Pearl rings - What's hot, what's not?

[Kevin Canning]

So I'm in the process of designing a line of pearl rings and since we have never carried a line of rings before I'd love to hear some member feedback on the issue.

What are your likes and dislikes when it comes to pearl rings? Do you like large single pearl "cocktail" style rings, or smaller more understated rings? Do you like other gemstones mixed in or do you think the pearl(s) should stand on its own? Akoya, Tahitian, golden & white South Sea pearls? - what types of pearls do you think look best in a ring setting?

What makes the perfect pearl ring to you?

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Pearls are such glorious jewels that rarely beg to be accompanied--but if they must, only very simply; single round or baugette diamond set next to the orb.

In addition, I do enjoy high carat yellow colors (22k) next to golden pearls--elegant, rich, even 'exotic' in appearance.

JMO

cheers--Sharon

[jshepherd]

Have any of you seen a ring that has a removable pearl? One of the ladies in my office designed a ring for Reese Witherspoon earlier this year that had a "mystery clasp" setting which allowed you to basically unscrew the pearl and replace it with another. It works really well with South Sea (golden and white) and Tahitian pearls.

We have yet to market the piece, however, because I am nearly certain I have heard of a similar design before, and I am not sure whether or not it is a trademark design. It was hugely popular, though, and we have already sold a lot privately. It is just a simple (yet thick) band with no stones - just a big pearl.

[youngster]

I agree with Sharon. I like pearls set simply, without a lot of other stuff going on around them. I've also always been cautious about pearl rings, because I have been afraid of damaging the pearl.

Jeremy, that sounds amazing. What a great idea. Love to see a photo if you have one.

youngster

[canuk-gal]

We have yet to market the piece, however, because I am nearly certain I have heard of a similar design before, and I am not sure whether or not it is a trademark design.

This idea, is also familiar to me, but from where....see if I can "find" what is trying to inform my thoughts.....

cheers--Sharon

[jshepherd]

I had come back from a buying trip and they were quite excited to show me this new design, thinking it was completely original. But I had a feeling about this one...like I know I have seen it before but I just cannot remember where, like that face in the crowd. I would really like to know as we would otherwise consider launching a whole line based on the concept. It is a great piece, but it might not be ours...

[nlerner]

Usually pearl rings do not make justice to the pearl no matter how big or glorious it is.
Pearl ring has to have two supporting arms proportionally designed and filled with 1 or 2 points round diamonds.
Or using colored gem stones aside or with, will also add to the pearl elegance.
Sorry that's the way I see it.

[Caitlin]

Every one of my friends that had an akoya engagement ring, wore the ring out- and ended up with nothing but the bead. One marriage worn out about the same time as the pearl... You really do not want to wear such a ring on a daily basis- It can't take it for long.

Here is a picture of a ring my mom made from a baroque Bahraini pearl after she lost the other one from a set of earrings. I like the setting because it is very secure and protective. It would also look good with a round pearl.

This ring has been worn for about 32 years since it was reset. I don't wear gold, so it went to my elder daughter.

[nlerner]

Caitlin,
That is exactly what I had in mind. Round pearl is too standing out to be left alone free in "space". Any support, gold, diamonds, arms, gems, will add to the beauty of the round pearl. Things will be different with other shapes.

[jshepherd]

This is the Reese ring. Do you think it needed more? We all really liked the simplicity of it.

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Very pretty! One in every color would suffice......

Still trying to find the origin of the "interchangeable" stone--the versitility of this old idea has made its way into popular jewellery styles/forms; but it's origin? Victorian jewellers had their way with brooches, but rings? Maybe Faberge? Cartier?

Anyone from the antique travelling jewellery show out there? Christies? Inquiring minds must know.....

cheers--Sharon

[nlerner]

Jeremy,
I've seen that ring already in "Pearl Paradise".
It is simple indeed; the pearl is beautiful, the band is pure shape, but for me there are no proportions between those two. I just do not find it nice.
I see jewelry as a small sculpture ( harmony and proportions between its parts, balance ).
I forgot one important thing! Jewelry is not only a little sculpture but also something you use/wear, so it has to be functional too. The ring you showed will be just uncomfortable to wear.

[jshepherd]

You mentioned uncomfortable...can you expound on that a bit more? It has not yet come up here. Is it because the pearl is too high? No, that would not be the case because any setting would be the same with a larger pearl. Sorry, thinking and typing at the same time...

[youngster]

I don't think I like the Reese ring very much. The pearl just looks too vulnerable sitting alone up there! I do like Caitlin's mom's ring. I like metal woven around a pearl in some way, which serves as protection and as part of the design of the ring. Caitlin's mom's ring has an organic look to it which is very neat.

[nlerner]

Jeremy
The metal woven around the pearl not only gives protection as Youngster wrote, but also, from the design point of view, adds to the balance; the round shape of the pearl is too big to stand alone.
No comfortable to use because it will bump in things, must be taken off before washing hands, dishes..... you know, we do those things.
I have a beautiful 2cm. coral ring and it's the same story, I can use it only on special occasions.
It is very difficult to find a nice pearl ring and I think that the reason is that good designers are not involved in the process.
Finally, I prefer pearls on necks, ears, pendants, BUT WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A NICE PEARL RING TOO !!! ( I have already 2 ugly ones..... )