Rihanna, Madonna And 23 More Stars Show You What To Do With Grandma's Pearls (PHOTOS

How To Wear Great-Grandma's Pearls (Without Looking Like Her

Pearls are the epitome of ladylike. Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn topped off many an outfit with at least one strand of the rare treasures. And let us not forget the godmother of pearls: Coco Chanel, who layered the precious necklaces one atop the next, and whose house has continued to use the iridescent beauties on all manner of accessories. Our personal favorites are the round pearl-encrusted sunglasses.

Leave it to pop icons like Madonna and Lady Gaga to modernize what many might think of as a stodgy accessory. Madge paired hers with a frothy lace ensemble for her famous performance at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, and Lady Gaga infamously decorated her face with them for the 2010 amfAR benefit gala.

We're not suggesting you adorn your eyebrows with them (though, we've seen jewel-encrusted brows that look pretty cool), but there are modern ways to wear the classic jewelry. Herewith, seven tips on wearing and caring for pearls, and 25 celebrities who have done it in style.

In related news, have you ever seen pearl-embellished clothing? It's just as beautiful as it sounds.

Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC)

Pearls For Every Girl

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Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC)

Pearls For Every Girl

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