Emilie sat across from me, slurping the whipped cream off her hot chocolate like a pink-nosed cat. She asked, "Are those pearls real?" Then she said, "Oh, I really like pearls, but I'm not the dressed-up type."
Emilie is in for a shock: there are many pearls that are casual, wearable and lustrous.
And in for a deal: I have a special offer to share! The esteemed pearl expert Sarah Canizzaro of Kojima Company is offering 12% off on any pearls on Kojima's site through January 12, 2012. Use the discount code HAPPYHAPPYPEARLS at checkout and tell us what you chose!
(I receive no financial incentive for my posts mentioning any vendor but could probably be bought, someday, for a rope of South Sea gumballs.)
Emilie is in for a shock: there are many pearls that are casual, wearable and lustrous.
And in for a deal: I have a special offer to share! The esteemed pearl expert Sarah Canizzaro of Kojima Company is offering 12% off on any pearls on Kojima's site through January 12, 2012. Use the discount code HAPPYHAPPYPEARLS at checkout and tell us what you chose!
(I receive no financial incentive for my posts mentioning any vendor but could probably be bought, someday, for a rope of South Sea gumballs.)
Opera: the shortest longer length
Sometimes more is less. A longer length accompanies casual clothes better than short.
Though the name reeks of la-di-da, the opera strand is temptress-may-care with a shirt and pants, as shown in this shot of Tilda Swinton in multicoloured Tahitians in "I Am Love".
Many women mentioned this strand to me; seeing them worn so offhandedly opened their eyes and they wanted them, as well as those Jil Sander orange pants and the young Italian chef. Girls, I can only do so much.
The longest opera-length (which spans from 26 to 36 inches) can double to make a two-strand princess or choker-length necklace; any opera-length piece winds around the wrist for a bracelet.
You also won't be wearing as much weight, which you will notice in 60-inch and up lengths.
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| Opera-length at the espresso bar |
Many women mentioned this strand to me; seeing them worn so offhandedly opened their eyes and they wanted them, as well as those Jil Sander orange pants and the young Italian chef. Girls, I can only do so much.
The longest opera-length (which spans from 26 to 36 inches) can double to make a two-strand princess or choker-length necklace; any opera-length piece winds around the wrist for a bracelet.
You also won't be wearing as much weight, which you will notice in 60-inch and up lengths.
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| Kojima Company mixed opera-length |
The 36-inch rope is $621 from Kojima Company. If you must have big Tahitians of the finest quality, my deah, add a zero to that pricetag.
Rope tricks
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| Lady Mary's rope |
You have many options for wearing yours. A page on Kari Pearls' site shows 21 ways; use your imagination and substitute a simple v-neck for the rather bright dress.
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| Pearl Paradise peaches |
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| Beth Orduna at Twist |
Another take: the 56-inch rope of mixed size (7mm-10mm) freshwater pearls spiked with agate beads and finished with a mod toggle by Beth Orduna at Twist; price, $968. Take this photo to your jeweler if you have a pearl reno project in mind; it's easy to make a variation.
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| Pearl and leather 55-inch rope |
The ultimate in casual: a pearl rope with leather. Take yours on vacation to wear with a sarong. American Pearl's St. Bart's rope comes in 55-inch (7 pearls) or 100-inch (14 pearl) sizes. I've shown the freshwaters ($225) but it's made with Tahitian and South Sea pearls, too.
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| Tahitian 108-inch rope |
Want more pearl to twirl? Invest in American Pearl's multicolour Tahitian version, over 100 inches of golden South Seas and grey Tahitians to wind and wear, here and there. Price, $2,500.
For an assortment of casual pearl and leather pieces, visit Calypso Sea; Florida-based jeweler Tanya G. Burnett works exclusively with pearls and leather, in many lengths and styles. (To remodel your necklace in a similar style, the pearls must be re-drilled with extra-large holes, a task for a jeweler experienced with pearls.)
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| Multicoloured keshi rope |
Ropes of keshis, the freeform, all-nacre pearl loaded with luster, dress down as far as you want, but, unlike a leather piece, will also float up to your party wear.
Shown, a multicoloured 64-inch keshi rope; price, $388 from HinsonGayle.
Feels good to start the new year with a pearl post!
2012 will be pearly, as more jewelers play with intriguing ways to wear the most graceful of organic gems. I'll keep you pearl-posted.
22 comments:
All of these are beautiful! Pearls go with anything, anytime!
I think some colored pearls are just the thing right now. That longer strand of colored keishis is calling my name...
