Laura Whitmore at the V&A Pearls Exhibition

We were delighted to be asked to help celebrate the event with Laura wearing a selection from our finest Akoya pearl range of jewellery.

The Akoya pearl is a traditional type of saltwater pearl, that is cultured in oysters in coastal waters near Japan, China and Vietnam. The Akoya is particularly well-known for its sharp lustre, perfect round shape and tinted pink overtone.

The guests were treated to an interview by Laura Whitmore about Pond's and pearls with Caroline Neville, followed by a private tour of the Pearl Exhibition to see the pieces on display there and learn about the iconic status that this amazing gem has held throughout history.

The pearl jewellery on show included Marilyn Monroe's necklace of Akoya pearls, which was famously bought for her in Japan by her husband Joe DiMaggio in 1954, and a pair of Bulgari pearl drop pendant earrings worn by Elizabeth Taylor.

An explanation of how pearls are cultured today introduced a number of showcase pieces of Akoya pearl jewellery by Mikimoto, including a flamboyant scarf of over 5000 pearls that was just pure showbiz.

As well as the elegant Akoya Pearl Bracelet, pictured below, Laura also wore our Amber Eclipse Pearl Ring which is an open ring design of 18 carat yellow gold, that has been finished with a square-cut orange sapphire gemstone set facing a white Akoya pearl.

Laura also wore our new Beau Seed Pearl and Diamond Ring with Yellow Gold, designed by Alice Cicolini. With seed pearls, a diamond knot and a flamboyant bow, this eye-catching ring will be coming soon to Winterson with the launch of Alice's Beau Collection.

Thank you to Laura Whitmore and Pond's Institute for hosting the event.