The baroque pearl necklace is a timeless, foundational piece that everyone should have in their jewelry wardrobe. Each luminous pearl is unique, grown in the waters off Japan until it’s a plump little pearlescent soufflé. Perfect for layering with chunkier pieces, the pearl has a 5mm bail so you can slip it onto any other chain.

Our favorite historical pearl story is of Cleopatra’s competition with her Roman lover, Marc Antony, to see who could throw the most extravagant dinner party. Certain that he would outdo the Pharaoh, Antony piled rare meats on his grand dining table and poured expensive wines for his guests. But Cleopatra was unfazed.

Pearls were so valuable in the late Roman Republic that a single one ensured her victory. While her guests were drinking and dancing and enjoying her lavish party, Cleopatra caught the eye of Marc Antony, took a single pearl from one of her earrings, dissolved it in a bit of vinegar and drank it down, its incredible worth reduced to nothing in a single, indulgent sip.

Each hand-selected pearl is roughly 1 inch or 22mm long with a handcrafted 14k solid 5mm gold bail. It can be purchased threaded onto a 14k solid gold, 20 inch cable chain.