Black Pearls

On rare occasions, you may see someone who exemplifies your idea of beauty and grace. This person may not be a commercially beautiful person, but something about this individual draws you in. I recently saw a magnificent looking woman at a restaurant. One of the things I remember about the striking woman was a delicate strand of black pearls she was wearing.

The woman was not the typical icon of American beauty. She was an older lady who was accompanied by friends and family. Her dark hair was pulled softly away from her face to reveal black pearls set comfortably on her earlobes. The earrings were the perfect compliment to the necklace.

I keep thinking about the black pearls because they provided a stark contrast to the woman’s white skin that almost looked like porcelain. She smiled widely and the lines on her face told her age, but they also served as a wise feature that the woman earned over the years. She rolled the black pearls between her fingers as she exchanged stories with her company.

The lady was wearing a silk blouse that appeared to be a charcoal color in some light, but when a beam of light hit the blouse in just the right way, it shone silver. The reflection of light played beautifully on the black pearls and on her alabaster skin. I was afraid that I was staring, but I was so enthralled by this handsome woman’s features.

I leaned over to my husband and said that I hope I look like she does one day. I would love to be so comfortable with my age and I would love to be so pleasant to be around. This woman did not have to try to look beautiful. It emanated from within her and shone through her features. The black pearls were just a compliment to this woman’s character.

Maybe they were that one piece of jewelry that every woman wants; that elusive string of black pearls that captures our spirit and displays it for everyone in the room to see. I like to think that one day after my children are grown someone will look to me as I did to this woman. She exemplifies the idea of beauty to me. She is someone who is comfortable with herself and she is someone who doesn’t have to wear a lot of make up or jewels. One string of black pearls and pearl earrings is enough.