Behind the Stones: Pearl Power
As we sail into the month of June, it’s time to celebrate one of the chicest treasures the natural world has to offer: the pearl. Fresh, versatile and lustrous, pearls have been beloved for centuries—and no wonder. They’re the only gemstones born from a living creature, which makes them as intriguing as they are timeless.
Let’s explore the rich history and modern magic of pearls, the birthstone of June, and uncover pearl jewellery destined to delight those born under its luminous spell.
Always in Style
Pearls have long been seen as the epitome of classic style—think Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Queen Elizabeth I—but don’t let their heritage fool you. Pearls are having a modern renaissance, and at Sophie Breitmeyer we love nothing more than giving this heirloom gem a contemporary update. Whether dangling from diamond hoops or pinned to a tie, our pearls are anything but prim.
Born, Not Cut
Unlike other gemstones, pearls require no cutting, polishing or faceting to reveal their beauty. They emerge from the oyster with their glow intact—nature’s version of ready-to-wear. That soft, satiny lustre? It comes from layers of nacre, the same substance used by molluscs to protect themselves. And somehow, in the process of fending off irritation, something impossibly beautiful is born.
The Many Moods of Pearls
When you think of pearls, you probably picture classic creamy white, but these gems of the sea actually come in a dazzling variety of hues. Soft pinks, shimmering silvers, dove greys and even deep, oil-slick blacks. The colour depends on the oyster, the water and a bit of natural alchemy. Akoya pearls, for example, are beloved for their perfect roundness and warm, mirror-like lustre. Sophie’s favourite? “I love working with baroque pearls,” she says. “They have so much personality. No two are ever the same, and that’s where their magic lies.”
Natural by Design
Baroque pearls are wonderfully wonky. Irregular, as if shaped by the sea, they’ve become something of a signature in Sophie’s work. Their natural individuality speaks to everything her designs stand for: pieces that feel personal and unforced.
The gems in the SB Baroque Pearl Drops are suspended from simple gold hoops, contrasting the smooth warmth of gold with the luminous, undulating surfaces of the pearls. They’re easy to wear and full of character—a great choice for the non-traditionalist bride.
Pearls Through Time
Few gemstones carry as much symbolism as the pearl. In ancient Rome, they were the ultimate emblem of wealth and power, so coveted that Julius Caesar passed laws restricting who could wear them. In Eastern cultures, pearls were linked to wisdom, purity and spiritual transformation. And in the Victorian era, they took on a more melancholic meaning, often set into mourning jewellery as delicate representations of tears.
Over time, pearls have shed these fixed associations to become deeply personal gems that are open to interpretation. Today, they can say whatever you want them to, whether that’s clean and classic or bold and modern.
They’re also a go-to gift for brides, new mums and those celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. Or, frankly, just because you fancy them. Pearls don’t need an occasion.
The June Birthstone
If you were born in June, pearls are your gem, and we think that’s something worth showing off. Steeped in symbolism but never stuck in the past, pearls are the perfect way to mark a birthday, an achievement or a personal milestone. Or simply to wear with your favourite t-shirt and feel just that little bit elevated.
