Six Reasons to Buy South Sea Pearls
Image: Autore Pearls
It’s clear that pearls are having their moment in 2020. Just like those before us, we have been seduced by their lustre and the possibilities they present in this post-streetwear era of fashion. The most hard-working of all the gemstones, we love the way pearls can elevate an outfit, balance structure and bring romance to the fore.
On and off the runway, we have seen pearls offset by texture and featured alongside unconventional styling. This signifies the gem departing from its formal roots and finding a space within our current moment. One where we’re just as likely to find them either festooned on the Hadid’s or safe in our grandmother’s jewellery box.
South sea pearls themselves are found in the southern oceans around Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Grown in saltwater, they’re coveted over other types of pearls for their ‘satiny’ glow and their famously thick nacre—the layers of mother-of-pearl that produce the final gem. You can find them with rose and silver overtones.
Do yourself a favour and consider South Sea Pearls: These 6 Reasons Will Convince You
1. You’re looking for a new investment piece
What does your grandmother and Gigi Hadid have in common? Their love of pearls. It may seem trite, but it’s a shared sentiment that those iridescent little orbs are timeless. Whether they’re a family heirloom or a recent gift, they can be reinvented and reimagined for whatever scenario you may find yourself in. And when taken care of they can last for over 150 years. If that’s not the definition of an investment piece, I don’t know what is.
2.They’re Versatile
Unlike that gigantic fedora you once purchased from that little boutique in Byron Bay, you can wear pearls with literally anything. A structured blazer, a little black dress, Ugg boots, a tie-dyed tracksuit…anything. The same goes for the occasion. They’re perfect for work, but can also be fitting for trips to the post office and coffee with your besties.
The best thing about pearls: You don’t have to wear strands of them around your neckline to enjoy the gems. Many come in rings with sculptural settings and earrings as lavish or restrained as you please, so you can adorn yourself any way you like. And with their resurgence in celebrity style, you’ll have plenty of inspiration on how to wear them. See: Harry Styles asymmetrical take at the 2019 met gala.
3. You were born in June
If you’re reading this and rolling your eyes, I’ve found you. Don’t worry Gemini, I’ll spare you the why-you-should-wear-your-birthstone spiel. Instead, I wanted to do a little experiment with the rule of three. Now I know you tend to steer away from all things woo-woo, but humour me for a moment. Think of a famous Gemini. Did any of the following come to mind? Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell and Natalie Portman. Now why mention these formidable women?
Well, Gemini queen Angelina Jolie has publicly donned pearls more times than Marge Simpson. And Naomi, our fearless leader launched her very own perfume in 2011 by the name of ‘Wild Pearl’, coincidence? I think not. And I’ll have you know it was Natalie Portman who played Jackie Onassis in the 2016 biopic Jackie and after all, it was Mrs Onassis that said: “pearls are always appropriate”. There is your evidence.
4. They’re Sustainable
You’ve got the mean greens. That’s to say you’ve been avoiding any shopping because of your simmering climate anxiety—and by avoiding we mean loading and then deleting the items in your cart.
We hear you. So it might relieve you to know that unlike other precious stones and gems that require mining the earth to obtain, the creation of pearls is completely natural. Some even say that pearl cultivation can be good for the ocean’s ecosystems. This is because the oysters that grow pearls famously filter and purify the water they’re in while also drawing in CO2 from the atmosphere. So pat yourself on the back for your considered sartorial purchase.
5. You’re vegan
I’m about to dip my toes into the incendiary topic of vegans and bivalves, but hear me out. Pearls are vegan. Oysters are non-sentient beings with no brain or advanced central nervous system. This means they’re unable to feel pain. So when an irritant gets into the oysters’ shell and it secretes nacre (mother of pearl) creating a lustrous pearl, it’s more of an act of protection against the foreign object than a signifier of discomfort. And that’s that.
6. You want to support locally made designers
Part of the allure of south sea pearls is that they are grown locally to Australia and there’s nothing we like more than championing home-grown businesses. Autore is a leader in south sea pearls, with farms off the coast of Broome, Elizabeth Bay in the Northern Territory and Indonesian islands Lombok and Java. The pearls are then transported to the company’s headquarters in Sydney where they are weighed, measured and assessed.
Now you’re equipped with enough reasons to treat yourself, shop some of our favourite picks below:
Autore 925 Silver Ring (NOW $348)
Originally $497
Inspired by that friend with the favourite ring they never take off. Let this be yours.
Autore 18k Gold Pendant ($3954)
Originally $5649
A statement pendant for when you want to pull out all the stops. We love that for you.
Autore 18K gold earrings ($2141)
Originally $3058
For brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in between.
Autore 18K gold earring studs ($1989)
Originally $2841
A simple stud for the more active summer months when you want to feel chic without the fuss.
Autore 18k Gold Cufflink ($3261)
Originally $4658
For when you score that promotion at work and are looking to reward yourself with a bit of retail therapy. Boardroom luxe.