Tagged with 'Akoya pearls'

Starring on the front cover of British Vogue's June 2019 issue, released on 10th May, the legendary music and cultural icon Madonna shows that pearls are still very much in vogue.

The shoot for the magazine was unveiled by the Edward Enniful OBE, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue. The story celebrates Madonna's 60th birthday and the unveiling of her new 14th album 'Madame X'.

The feature creates a series of images influenced by leading feminists of the mid-20th century "whose legacy Madonna not only admires, but relates to,” states Enniful. "I believe it’s important that we pay a little respect: for much of her life, she was probably the most high-profile feminist on the planet,” he continues. The feature celebrates the fact that, during her 20 year career, Madonna has always been a creative innovator.

The shoot was styled by Benjamin Bruno and photographed in London in March 2019 by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Two of the images see Madonna styled with pearls - one in an open necked Armani white men's shirt.

We are truly delighted and honoured that our Opera Length Akoya Pearl Necklace in Yellow Gold was chosen to be worn and photographed for the stunning set of imagery.



Image: Winterson Opera Length Akoya Pearl Necklace

The necklace features a 90cm length of Akoya pearls, a classic type of saltwater pearl that is traditionally cultured in Japanese coastal waters. The Akoya pearl is loved for its sharp lustre, round shape and white colour, with a hint of pink.

A big thank you to Edward Enniful and everyone at British Vogue!

New to the Mythologie collection is the refined simplicity of the Dewdrop earrings and pendants.

The Mythologie collection is inspired by the legends of the teardrop pearl throughout history. A symbol of new beginnings, pearls make a perfect gift for Christmas and the new year to come.

Celebrating the pearl's history as a symbol of purity, love and wisdom, the elongated drop shape of the design captures the sparkle of morning dew, which some ancient cultures believed was crystallised into a pearl.



Image 1: Mythologie Dewdrop Akoya Pearl Earrings in White Gold
Image 2: Mythologie Dewdrop Akoya Pearl Pendant in White Gold

The Ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the tears of the Gods, and that wearing pearls for a wedding would protect the bride from tears and sorrow. Over generations the pearl’s connections with innocence, beauty and purity have made it the perfect gemstone for a bride.



Image 1: Mythologie Dewdrop Akoya Pearl Earrings in Rose Gold
Image 2: Mythologie Dewdrop Akoya Pearl Pendant in Rose Gold

Hindu folklore refers to the pearl as a dewdrop, falling from the night sky into the moonlit sea, where Krishna, the god of love, plucks it from the ocean floor as a bridal gift for his daughter. Show your love for that special someone with a stunning new Mythologie Dewdrop set this Christmas.



Image 1: Mythologie Dewdrop Akoya Pearl Earrings in Yellow Gold
Image 2: Mythologie Dewdrop Akoya Pearl Pendant in Yellow Gold

Each elegant Dewdrop is crafted with a beautiful Akoya pearl, topped by a pave of brilliant cut diamonds, and hand finished in 18 carat white, yellow or rose gold.

A special Dark Dewdrop design is now also available, with the natural tones of Tahitian pearls that are perfect for the evening.

This week we are delighted to launch a new collection of jewellery called Lief, which is also the old English word for "Beloved".

The newly launched Lief collection has been designed by our new Creative Director Alice Cicolini, who first began working with Winterson in 2013.

ALICE CICOLINI

Alice is a successful jewellery designer, creative commissioner and producer, with her work currently being stocked at Net-A-Porter, Dover Street Market, Urban Flower Grange Hall and Colette.

Her first collaborative collection with us called ‘Beau’ - a flamboyantly British range of seed pearl jewellery – is available exclusively at Winterson.

In her official Winterson role, Alice will be responsible for the creative conception and product development of the classic, bridal and fine jewellery collections at Winterson. She will also establish and manage our exclusive collaborations with other up and coming British designers.

Alice brings a distinctive style and influence to our jewellery that has already inspired our customers with her Beau collection, rings and earrings. We are delighted to welcome her fully to our team.

