As legend has it, Cleopatra dissolved a single pearl in a glass of wine and drank it to win a wager with Mark Antony, showing that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal.

	Queen Elizabeth II's signature look includes three pearl strands. Click photo for larger image. Related article How to make pearls look good and you in them

Pearls were so prized in ancient Egypt that the royals were buried with them. And in ancient Rome, they were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and social standing.

The status of pearls hasn't changed. They're the classic feminine gem, symbolizing love, wealth, elegance and innocence. They've graced the necks of queens, duchesses and princesses, of movie stars and pop stars, of fashion legends and fashion flops, of common ladies and socialites. Coco, Grace, Elizabeth (II and Taylor), Marilyn, Jackie, Barbara, Hillary, Madonna. Even Katie, who next week will fill the anchor chair at CBS, wears them in her promo photos.

While pearls are always in style, they came back last season in a big way. This fall we're seeing different shades of pearls: creams, pinks, peaches, lavenders and even black. They're mixed with other gems or chunky jewelry, and are worn in multiple layers, often twisted and close to the neck.