February 09, 2010

Pearls of Wisdom

I recently read that on Wednesday 9th December, Bonhams Bond Street hosted 'The Art of Jewels: Fine Jewellery and Iconic Gems' sale. One of the major highlights of the sale was a stunning pearl necklace, belonging to Lady Houston, the renowned philanthropist and benefactor.
The double-row necklace with graduated pearls had an estimated price of £30,000 to £50,000, but sold for an impressive value of £311,200. It is made up of large natural pearls of outstanding quality, between 5.8 and 12.8mm. Interestingly, their erstwhile owner, Lady Houston, donated a considerable amount of her personal fortune in support of British aviation, which would eventually lead to the design of the Spitfire, an integral part of our national defence during WW2.

Posted: February 9, 2010 12:09 PM

October 08, 2009

English Heritage

According to Vogue, the eccentric English aristo is autumn's offbeat style icon. The editors there suggest mixing and matching vivid plaids, patterned knits and heirloom jewellery which is why these classic ivory pearl stud earrings from Mai Pearls are perfect for completing your look. Choose from four different sizes from a subtle 6 mm to a statement 11 mm pearl stud earring.

And for anything tweed, check out Katie Mosa's Tweed with a Twist range that has just been launched! I love the wrist warmers, practical and stylish - thank you Katie!

Posted: October 8, 2009 10:56 AM

July 30, 2009

Beat the lack of sunshine blues...

If any of you are feeling a little cheesed off with the lack of sunshine that we have had this summer, then may I suggest a little online shopping as a little pick me up? Why not make the most of the summer sales but from the comfort of your home or office, making sure you keep out of the rain and stay dry. Plus you will get that excited feeling as your parcel arrives and you begin to unwrap it, like Christmas has come early! Have a look at our summer sale online for 25% off stunning pearl jewellery including pearl earrings, pearl pendants, pearl necklaces and pearl bracelets.

Posted: July 30, 2009 12:11 PM

July 24, 2009

Trend Alert

We at Mai Pearls are delighted to report that according to Fashion Director Hilary Alexander, on the Autumn Winter 09/10 catwalks John Galliano used long, snake-like ropes of gilt, festooned with elaborate, embossed miniature shields, coins, discs and you guessed it, pearls. If a Galliano creation is off your budget, then perhaps try reinventing an old outfit from your wardrobe with some pearl jewellery accessories. Take a look at Mai Pearls website for gorgous pearl jewellery including pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets, pearl pendants and pearl earrings. Whats more is many designs are now in the sale!

Posted: July 24, 2009 03:07 PM

July 08, 2009

Mood Indigo

Vogue reports this month that, "Autumn Winter 2009 is a season in which black dominates, along with urban grey. However, indigo tones - from smoky teal to luscious purple - are the shades that mesmerise. Wear by day in a solid block of colour..., or mixed with earthy shades of mushroom and taupe. And for eveningwear, target light-reflecting silks or velvets to showcase these exquisite shades at their most intense. Mai Pearls will be launching the Autumn Winter 09 collection at the beginning of September, so keep an eye out for more beautiful pearl jewellery.

Posted: July 8, 2009 10:21 AM

July 06, 2009

The Affair of the Pink Pearl

Whilst I was at the Lincolnshire County Show the week before last selling Mai Pearls jewellery, one gentleman reminded me of the Agatha Christie tale. Now that I am back in the office, I have been able to look it up and I thought that I would share it with you.

This has been taken from Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia. "Tommy sorts out a pile of books in the office. They are a number of volumes of famous detective stories and he thinks it would be a good idea to base their techniques on the different styles of their fictional counterparts. He has also bought a good camera for taking photographs of footprints and "all that sort of thing".

They receive a client. It is a young woman named Miss Kingston Bruce. She lives in Wimbledon with her parents and last night one of their guests lost a valuable pink pearl. They do not wish to call in the police yet and the Blunts were recommended to them by Lawrence St. Vincent who was also one of the guests.

The Beresfords travel to Wimbledon and meet Colonel Kingston Bruce. He proudly tells them that Lady Laura Barton, daughter of the late Earl of Carroway, is staying with them together with an American couple, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Betts, who wanted to meet a titled lady. During a bridge game after dinner, the clasp of Mrs. Betts' pearl pendant necklace broke. She laid it down on a small table and forgot to take it upstairs. The next morning, the necklace was still there but the pearl itself had gone. Aside from the Kingston Bruce's, the Betts, Lady Laura and St. Vincent, the only other guest was a Mr. Rennie who is paying court to Miss Kingston Bruce. Her father doesn't like or trust the man as he is a socialist. No one has been allowed to leave the house since the pearl was discovered to be missing except for their daughter when she went to the Blunts. They are given approval to search the house as part of their investigations.

