For her February edit, Vogue Scandinavia’s editor in chief and resident jewellery obsessive Martina Bonnier turns to pearl rings as her guiding inspiration. From storied heritage houses to modern motifs, pearls take centre stage this month
Once considered overly ladylike (or dare we say it, dowdy), pearls have now firmly come into their own. No longer are these lustrous natural beauties reserved for your grandmother's jewellery box. With the elaborate styles now on offer, pearls are a welcome sight in the contemporary wardrobe.
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“Pearls have a long history,” explains editor-in-chief and undisputed pearl pro Martina Bonnier, noting they are often seen as symbols of purity, reserved for the likes of weddings or baptisms. “But they are also mythical symbols of power,” she adds, pointing to the Russian Tsars, whose crowns were laden with pearls. Bonnier’s favourite reference, however, is the legendary tale of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra, in which the queen, determined to serve the most expensive meal in history, dissolved a priceless pearl in vinegar and drank it.
Still, for the uninitiated, a classic strand of pearls may continue to conjure the ghost of pre-Lagerfeld Chanel. Elegant, yes, but a touch staid. So how should one begin to wear them now?
A pearl ring, Bonnier suggests, is the perfect entry point. Simple yet captivating, it brings the gemstone into the modern age. Whether you gravitate towards established names like Mikimoto –the original pearl cultivators – or Bibi Van Der Velden, or prefer a more contemporary take such as Melanie Georgacopoulos' Tria ring, a pearl ring is an effortless place to start. Mix and match it with your existing pieces, experiment with colour and scale, and give pearls the place they deserve in your collection.
Convinced to try the trend but unsure where to start? Shop Martina's edit here:
