There are classic pearl designers and those committed to innovating and tweaking the jewel-box staple into jewelry that appeals to the young, fashionable, and fabulous.
Jewelry designer Samira Sizdahkhani of Samira 13 definitely falls into the latter category but also tends to push the envelope as far as her fans and retail partners are willing to stretch.
Gray pearls may be trending, but they’re a constant for designer Samira Sizdahkhani, who wears them every day mixed with strands of other colored pearls and gemstones.
Her collections transform pearls into vehicles for tough-luxe, wickedly glamorous expressions of rebellion that are about as far from Little Miss Perfect as you can get. But spiders, snakes, and devil horns aside, calling them “cheeky” undermines their sophistication and the thoughtfulness with which Sizdahkhani approaches her craft.
Her newest pearl pieces point to an array of influences, inspirations, and directions.
“I have been exploring movement in a few of my new designs, with more pared-down detailing and clean lines,” she says. “I’m also continuing to play with organic shapes, embedding them with diamonds or morphing them into various skull pendants.”
Tahitian pearl skull pendant with diamonds in 18k gold, $2,530 (faceted chain sold separately)
Sizdahkhani’s current retail partners love pearls as much as she does, and over the years, their feedback has helped streamline her vision. “As long as my signature pieces are available for their customers, they’re excited to see whatever new directions I go in,” says the designer. “One thing I also consistently hear from my retailers is how well priced the collection is, which always makes me feel great. I work very hard to maintain quality and keep my wholesale pricing as low as possible.”
This year, Sizdahkhani has been experimenting with her flying pearl earrings, fringe pearl bracelets, and keshi pearl studs, all pieces with a well-established track record, but new versions will be encrusted in small, celestial-inspired diamond clusters.
Flying South Sea pearl earrings with diamonds in 18k gold, $3,900
Large silver freshwater pearl bracelet with 18k gold fringe, $630
Diamond halo keshi studs in 18k gold, $3,200
If you end up buying pearls from Sizdahkhani at the show, the timing couldn’t be better. As JCK recently reported, pearls are having a moment in general and were seen all over the fall/winter 2018 fashion runways in New York and London.
“I love the unexpected ways Simone Rocha uses pearls, so playful and feminine at the same time,” she says. “Alessandro Michele at Gucci has been having lots of fun lately with pearls. And, of course, Karl Lagerfeld often features them in exaggerated proportions, putting a fantasy spin on things. I love when other designers also take pearls beyond the realm of conventional and stuffy.”
Spine earring with Tahitian pearls and pavé diamonds in 18k gold, $8,500
Pearl tassel earrings in 18k gold, $1,150
Sliced freshwater baroque pearl ring in 18k gold, $6,400
As you can see, Sizdahkhani’s pearl designs align perfectly with the larger pearl conversation—and the tastes of those taking part in it.
See them for yourself at when you visit her in the JCK Las Vegas Design Center (booth 16124),
Top: Double Tahitian keshi pearl necklace in 18k gold, $2,160
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