Sarandon shows off her classy pearls at the Globes

All eyes were on the red capet at the Golden Globes last night after being cancelled the year before. As always, the hours before the awards caused as much hype as the event itself, with red carpet fashions scrutinised by a mob of fashion journalists. If you looked past the glitzy gowns and shining sapphires, you might have noticed, as I did, the timeless elegance of Susan Sarandon, who had donned with pride a Fred Leighton exclusive long pearl necklace.  Sarandon pouted that she would have to return the stunning piece after the awards and cheekily asked Fred on camera if she could keep it.  I’m not surprised – it was a combination of the iconic sophistication of pearls with a modern, funky twist.

But does the fact that Susan Sarandon, aged 62, was one of the only A-listers adorned with pearls on the night mean we are going back to the stereotype of pearls only being worn by old dears?Absolutely not! Pearl jewellery has a timeless elegance and charm if you know how to wear it. The key to looking stylish with pearls is don’t settle for ubiquitous lesser stones! Beware of all the cheap, low grade and imitation pearls on the web these days - they can make you look more trashy than sophisticated.  If you’re on a budget, go for natural freshwater pearls which can be beautiful.  But for the true celeb treatment you should spend that little extra on saltwater pearls, the choice of Susan Sarandon on Sunday night.

Take a look at our pick for the Top 5 celebrities who have made pearls the style icon that they are today. I’m sure you’ll agree, each of them are classy in their own way and yet very different characters.  What more evidence do you need that pearls are the luxury accessory to suit any woman?

5. Jackie O - aka Jacqueline Kennedy - not many First Ladys can boast being a fashion icon of their generation - her triple row pearl necklaces were key to her classy look.
4. Elizabeth Taylor – Not only was she one of the most beautiful women in the world in her heyday, she was also famed for owning the 50 carat La Peregrina pearl, once worn by Queen Mary I of England - a Valentine’s Day present from Richard Burton - a snip at $37,000!
3. Sarah Jessica Parker – the Hollywood fashion icon made pearls the new hot celebrity trend by adorning an exquisite pearl necklace in 2008’s Sex and the City movie, and has been spotted with pearls on many a red carpet in recent years.
2. Princess Di - the English Princess of the People was also Princess of the Pearls, and will be always remembered for her taste in elegant pearl strings and accessories. 
1. Audrey Hepburn – the Audrey Hepburn look is one that will never go out of style – her simple black dress and pearl necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s will live long in the memory as one of the iconic fashion looks of the 20th Century.