Watch Susan Sarandon on the Red Carpet at the Golden Globes

All eyes were on the red capet at the Golden Globes this year 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.Susan clearly loved showing off her pricey pearls and even asked the designer if she could hold on to them.Well wouldn’t you? Her 32″ string looked both modern and elegant around her neck.

You might say that the fact that Sarandon, still stunning at 62, was the only A-list celebrity at the Globes to be wearing pearls, means that we’re going back to the days of pearls being the jewels of choice for the “older” woman?  Far from it! 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. One look at the names in the list tells you all you need to know about the universal class of pearls on celebrities young and old, classic and modern.These classy dames show that, done right, pearls are the height of sophisticated style and fashion?

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. Liz Taylor – the epitome of all things glamorous and elegant in her day, Elizabeth Taylor gained royal status in the pearl kingdom by owning the world’s largest pearl necklace, La Peregrina, as worn by a whole range of European queens and princesses!
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. Diana, Princess of Wales – Who can think of Princess Di and NOT think of her signature pearl necklaces, brooches and pearl-encrusted outfits. 
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.

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