La rentrée: September in studs

Welcome back! The shutters are opened, the presentoires cleaned, the terrazzo buffed. Though I unplugged from most online life for the summer, I've thought of you, as my eye and sneakers ranged about. 

For the traditional re-opening pearl post, a selection of the uncomplicated yet essential stud earring. It suits all faces and ears, does not overload visually (relevant if you wear glasses), and shows off a luscious pearl by letting it glow without fuss.  

If yours have been in your drawer since you wore white lipstick, they are likely dimmed from exposure to cosmetics, body oil, air pollution—time for a fresh pair! 

A Susanfriend visiting in July bought, uncharacteristically, a pair of medium-sized lavender freshwater studs when Pilar Agueci had a summer sale on pearls and hoop earrings. She found herself reaching for them most days. These 8mm freshwaters (still in stock as of writing) are set in silver; price, $CAN 75.

Photo: Pilar Agueci

Studs don't have to be round. These all-nacre 10mm keshi studs look good, as does the price, $CAN 65 from Canadian seller PearlsGirlsandGems on Etsy.  

Photo: PearlsGirlsandGems

If an upgrade appeals: the Tahitians! For their range of colours and sustainable production, I visit Kamoka Pearls. They describe the overtones and specific colour distribution of each pair, which very few online sellers do. These blue-green 9mm+ studs give T-thrill; price, $US 798.

Photo: Kamoka Pearls

And while we're in luxe land—who says studs must match? Manchester, Vermont jeweller Judy McCormick specializes in pearls for her original designs. These lavish (14.5 mm!) Tahitian studs are cheekily mis-matched, and set with Omega clips to support that size. Price, $US 1, 295.

Photo: Judy McCormick Couture Art Jewelry

Note: As of Sept. 1, the Government of Canada advised that "85% of goods imported from the US (those compliant with the North American CUSMA trade treaty) will be tariff-free'"(source); this includes jewellery and apparel.  

More sources for new studs: Pearlescence UK, Wendy Graham's company, offers both freshwater and saltwater varieties. Below, 13.2mm peachy-gold CFW button-shape studs set in silver, an unusual colour and a tempting price, £40. Buttons make excellent studs because they sit neatly on the ear even in large sizes.

Photo: Pearlescence

Several readers and I are delighted with our Pearlescence studs and service. The site has only one photo per pair, but Wendy will send more if you ask, and has more stock than what's shown.

My spring buy, a pair of Kasumi studs from Kojima Pearl, have had a merry summer cavorting about. Kojima offer only a few studs on their site, but will always make a pair for you.  

Photo: Kojima Pearl Company

Shown, 10mm white rosebud studs with shimmery rainbow undertones; price, $US 162.

"More pearls, please!"

These are studs too! By Australian jeweller Jan Logan, "Anjelica" pearl studs, about 18mm in length, set in 9ct yellow gold; price, $AUS 450. Here's an ear shot so you see the scale:

Photo: Jan Logan

A smart pair of earrings: not over-designed, and with graceful movement.

Petite with a plus

Some women prefer petite earrings, but a small white pearl (especially on white skin) can look a bit lost or jeune-fille, so choose a bezel setting, which creates contrast. For these 4mm studs, the handmade bezels are 14k yellow gold. By UK jeweller Justyna Sart on Etsy; price, $CAN 361. She has many other gemstone studs on her site, too.

Photo: Justyna Sart on Etsy

 

Making studs more

To add sizzle to studs, grab a jacket! A jacket slips onto the post so it hangs either in front or behind the ear. If you already have good pearl studs, you may only need the jacket.

Worth splashing out for, earrings by Vancouver-based jeweller Poppy Finch of 12-14mm CFW petal pearl studs with detachable long baroque pearl and 14k jackets. The jackets would also work with gold ball studs. Price, $CAN 595. The jackets are also made in a shorter style.

Photos: Poppy Finch

FleschShop (Sherbrooke, Quebec) makes a selection of cool and affordable jackets, with the option to buy their studs or only the jackets.

Photo: FleschShop on Etsy

Shown, pearl studs with silver fan jackets; $69 for the jacket only; with white, pink or black (dyed) freshwater pearls plus the jackets, the price is $CAN 97. Visit the site to see other jacket styles; you can even get them in rose gold.

 I have to show you these, because of their versatility and grace:

Photo: Nishi Pearl

Montréal's Nishi Pearl "Quadri" jackets present white CFW studs sold with matching jackets of graduated pearls, taking 4mm-7mm studs up a notch—or four. Price, $CAN 300. 

There you are in a shirt or tee and these, and any lingering image of June Cleaver in her prim studs  vanishes from the scene like the rotary phone. A pair of striking studs is never too much, always enough. 

Perhaps "just enough" is the overarching principle for life in the Passage.