PEARL REPORT | 29 | 2022-2023 设计 Hakimian remarked, “The collection was designed to give the wearer the opportunity to express their unique style by mixing and matching designs.” Yoko London also recently upgraded its bestselling Trend and Sleek collections to include new colour variations. It now offers select designs adorned with resplendent, mesmerising pink freshwater pearls interspersed with diamonds. Buyers can also choose pieces in 18-karat rose gold. The company also updated its Starlight collection, launching a multitude of new designs to expand its wellloved motifs and include smaller, easy-to-wear designs. “The broadening of these collections means customers can express their own style in new and exciting ways,” explained Hakimian. “Our team of designers are constantly reimagining the way people wear pearl jewellery. We have beautiful new collections in the pipeline that will be launched later this year.” With the easing of Covid restrictions in most markets, the company official said buyers are once again investing in one-of-a-kind pearl jewellery pieces, especially in the Middle East. Life events that were postponed during the pandemic are also expected to take place throughout 2022. These are important occasions to wear special jewellery, presenting massive opportunities for jewellery designers. Modern appeal Italian jewellery designer Lia Di Gregorio is giving pearl jewellery an even more contemporary feel, with her nontraditional take on the beloved gem. As a designer, she views the pearls’ innate colour, spherical and geometrical shape, and overall charisma as liberating and inspiring. “I use pearls as solid components of my designs and not merely as precious centre stones,” explained Di Gregorio. “I focus on the concept more than the decoration. This gives my creations a more edgy, modern and standout appeal.” Di Gregorio is making a name for herself among today’s discerning consumers. One iconic element of her designs is the non-traditional placement of pearls in the jewellery. For instance, her Pointillisme ring in 18-karat gold has an Akoya pearl centre gem set below the bridge of the ring, giving the illusion of a “hidden pearl.” The Trasparenze B bracelet in 18-karat gold meanwhile showcases Akoya pearls in varying sizes between two golden bands. “Inverting the position of the pearl or placing it in a way that surprises the wearer or the observer is part of the design conceptualisation that sets my creations apart from others in the market. Hiding the pearls or repositioning them alters the aesthetic concept of every jewellery,” noted Di Gregorio. The jeweller takes inspiration from everyday life as well as art, architecture, people and cultures. When travelling, she also imbibes foreign history, music and tradition to fuel her creative endeavours. Di Gregorio currently works with small concept stores and select shops mainly in Japan, Europe and the US. “I love working with pearls because they can express personal styles in a discrete, delicate way. Fine jewellery, in my opinion, is more interesting when the concept is compelling and the material and workmanship are functional to the central idea,” she remarked. ‘Trasparenze’ ring by Lia Di Gregorio Lia Di Gregorio的Trasparenze戒指 ‘Eclipse’ Akoya pearl and diamond earrings in 18-karat white gold by Yoko London | Yoko London“Eclipse”18K白金海水珠配钻石耳环
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