THE INSPIRATION FOR LIEF

The new Lief collection is based on the Winterson brand motif, which is inspired by a wild northern flower called Linnaea Borealis.

This little alpine twinflower is named Carl Linnaeus, a world renowned Swedish botanist who is also believed to have been the first to culture successfully a spherical cultured pearl.

Alice's designs for Lief are an exquisite fusion of colourful gemstones and diamonds with Winterson’s signature pearls. Clever interchangeable design allows the wearer to create different looks across the collection, from everyday to the more formal.

Three designs beautifully capture the essence of spring and colour and will be an exciting range of enduring classics to treasure.

LIEF, ENCHANTED AND ENTWINED

 

The new Enchanted Diamond Earrings sparkle with 36 ice clear gems and are finished in white and yellow gold. Stunning on their own, they can also be combined with a selection of our carefully chosen pearls, crafted with an 18 carat gold loop and expertly designed to fit the Lief stud earring earpost.

New elegantly understated studs also join the range with a beautiful selection of gemstones to tempt, from soft Morganite and Green Beryl, to vibrant Pink Tourmaline, Aquamarine and Amethyst. Each stud earring can be paired with white Akoya or Freshwater Drop pearls, naturally grey Tahitian pearls, or simply worn on their own.

New Entwined Pearl Stud Earrings feature wild gold leaves, entwined around a pair of white Akoya pearls and adorned with two round white sparkling diamonds.

Discover the Lief collection here.

The world of the cultured pearl is always changing, with each year bringing a new set of pearl trends to discover as pearl farmers adapt their production and develop new techniques.

Our buying team recently returned from Asia with a stunning selection of the highest quality pearls for our collections of jewellery at Winterson, being carefully chosen for their lustre, colour and beauty.

But there were a few surprises too.

Here are our reflections from the visit and a prediction of pearl trends for the coming year:

SMALL SIZES…

Pearls above 11mm in diameter command a significant premium for their rarity, particularly for the highest quality South Sea and Tahitian pearls.

But this year more than ever before, we noticed that pearl sizes smaller than 7-8mm diameter, for the Akoya pearl and even seed pearls as small as 1-2mm, are very much in demand for necklaces, earrings and other types of jewellery.

Comfortable to wear and elegantly proportioned, these are the classic pearl sizes for a jewellery designer to work with.

THE EVER CHANGING FRESHWATER PEARL…

The shift in production and demand for Freshwater pearls over the past thirty years has been significant, with small cereal shaped pearls being steadily replaced by the introduction of rounder shapes, and more recently by larger nucleated pearls.

This year really is no exception. Round nucleated Freshwater pearls are now widely available in sizes above 12mm. The trend of the last few years towards large oversized baroque shapes in contemporary jewellery seems to be falling out of fashion.

Perhaps more concerning was the apparent level of processing treatment of some of the larger pearl sizes. Although designed to achieve a whiter colour, these pearls might lose their lustre over time. If in doubt, always buy from a retailer that specialises in pearls.

We only select the highest quality Freshwater pearls that we can find and we loved the dazzling metallic colours of the pearl drops above!

THE NEW WHITE IS…GOLDEN?

The boutiques and shops of Hong Kong are filled with many of the world’s luxury and fashion brands.

The Chinese home market of shoppers loves pearls and prices for high quality pearls are increasing with the growth in Asian markets.

Classic pearls that have a natural-looking white colour are the most favoured style, but it is the luxurious golden South Sea pearl, with its rich tones of champagne, gold and burnt orange, that is the most highly sought after pearl this year.

PREDICTION FOR 2014

The world of pearls is so varied that it is difficult, almost impossible, to summarise one single prediction for this organic gem next year.

Perhaps the most exciting trend is the popularity of small sizes - we are going to see more jewellery designers working with classic white pearls in many subtle, intricate and intriguing ways in 2014.

