INHERITED
Many of us have family pearls sitting in our jewelry boxes. When I got married, I was gifted a beautiful string of pearls that belonged to my Japanese grandmother, Hisa.
Have I ever worn them?
No, not even once.
I imagine I am not the only one with family pearls sitting in a jewelry box, rarely if ever worn, but imbued with sentiment and too precious to part with.
However, traditionally set pearls and strands can be incorporated or transformed into beautifully contemporary and unique pieces.
We have a wide range of ideas at various price points!
We can restring and add a beautiful clasp, or use an unusual color thread. We can add other pearls and complimenting beads, or handmade chain to make a beautiful layering piece for your collection.
If you have family pearls you’d like to design with, look at our Pearl Design Guide below and make a custom appointment.
COMPLIMENTARY VERBAL PEARL APPRAISAL
Are your pearls real? Are they valuable?
Drop by SHIBUMI on Saturday April 8th from 1-4PM when our pearl appraiser will be on site to give complimentary verbal appraisals of your pearls.
WRITTEN PEARL APPRAISAL $120
We also offer written appraisals for your pearls and heirloom jewelry and stones.
- PEARL DESIGN GUIDE -
DESIGN IDEAS STARTING AT $350
Restringing pearls and adding a silver or bronze clasp.
Adding gold ear wire or bails (see below) to your existing peals.
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Pearls should ideally be strung with knots between each pearl. We recommend restringing when there starts to be movement between the pearls from wear. Silk is commonly used to string pearls. While it is very strong, it does wear over time. One simple way to update a string of pearls is to consider restringing them on colored silk. Something fun and unexpected like a hot pink thread or even a medium grey can liven up your pearls.
Also consider adding a contemporary new clasp which can be done with bronze or silver in this price point.
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We can also add a modern bail to one of your favorite pearls, or an updated French ear wire to your favorite pair.
DESIGN IDEAS STARTING AT $1000
Along with restringing, other ideas at this price point might include:
Adding a gold clasp
Adding other stones/pearls or bronze/silver beads
Adding a gold cable chain or handmade silver chain to lengthen your pearls
Creating a custom earring setting in silver or possibly 14k gold
Adding small gold bead accents with a simple gold clasp or chain
Creating a custom setting in silver for a ring with or without gold accents (Note: Creating a setting in 14k/18k gold starts at $2000)
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Many of our clients have wanted to add other components to their pearls. Above, are some examples where we have added other beads or stones in various colors and sizes or added a new chain.
We’ve also included examples of custom settings for rings and earrings created within this price point.
DESIGN IDEAS STARTING AT $3,000
Adding in higher-end stones/pearls with gold components
Adding a handmade gold chain to lengthen your pearls
Creating a custom setting in gold or platinum for a ring
Designing a custom earring setting in gold
Adding a custom gold bead with diamonds
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Pearls are an excellent choice for layering, especially when worn at a longer length to make them feel less formal. We can add a handmade or machined chain to extend the length to your pearls and give them a completely new look. We can also add gold beads, stone beads or other pearls, caps or custom elements to create something totally unique.
Custom settings in gold or platinum can also be considered at this price point.
DESIGN IDEAS STARTING AT $5,000
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Pearl quality can vary greatly. Many characteristics determine the value of a pearl such as shape, size, luster and color. We can source high-quality pearls or other stone beads to add to your pearls, with or without gold components.
We can also design a custom piece with our team or one of our artists.
INSPIRATION
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Feel free to be inspired!
The examples above are only some of endless ideas that can be translated at different price points. Much will depend on the actual pearls you are starting with.
Let us help make your jewelry feel more like you. We believe in expressing individuality and helping you find your creative vision!
Featured in the Guide: April Higashi, Claudia Alleyne, Kate Eickelberg, Kelsey Simmen, Kirsten Muenster, Mew Chiu, Olivia Shih, Ruth Tomlinson, Tracy Conkle
