A news item caught my attention on Thursday. You can now watch a video of the February 14, 1962 tour of the White House given by Jacqueline Kennedy on the AMC cable channel Web site (amctv.com). The video was incorporated into an episode of “Mad Men,” a period series set in the 1960s. Of course I had to check it out because I vaguely remember watching the original broadcast back when I was a kid.

After I got used to watching the black and white TV broadcast, the first thing I focused on was Jackie’s jewelry — a classic three-strand pearl necklace. How can you improve on pearls? They’re elegant, timeless, and go with everything. But I have a feeling that Jackie never would have worn her pearls with jeans, a least not in the White House.

Other first ladies have also worn the three-strand pearl necklace ensemble. Barbara Bush was never seen in public without wearing her favorite necklace. And I’m sure other presidents’ wives have had at least a one-strand-or-more pearl necklace in their jewelry boxes.

Watch this year’s presidential election to see if you can spot the candidates’ wives following the jewelry precedence set by other presidents’ wives. Why change a good thing if it helps polish your potential White House image?

Lynne