Pink is the colour of innocence, romance , roses and femininity. You either love it or hate it.
Can you get pink pearls I hear you ask?
Well yes of course the variations of shape, size and hue in pearls are almost infinite. Pearls are also about pink this season from first blush hues to deep cerise .
Think Pink
However the message is clear – anyone who thinks pink is too girly or too prim should rethink. This season it’s sexy , tough, pretty yet still with a strong feel. It flooded the catwalks (especially the fuschia variety) from Christopher Kane with full on rose pink to bright cerise at Valentino and Topshop Unique.
Of course the right shade is crucial if you are going to wear head to toe pink!! We recommend you wear a pop of pink with your pearl accessories to avoid looking like a Disney Princess.
Have a look at our very own British Pearl Association members who have inspired us this season….
The Power of Pink
One member that has really stood out us is the contemporary and forward thinking pearl designer Melanie Georgacopoulos . Melanie’s new mother of pearl collection (MOP) aims to explore the potential of MOP and its various beautiful, rich colours. The MOP Collection including the double ring, cufflinks and earrings (below) fuses a palette of lavender , white and gold and definitely captures the feminine yet tough and structured.
By taking this flat material and creating seamless three dimensional diamond and emerald forms. Melanie pushes further her exploration into the relationship between gemstones and pearls in contemporary jewellery.
Mother of Pearl, otherwise known as nacre is produced by mollusks as an inner shell layer, it also makes up the outer coating of pearls. It is a strong, resilient and iridescent material that has been used for thousands of years, mainly in the form of inlay.
Not only are these contemporary pearls exquisitely crafted, they defy convention and combine the pearl directly with sculpture, architecture and fashion. Don’t be afraid to combine this precious gem with tradition as a fashionable alternative for the modern bride. These pieces make a very wearable and fresh wedding accessory with their beauty and elegance. After all pearls are the symbol of love, happiness and good fortune
Freshwater Pearls
I have recently found the delightful “village” of Barnes in South West London. Its only 30 minutes into central London but it feels a million miles away. It feels like a leafy country village and has some great independent shops and restaurants, but shh – we don’t want everyone to find out! There’s always a lot going on in Barnes, especially in Spring as it is the site of the closing stages of the famous boat race and the stretch of the riverbank between Barnes and Hammersmith is a peaceful nature reserve. So get down to Barnes, stretch your legs with a jaunt around the shops. I found a “gem” of a shop on the High Street- Stone by Stone (and of course they are a BPA member!) offering a great selection of pearls and pink freshwater pearls . All three pearl necklaces (featured below) have slightly different hues of pink- proving again that right now everything is smelling of roses!
Team your pearls with some graphic stripes or vertical colour blocks if florals are too girly for you.
I am also lusting after these pinky peach pearl and silver drop earrings (hint Mother’s Day coming up!). They just look so fresh, time to ditch the black and dark shades we have been cocooning ourselves in all winter. A steal at £60!
Another member who has inspired us with these unusual metallic copper pink and black pearls is Pearlescence. They have a striking high lustre and a silky smooth surface. Wendy (MD of Pearlescence) is such a pearl expert and she personally hand picks these pearls to make sure you are getting the cream of the crop. Style tip- pare these back for work then ramp it up for evening.
And how about these beige pink AAA grade pearl earrings from Pearlescence with a metallic lustre. Wear with a simple top and your hair in an up-do to show off their light reflecting qualities. These pearls are so stunning (and huge) with accents of rose gold vermeil. Don’t forget to team your eyes, lips and cheeks to match- try Clarins Bubblegum lipstick (if you are feeling bold) or pearlescent cheek colours in pink and radiant coral from RMK available at Selfridges.
Oh and did I say, pink is my next favourite colour after black. (I think Yves Saint Laurent also favoured pink). It gives me a sense of femininity with a shy blush yet it is also fresh, youthful and joyous! What’s your favourite colour? info@britishpearlassocaition.com
