okay, I was off to try on her clothes, her high-heeled shoes, and, yes, of course, her pearls. I thought I was quite something!
As the years went by, my former husband continued to add to my collection. He bought me quite a few pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, even before we were married. My daughters inherited my love of pearls, too. They have collections of their own, and over the years they have also contributed to mine. It's nice to know that something I loved as a little girl has become something we share.
My love of pearls extends beyond jewelry. I enjoy finding other ways to incorporate them into decorating and little creative projects.
One of my recent finds was a box of Christmas tree ornaments covered in the most lovely pearls. These weren't the craft-supply-store version of pearl decorations. They had a beautiful warm ivory and champagne coloring, a delicate satin bows and a little jeweled embellishments. The pearls looked as though each one had been carefully placed individually. They were simply beautiful.
My daughter also remade a faux pumpkin for me, adding gold pearls around the center of a white pumpkin. She placed each one individually, and the result was lovely. I also enjoy using pearls as little accents when wrapping presents. Sometimes it's those small details that make something feel extra special.
And then there is the music! There is a wonderful big band song titled "A String of Pearls," recorded by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra on November 3, 1941. Composed by Jerry Gray, it became a number-one hit in early 1942 and remains one of the memorable swing favorites of that era. It seems only fitting that a song with that title would find a place in a story about my lifelong affection for pearls.
Isn't it funny how certain things capture our attention as children and somehow remain special to us throughout our lives? For me, pearls have always been one of those things. They remind me of my mother, my aunt, my early dreams of growing up, and the many memories I've collected along the way.
There is one more thing I particularly love about pearls. No two are exactly alike. Each has its own shape, character, and beauty. I think there is a lovely lesson in that. Just as God made each pearl unique, He made each of us unique, too.
Perhaps that's another reason I've loved pearls for as long as I can remember. Their beauty isn't found in being identical. It's found in being one of a kind.
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.