ROMAN by ELLO

The PEROLA collection is based on pearls, which in the Roman Empire symbolized wealth, wisdom, purity, and prestige. Pliny the Elder describe pearls as being in ”the highest position among valuables.” In fact, pearls were so valuable that they played a decisive role in the wager between Cleopatra and Antony:

 

LVIII. "There have been two pearls, that were the largest in the whole of history; both were owned by Cleopatra. When Antony was gorging daily at recherché banquets, she replied that she would spend 10.000.000 sesterces on a single banquet. 

Consequently bets were made, and on the next day, when the matter was to be decided. She was at the moment wearing in her ears that remarkable and truly unique work of nature. Antony was full of curiosity to see what in the world she was going to do. She took one earring off and dropped the pearl in the vinegar, and when it was melted swallowed it. Luccius Plancus, who was umpiring the wager, placed his hand on the other pearl when she was preparing to destroy it and also in a simalar way, and declared that Antony had lost the battle – an ominous remark that came true. [1]