At Winterson we offer three pearl jewellery sets for brides that will be perfect for wearing with most bridal outfits on your special day.

 

One of the most feminine and graceful colours, white became the traditional colour for brides to wear at weddings in Europe and America in the 19th century. A symbol of purity, innocence and grace, white continues today to be the most popular colour for a bride’s wedding day.

 

Pearl jewellery is a perfect choice to match the elegance of a white wedding dress. Pearls have unique properties. Their white and reflective surface will enhance the crisp brightness of a dress and flatter a bride’s complexion.

 

These classic and versatile pieces can also be enjoyed again and again as favourite items in any jewellery box and collection.

BRIDAL PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDANT AND EARRINGS SET

 

This elegant pendant is made with a white freshwater pearl in the shape of a teardrop, set with a sparkling diamond and presented on an 18 carat white gold chain. It is accompanied by pretty white freshwater pearl earring studs, that are also finished with 18 carat white gold.

 

This beautiful bridal set is a perfect finishing touch to a bride’s attire that will subtly accessorise the dress.

PEARL WEDDING NECKLACE AND EARRINGS SET

 



 

The classic look of the white Freshwater pearl necklace might be the irresistible choice for the bride-to-be. This wedding necklace and earring set is made with white freshwater pearls, which have been chosen for their excellent lustre and beauty.

 

The jewellery is finished with 18 carat white gold and the necklace is also available with a silver magnetic clasp.

CLASSIC AKOYA PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS SET

 



 

Akoya pearls are a traditional type of pearl, originally farmed in Japan. They are characterized by their white color with an overtone of pink, making them an ultimate feminine gemstone.

 

This classic Akoya pearl necklace, bracelet and earring set is finished with 18 carat white gold and is one of our favourite bridal jewellery sets.

 

Visit our bridal pearl jewellery, wedding necklaces and bridal earrings collections for other exquisite designs and jewellery sets that will match the emotion of the occasion.

What love could be more enduring than the love we hold for our mothers?

To celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday March 10th this year, cards, chocolates or flowers are delightful gifts, yet also short-lived. If you are thinking of a more lasting tribute, a classic piece of pearl jewellery will be appreciated and enjoyed every day of the year.

For our selection of three unforgettable Mother’s Day gifts, we have chosen the classic Akoya pearl. The first pearl to be cultured in Japan, their history and prettiness makes the Akoya pearl a pertinent symbol of enduring love.

This ‘mother’ of cultured pearls is also characterized by its beautiful, high lustre and near perfect round shape.

CLASSIC WHITE AKOYA PEARL STUD EARRINGS

The grace of the Akoya pearl is highlighted in a pair of Akoya pearl earrings, an elegant and simple form of jewellery. These are feminine earrings, with a subtle pink overtone, that are a jewellery box staple.

The surface of Akoya pearls is made of nacre, similar to mother of pearl, which has unique properties. The shine of a pearl's nacre reflects light across the face of its wearer with an flattering glow.

Akoya pearl stud earrings suit ladies of all ages and, like a subtle daily touch of mascara or eye shadow, they become an indispensable accessory.

AKOYA PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDANT

An 18 carat gold chain presents an delicate, exquisite pearl and diamond pendant. This combination of precious gemstones has been a favorite for centuries as the lustre of the Akoya pearl contrasts well with the sparkle of the diamond.

Like a precious treasure to discretely adorn the neckline, and lying close to the heart, this pendant is also available from Winterson in 18 carat white gold.

18 CARAT YELLOW GOLD AKOYA PEARL RING

Our final gift for Mother's Day is inspired by the circle.

A symbol of eternity, rings symbolise a loving bond and the elegant shape of this 18 carat yellow gold Akoya ring echoes the pretty round shape of its Akoya pearl.

View our Gifts for Mothers for other enduring Mother's Day gift ideas.

All of our jewellery is treasured in a luxurious black jewellery box and travel pouch, like a precious pearl in the shell of its oyster. The jewellery box is snuggly fitted into a coral pink protective box, wrapped with a zigzag pattern and sealed with our Winterson flower.

