If the baseline for pearl jewelry is a classic strand or pair of studs, the latest styles seem downright radical in comparison. Eschewing the status quo and, in fact, redefining it, the newest pearl jewelry voices are getting louder, and key members of the old guard are cleverly turning up the volume. The questions is: Are you listening?
Pamana collection Sarimanok brooch with South Sea baroque pearl, keshi pearl, diamonds, tsavorites, and red, purple, and blue sapphires in 18k yellow gold, $38,310; JewelmerCuff with multipastel Tahitian pearls, lavender spinel, round diamonds, and blue cabochon moonstones in 18k gold, $150,000; AssaelWild Pearl pendant with South Sea pearl and diamonds in 18k yellow gold, price on request; Melanie Georgacopoulos for TasakiMila earrings with freshwater pearls and diamonds in sterling silver, $1,350; Kara Strope Designs
Baroque pearl drop earrings with denim-color sapphires in 18k yellow gold, $9,000; Rush Jewelry DesignEarrings with mother-of-pearl discs, rubies, and diamonds in white and yellow gold, $9,200; Hanut SinghWaterfall necklace with Akoya pearls in 18k white gold, price on request; Yoko LondonGolden Tusk cuff with golden South Sea pearl, brown diamonds, and wild boar ivory tusk in 18k gold, price on request; Anomy PearlsMedium triangle hoop single earrings with pearls in 18k gold, $395 (sold as singles); Katey WalkerGrace Blanc hairpin with freshwater baroque pearl in 10k yellow gold, about $550; Sophie Bille BraheRing with pearls in 18k yellow gold, $880; Liev JoiasEarrings with amorphous cultured freshwater pearls and diamonds in 14k rose gold, $850; Own Your StoryCurved Tile Link bracelet with South Sea pearls in 18k yellow gold, $29,940; Irene NeuwirthHexagon necklace with freshwater pearls and diamonds in 14k white gold, $450; Honora
Privé collection one-of-a-kind ring with Tahitian baroque pearl and diamonds in 18k yellow gold, $12,000; MizukiLately drop earrings with cultured freshwater pearls in sterling silver, $220; Lieu Collections
Woven Pearl earrings with baroque pearls in gold-filled wire, $525; Mary MacGill
Top: Pearl Geode earrings with freshwater soufflé baroque pearls, seed pearls, turquoise, rubies, and 22k gold balls in 14k gold, price on request; little h