My mother has a very long rope. Love the looped double look. BTW, on Sunday I posted a pretend outfit for Paris, and, included keshis:). You're starting to convince me...But I have to say, I'm not too fond of multi-colored strands. Remind me too much of what we used to call Indian corn.
Mother has wonderful south sea baroque pearls in an opera length....
I am smitten with pearls,
I would LOVE to think that there were gum ball pearls in my future!
What a sumptuous post.
I love the lustre of pearls! I have a couple of 60" freshwater strands, as well as a 100". I wear them separately, looped around to 20" lengths. This creates a luminescent collar that bounces light to the face. It's a slightly a dressier look, but I wear it with casual clothes anyway!
Your opening sentence was wonderful, it read like the start of a book. I'm the standard white pearl type.
Such a fun -- and inspiring -- post! Drool! I'm surprised at how beautifully the pearls work with rope. It's a sparer look but it really draws me in. . .
Pam: Amen, sister!
pseu: Pearls are the perfect way to ring in a new year.
LPC: Some multi-coloured strands are the subtlest ecru, pink, gold- reassuringly discreet.
hostess: Would love to see a photo sometime of your Mother in her pearls. Could we possibly coax her to pose?
SusanG.: More pearls I'd love to see... yes, wear them casually.
Tabitha: Thank you; the advantage of whites is that they are eminently wearable.
materfamilias: Perhaps I should have shown multiple ropes? You can make long strands as spare or over the top as your neck can handle- see Susan G's comment.
Sorry, a bit off topic, but do you have the scoop on the Eric Bompard January sales this year? Also, have you ever had problems ordering online? I tried and it would not work for me. thanks much
Kristi
PS do you find the sweaters run true to size? xoxo K
Oh how I love your pearl posts! I really like that strand with the leather and the multicolored pearls, I seem to like the multicolored strands more when the pearls are more discretely spaced unless the color variation is much more subtle.
I would love an opera length strand of large pearls and I love ropes. I have a 120" strand of 9 mm fresh water pearls which I love and find is best worn casually. I will admit that I sometimes think about shortening it just a bit, to maybe 90 inches and making another necklace with the other pearls. But we will see.
I love those Beth Orduna pearls. I need to see if they come in a single rope. Duchesse, I hope that you and yours are having a Happy New Years!
What I wouldn't do for a strand of multicolored Tahitians...I'd settle for a princess length if I could get them! I've been remiss in wearing my 45 in strand of naturals I got for a song through an estate...not the most practical when one is house-bound and so, I have time to practice some of those methods shown. I've passed some of my strands and earrings to my 17yo daughter to force myself to wear my antiques regularly. Nothing like encouraging the young to adopt good habits!!
Kristi's VIP Salebegins today; use code VPEB11 at checkout for 30% off, is open to everyone tomorrow. I have never had a problem ordering from site; you have to set up your account. All garments have size measurements (width at bust and length); best way is to measure something you already own and compare.
Mardel: I know you have some *gorgeous* pearls. Perhaps your new locale will suggest some remodeling? Leather stringing is perfect for warmer locales; you can even swim in them.
Gretchen: 45 inches will double nicely, too. What a lovely idea, passing pieces to your daughter. Isn't it intriguing how the same piece looks so different worn by two generations?
laurieann" Not sure what you mean by "a single rope". That 56 inch rope can be worn long, knotted, doubled etc.- a really versatile size.
Kristi: Was in a hurry when I wrote the reply to your inquiry above; it is of course Bompard's sale that begins today using the VIP code, VPEB11, and tomorrow for anyone.
Why thank you. I guess I asked on the right day!
I really, really like the two rope necklaces. I would wear those even though I'm shying away from pearls in general. Like Emilie I'm realizing I'm not the dressed up type.
Susan Tiner: "Shying away from pearls in general". Oh my, I have more work to do ;)
Actually there are many other wonderful gems and materials, I must admit!
I bought a leather pearl bracelet on etsy and I'm considering a keshi rope. My jewelry "wardrobe" is nearly complete. thanks for the coupon.
I've had good luck with rose gold and pearl pieces at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CylleneJewelry
another etsy shop you might like carries these fun resin coated tins (upcycling?)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neverstopshoppin?ref=seller_info
Anonymous@ 2:12: I love it when people share their favourite Etsy sites; thank you! Especially admire the Japanese paper tins from Neverstopshoppin'.
What a great post - thank for sharing all of your recommendations on pearls. I have a few pieces of pearl jewellery, and would love to find a longer length necklace. They really do light up the face. By the way, I just started following your blog after discovering it through searching for reviews of Eric Bompard cashmere. ( I see there are other bloggers that I follow who are already here!) Thank you for posting the coupon code!!
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