Pearl Trip
The aquatic origins of cultured pearls make them the defacto gem of summer. Pearls are also a traditional look that’s being worn in more modern ways.
Lali Jewels
Lali Jewels’ Perilynn Glasner confirms that pearls, particularly cultured freshwaters in a variety of colors, are perfect for nearly all designs.
“Pearls are a classic and never go out of style since they have been modernized for today’s consumer,” she says. “We have a collection of multicolor pearls which have a soft elegance to them. This helps elevate your spring or summer style.”
As many know, 100% of the product produced by Imperial has pearls, from studs to fashion items.
“Many designs are influenced by trends in the jewelry world which we’ll interpret in pearl,” explains Kathy Grenier, vice president of business development. “We create specialty collections, such as Weddings, complete with display marketing.”
Manufacturer Brevani steers clear of classic pearl looks but does use the gem in nontraditional designs. They do so, according to Allison Peck, director of operations, to combat dated stereotypes. “It helps that recently pearls have been more mainstream, being worn by both men and women,” she says.
Royal Chain
Phillip Gabriel Maroof, vice president of marketing and design for the Royal Chain Group, notes the company doesn’t use a lot of pearls in its karat-gold jewelry—“Less than 5% of our assortment contains pearls,” he says—but that figure is growing.
“We generally use freshwater pearls,” he continues. “After Harry Styles donned them, we think stereotypes have gone out the door! We modernize our pearl looks by utilizing them as accents in our gold jewelry, mixing them with trendy settings and combinations to make the stone more adaptable in fashion.”
Mastoloni Pearls’ company principal Fran Mastoloni agrees.
Imperial Pearl
“There seems to be a common misconception about pearls, that they are not for everyone,” he says. His family’s 80-plus-year-old brand, however, has never viewed them as dated or for only one segment of the population. “Just as every pearl is distinct, so is the individual. There exists a pearl and pearl style for every person—from the conservative to the cutting-edge.”
New pearl jewelry designs touch on all the mainstream jewelry trends. Half-and-half necklaces containing pearls and other gems, or gold and silver links, are a hit among many. Maroof makes both paperclip necklaces and beaded numbers with pearls. Mastoloni recently debuted ribbed effects in gold with freshwater pearls and diamonds, while Imperial offers their interpretation of a bar-style necklace with their favorite gem.
Brevani’s recently unveiled freshwater pearl collection features pearls that are illusion-set with diamonds as well as new mother-of-pearl styles. Given they’re so new, retailer feedback isn’t yet available, but the Brevani team members are already fans. “The response from our office staff is extremely positive,” says Peck.
At Shefi Diamonds, pearls are part of its fashion-forward collections. These include pearls set with diamond-accented motifs like owls, snowflakes, starfish, and more. Plus, a new display program is on the horizon for clients who like the offerings.
Mastoloni Pearls
Meanwhile, no one should forget that pearl jewelry requires cleaning, just like any other type of jewelry. It’s a point that, despite the popularity of pearls, says Heather Brown, vice president of content and editorial for The Kingswood Company, many do not know.
“Pearls, like other softer gemstones, should be cleaned with a gentle professional jewelry cleaning formula,” she explains. “Strung pearls should not be soaked in a cleaning formula, so use a jewelry cleaning stick or wipe. Providing education about how to safely clean purchases, plus offering the right products, is a win-win for jewelers and customers.”