Pearls are garnering deserved attention in today’s jewellery world as buyers continue to expand their aesthetic horizons and gravitate towards pearl jewellery pieces that effortlessly meld classic and contemporary design elements. 

Inspired by the market’s growing appetite for innovation and novelty, creative combinations of pearls with diamonds and gemstones are increasingly dominating the jewellery scene.

At Bonhams, pearl jewellery pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries in traditional and modern styles were the stars of a recent online auction that featured 60 pearl jewellery pieces, including earrings, necklaces, bangles, rings and brooches. 

The top lot was a pearl and diamond bracelet in platinum and 14-karat white gold, which sold for HK$84,137 (US$10,837), followed by a pearl and diamond ring in platinum, which fetched HK$64,340 (US$8,287).

Other highlights of the sale were a pair of pink and white pearl earrings with diamonds in 18-karat rose gold as well as a number of classic pearl necklaces. The sale, Powerful & Pretty: Pearls Online, was held from March 8 to 12.

Pearls have been integral symbols of elegance and sovereignty throughout history, having been worn by members of the royal family as well as iconic celebrities and political figures – from Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Vice President Kamala Harris, noted Bonhams. 

“Coco Chanel and Marie Antoinette famously viewed pearls as the embodiment of sophistication, and Jackie Kennedy once said, ‘Pearls are always appropriate.’ The gem is an absolute essential in a powerful woman's wardrobe,” continued the auction house.