Now, please hand over the chocolates…

With the launch of our new range of pearl rings, we introduced our beautiful Akoya Pearl and Diamond White Gold Ring.

Impeccably finished in 18 carat white gold, the ring exquisitely highlights the grace and elegance of the pearl - the traditionally symbolic gemstone for new brides around the world to wear on their wedding day.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ENGAGEMENT RING

The history and romance of giving rings is part of our wedding traditions, first being given in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as symbols of love, the heart and ownership.

In 1477 the Archduke Maximilian of Austria is recorded to have presented Mary of Burgundy with the world's first diamond engagement ring. Families around Europe with significant wealth followed suit.

Until De Beers discovered large diamond deposits in South Africa in the late 19th century, however, diamonds were forever to just a few.

A TRADITION BEFORE DIAMONDS

Couples instead celebrated their engagement with a variety of different coloured gemstone and gold rings.

Engagement rings with sapphires, rubies, seed pearls and other gemstones were popular, as was the use of other metal alloys such as yellow gold and rose gold.

Victorian pearl engagement rings were simple or intricate in their design.

The solitaire diamond, set in six-pronged claw style called a Tiffany Setting in 1886, is still the classic engagement ring design today.

But more unusual gemstones and cuts are back in fashion. It is also popular for couples to choose a more individual style, to personalise a ring, or even design a bespoke piece of jewellery.

THE PEARL ENGAGEMENT RING

For our ring collection, this ring design features an Akoya pearl, a variety of saltwater pearl that can truly match the emotion of the occasion with its special lustre and pink-white colour.

Two princess cut square white diamonds give the pearl an accent, whilst the flat court profile of the outside of the white gold band gives the ring a more contemporary styling.

A pearl engagement ring? Now that would be love.

Launching this Autumn at Winterson, our new collection of Pearl Rings celebrates the enchanting beauty and subtle luxury of the pearl.

One of the earliest forms of adornment by women, the ring has taken many forms since its ancient beginnings as a simple band of silver or gold. Today the ring is one of our most precious pieces of jewellery, with the symbolism of a wedding ring or the fashionable drama of an eye-catching cocktail ring.

Before diamonds became forever associated with engagement rings, rings made with natural freshwater and saltwater pearls were also the romantic and popular choice of gemstone for a new bride.

The inspiration for the designs of the first pieces in this collection of pearl rings was to celebrate this heritage with a simple classic, and contemporary design. Each ring is crafted in Britain from 18 carat white or yellow gold, with the band of the metal having a angular sharpness to its outside edge whilst being rounded on the inside for comfort.

Set into the beautifully proportioned shoulders of the gold ring are two types of saltwater pearls. The first is a round white Akoya pearl, a classic pearl that is much admired for the quality of its lustre and shine. The second type of pearl chosen for the collection is a Tahitian pearl, which has a naturally grey colour with overtones of light green and pink.

Set into yellow gold, with a sparkling trio of white round brilliant cut diamonds on either side, the Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring is already a firm favourite at Winterson.

All the rings are now available for order in a standard UK size M, which is a standard 6¼ size in the United States. It is possible for each ring design to be be resized to accommodate most ring sizes. Please contact us for more details if you would like some more information about ring sizes.

With their shining, lustrous surface and pretty shapes, pearls have inspired ancient myths of gods, angels and mermaids and been revered as fallen teardrops. Loved today by women, royalty, brides and fashion icons, the beautiful styling of pearl drop earrings may echo these enchanting images.

THE PEARL

 

As the central element, pearls are a foremost consideration in any design of pearl drop earrings. Round, near-round, oval or drop shaped pearls are favoured by designers as their symmetrical shapes allow the jewellery to be admired from every angle. We would recommend selecting exceptional pearls with a high lustre and clean surface, as well as larger sizes of between 8 and 12 millimetres in diameter.

