Pearls: the Queen of gems, and the gem of Queens
7 Jun 2024
As summer starts to warm the air and the days are at their longest, pearls make the perfect birthstone for June. Historically, pearls have been highly prized for millennia, associated with innocence, purity, taste and status. Adorning the rich and powerful in portraits and photographs, think too of pearls’ dashing romanticism, flashing from a dark-eyed pirate’s ear, or spilling from treasure chests. Indeed, banish thoughts of twinset uniformity; today’s master jewellery designers revel in pearls’ natural characteristics, setting and embellishing them to create subtly eye-catching modern pieces.
Hand-sown, sustainably grown
Famously formed around an intrusive speck of grit in an oyster or mollusc shell, historically, many natural pearl beds have been depleted by irresponsible over-harvesting. Protections and modern practices have created a more sustainable alternative, allowing the restoration of natural beds, that all ethical jewellers, and retailers like Silver Tree, sign up to; your assurance of good practice. Salt and freshwater pearl farming and cultured pearl creation (formed using implanted shell bead or tissue base) in locally managed marine areas also benefit indigenous economies. As filter feeders, farmed pearls also help clean aquatic environments, even contributing to coral reef restoration. Choose sustainably farmed pearls for peace of mind, support and endorsement of ecologically compassionate practices.
The world of design is your oyster!
Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodriguez (plus Harry Styles) are among many contemporary performers putting pearls centre stage with a fresh twist, including detailed costume embellishments, fashion front row statement chokers, and subtle, detailed jewellery. From subtle and discreet to bold and eye-catching, pearls lend refinement, sophistication and interest to any ensemble, from a summer dress to jeans and t-shirt. At Silver Tree, we’ve built relationships with some of the best, most innovative and original jewellery designers producing superb pearl pieces:
It’s all in the name for Jersey Pearl: based overlooking the sea in the Channel Islands, for nearly forty years they have been bringing pearls direct from pearl farms back to Jersey, and crafting them into timeless classic jewellery, like elegant single drop earrings and stunning necklaces of graduated pearls.
To associate Pandora only with their collectable charms is to miss out on the diversity of this iconic Danish jewellery brand. Their distinctive modern touch sets freshwater cultured pearls in sleek, stylish designs, with rings especially striking in their clean lines. Available in-store shop only, pop in to see for yourself!
Delicate freshwater pearls selected for their mother-of-pearl style radiant sheen take centre stage in Thomas Sabo’s elegant designs. Combining exquisite detailing and 925 sterling silver, we love their beautiful charm bracelets, where sparkling freshwater pearls compliment your choice of charms, for a very personal piece of jewellery to treasure.
Founded in 2001, UK jewellers Hot Diamonds remain the hottest ticket for their vibrant, youthful collections of sterling silver and diamond jewellery. The Hot Diamonds take on pearls is similarly distinctive, such as their captivating strings of characterful freshwater and mother of pearls interspersed with 18ct yellow gold plated sterling silver beads.
Clogau Gold are renowned for their timeless jewellery made from rare Welsh gold, prized for generations of Royal wedding rings to this day. When we heard they were incorporating delicate pearls into their designs, we were excited. When we saw the results, we were smitten.
Is it time to take a shine to pearls? Whatever design you choose, remember that the natural oils from your skin increase pearls’ lustre- good news, as with many of these fall-in-love pieces, you’ll be tempted to wear them every day!
