Modern Pearl and Gold Necklaces
Whether you're in the market for a classic strand of pearls or something a little more unexpected, there's a new crop of designs that'll suit any style.pearl and gold necklace Danish goldsmith Sophie Bille Brahe is garnering a following for her modern reinterpretation of pearl and gold jewelry, designed with multifaceted modern women in mind (she's the granddaughter of pioneering astronomer Johannes Kepler).
Historically, pearls symbolized purity, innocence and faith.pearl and gold necklace They are also thought to offer protection against evil and promote wealth. Regardless of their meaning, the gems are known for their luster and timeless beauty. For these reasons and more, a pearl necklace has long been considered a status symbol and has served as a jewelry box staple for decades.
Yet, despite the pearl's undeniable elegance and versatility, it earned a slightly stuffy reputation as a wardrobe choice more suited for the boardroom than for a trend-setting fashionista.pearl and gold necklace The classic strand of pearls has been worn by some of the world's most iconic women, from Holly Golightly's dainty pearl bib in Breakfast at Tiffany's to Coco Chanel's long pearl loops and Harry Styles' simple single strand.
But the heirloom-quality accessory has taken on a new look in recent years, thanks to designers who've embraced its simplicity.pearl and gold necklace For example, Icelandic jeweler Aurum offers a sleek freshwater pearl necklace in a thin rope chain. Meanwhile, Danish brand Mikimoto teamed up with Commes des Garcons for an unconventional collection of pearl necklaces expressly designed for men. This gender-bending shift has inspired contemporary brands to reimagine the pearl for a new generation of wearers.
From a minimalist Scandinavian perspective, that means combining the gems with sleek gold chains or leather cords. For instance, Mikimoto's dainty Pearl Pendant Necklace is a lustrous combination of luminous freshwater pearls and lustrous gold. Similarly, the Gold Baroque Pearls Necklace from Paris-based label Laoli features black freshwater baroque pearls and gold-plated chain that envelops the neck for a lightweight feel.
Pearls can also be mixed with other textured gemstones, as seen on this Tahitian black-and-white striped necklace from designer Roxanne Assoulin. It also includes opals, sapphires and rubies, and comes with a removable brooch for a more versatile aesthetic.
In addition to incorporating different types of colored stones, some designers have also created new shapes and colors of pearls. These include a tiara-inspired necklace from Missoma that's strung with a mixture of freshwater and simulated diamonds, as well as a twisted hoop made with white and grey freshwater pearls. And this emerald green statement necklace from Southeast Asian-owned brand Angara has a more natural, opalescent appearance than the more traditional round and elliptical pearls.
If you want to add a more playful touch to your pearl and gold necklace, consider a black option like this one from Cult Gaia. Its black freshwater baroque pearls wrap gently around the neck, creating a delicately feminine effect. For a more bohemian take, you can opt for a black agate-embellished pearl tassel necklace from the Paris-based brand Laoli, which launched earlier this year. The piece is hand-strung by the oldest pearl atelier in the city and finished with an 18kt gold bead clasp.