 

All types of pearls are suitable for pearl drop earrings and the design choice depends on the direction of the styling and budget. Freshwater pearls can be beautiful and offer excellent value, Akoya pearls are perfect for their high lustre and pink overtones, Tahitian pearls for their contemporary, cooler hues and South Sea pearls for their luxurious silvery white and golden colours. Whichever the pearl type, both the pearls used in pearl drops should be matched carefully for comparable grading.

THE DESIGN

 

The classic design of a pearl drop earring is that of a pearl attached to a stud or a hook, composed of silver or gold. The pearl may sit just below the stud or hook, or may hang below between two to four centimetres in length. Longer pearl drops today are fashionable, easy to wear and very popular.

 

The attachment of the pearl to the drop may be rigid or supple with a chain that creates a pleasing movement in the form of the jewellery. Designs may also include multiple pearls on each earring, amplifying the elegance of the movement.

 

Amongst our contemporary designs, Sophie Breitmeyer has created a collection of Akoya pearl drop earrings with sparkling and colourful gems of blue sapphires, green tsavorite garnets and pink rubies.

THE OCCASION

 

Pearl drop earrings are very versatile, suiting women of all complexions and hair styling. Completed with sparkling diamonds or gemstones, pearl drop earrings are a perfect choice of fine jewellery for smart evening wear.

The use of seed pearls in fine jewellery throughout the latter part of the 19th century was immensely popular. Elaborately decorated brooches, tiaras, pins and earrings were very representative of Victorian fashion at the time. In this article, we look at what are seed pearls?

A Fashionable Pearl

Seed pearls have long been admired by jewellers for their elegance and traditional style.

The example above of an exquisite Fabergé Egg, made for Nicholas II of Russia in 1901, stands just 12cm tall and is adorned with seed pearls. The famous French jeweller to the Tsars was known for crafting his jewelled masterpieces with precious metals, enamel, gems and delicate pearls.

Prestigious jewellers such as Tiffany, Cartier and Boucheron also studded their designs with these tiny gems to match the sensual decadence of La Belle Époque fashion.

How are these small pearls made?

The Formation of Seed Pearls

A seed pearl is a small natural pearl, formed in either a saltwater oyster or freshwater mussel, that is usually less than 2mm in diameter.

Image: Cultured seed pearls

These pearls would have been found when divers searched for natural pearls in the Persian Gulf and Asia, or closer to home in streams and rivers of the USA, Europe and the British Isles.

Today the term "seed pearl" is more widely used to describe a small pearl that has been created as a result of a pearl farmer trying to stimulate the formation of a cultured pearl in a mollusc.

Image 1: Funeral Ring, Landscape and Temples, 18th Century
Image 2: Armband, Jacob Engelberth Torsk, Stockholm, 19th Century

These cultured seed pearls are formed with the accidental help of a loose piece of tissue in the mollusc, perhaps when the implanted bead has been separated from the pearl sac or has been expelled by the oyster.

Traditionally, the first cultured seed pearls would have been formed in Akoya oysters or Lake Biwa freshwater mussels in Japan.

Learn about the different Types of Pearls in our Buying Guide here.

Seed Pearls in Jewellery

Preparing such a tiny seed pearl for use in jewellery requires precision and a careful eye, particularly if the pearl is to be individually drilled and strung in a necklace or tassel earrings.

The famous Baroda Pearl Carpet, sold at auction by Sotheby's in 2009 for $5.5m, was covered with around 1.4 million seed pearls, all drilled by hand and sewn decoratively onto the fabric.

Image 1: Beau Seed Pearl and Diamond Ring with Yellow Gold
Image 2: Beau Seed Pearl and Enamel Pendant with Yellow Gold

Beau, our collection of pearl jewellery and pearl rings, inspired by the Georgian fashion for using seed pearls in jewellery, was designed by Alice Cicolini in 2013. The collection juxtaposes the delicate seed pearl with enamel and white diamonds, and uses the bow as its central motif.

We hope you will agree that Small is most certainly Beautiful!