Tommy tries to look impressive by using his new camera whilst Tuppence tactfully questions the servants. They overhear a scrap of conversation between Mrs. Kingston Bruce and her daughter about someone hiding a teaspoon in their muff and wonder who this can be. Later on, Tuppence ferrets out of Lady Laura's French maid, Elise, that her employer is something of a kleptomaniac and five times in the past items have gone missing when she had been staying at friend's houses. They start searching Lady Laura's bedroom and bathroom, momentarily getting stuck in the latter room when Elise cannot open the door. Tommy takes pictures in the bedroom with Elise's assistance and then quietly tells Tuppence that he has an idea and has to go out to pursue it. In the meantime, she is not to let Lady Laura out of the house.

Some time later Tommy returns with Inspector Marriot of Scotland Yard. They go straight back to the bathroom and cut the cake of soap in half. Inside it is the pearl. The reason Elise couldn't open the door was that she had soap on her hands after depositing the pearl there. Tommy's photographs included one of the maid and she handled one of the glass slides, thus leaving her fingerprints. The Yard have identified her from their records as a missing criminal and arrested her. Being the maid of a lady suspected of kleptomania was the best cover she could have."

Posted: July 6, 2009 11:03 AM

May 21, 2009

Mabe Pearls

Mabe pearls are considered to be “semi-spherical cultured pearls”. Instead of growing inside the body of the mollusk creature, as is the case with other pearls, mabe pearls grow against the inside shell.

This process causes mabe pearls to have a flat side, as opposed to being relatively spherical and this explains why mabe pearls are frequently called “half pearls”. Though they are quite lovely to look at, they will not be as expensive or valuable as “round” pearls due to the flat side.

To culture a mabe pearl, this is done be inserting the nucleus flush against the side of the mollusk causing the oyster to make its nacre deposits over the nucleus, and against the inside of its shell, forming a semi-spherical pearl. Due to this one flattened side, mabe pearls become the ideal choice for jewellery such as earrings and rings which allow for a secure setting, and a concealed flat back.

The mabe pearl first reached its popularity in the end of the 19th century, and from that time until the mid 20th century, many different efforts were made to attempt to cultivate the mabe pearl – most of which were in vein. Today, the production of cultured mabe pearls has become quite stable. Depending on the desired size, 2 to 6 years are needed for each pearl. However, for those who enjoy the mabe pearl, it’s well worth the wait.
www.maipearls.co.uk

Posted: May 21, 2009 01:07 PM

May 20, 2009

Baroque Pearls

So what are Baroque pearls? Baroque pearls are simply pearls that have an irregular shape. They are often the least expensive category of pearls, but are unique and quite beautiful and growing quickly in popularity. Cultured freshwater pearls are most commonly baroque, because freshwater pearls are mantle-tissue nucleated instead of bead nucleated. Thus these pearls are rarely perfectly spherical and can appear oval or ovoid. Baroque pearls are today very fashionable and there is a definate trend growing in the direction of irregular pearl shapes.

Posted: May 20, 2009 10:26 AM

May 19, 2009

Refreshingly fresh.

As we have already learnt, cultured or farmed pearls make up the majority of those that are currently sold. Mai Pearls use freshwater pearls in their designs and although freshwater and saltwater pearls may sometimes look quite similar they actually come from very different sources.

Natural freshwater pearls form in various species of freshwater mussels which live in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. These freshwater pearl mussels occur not only in hotter climates, but also in colder more temperate areas such as Scotland. However, most freshwater cultured pearls sold today come from China and this is the case with the pearls used in the Mai Pearls designs.

Saltwater pearls grow within pearl oysters which live in oceans. Saltwater pearl oysters are usually cultivated in protected lagoons or volcanic atolls. These oysters produce less pearls per oyster than the freshwater oysters which is why the price of saltwater pearls is higher than that of freshwater pearls.

Mai Pearls uses real, cultured, Chinese freshwater pearls in their designs, www.maipearls.co.uk.

Posted: May 19, 2009 11:11 AM

May 18, 2009

Get cultured

Over the next couple of weeks, this blog is going to be dedicated to the understanding of pearls, particularly the pearls that are used in the Mai Pearls designs.

All the pearls found in the Mai Pearls designs are "cultured pearls". So what are cultured pearls? Are they real pearls? Yes, they are real and they have been created by a pearl farmer under controlled conditions. The farmer places a small object, typically a parasite or piece of organic matter inside an oyster or mollusk. In response, the mantle tissue of the mollusk secretes nacre and as the nacre builds up in layers, it surrounds the irritant and eventually forms a pearl. FACT; It is a myth that a grain of sand can cause a pearl to form, as nacre will not adhere to inorganic substances.

Natural pearls are formed in nature, more or less by chance. Cultured pearls, by contrast, are those in which humans help to create. By actually inserting a foreign object into the tissue of an oyster or mollusk, pearl farmers can induce the creation of a pearl. The same natural process of pearl creation takes place.

So fact; cultured pearls are real, they are farmed by man and are also "natural", they are they type of pearls used within Mai Pearls designs.

Posted: May 18, 2009 12:05 PM

May 11, 2009

Notes on a Trend

In the June issue of Vogue, there is a feature called "More Dash than Cash" giving the reader helpful pointers on how to make the most of our wardrobe in these credit crunch times. One suggestion is to think big and layer and twist three long necklaces to make one statement piece. For a selection on long pearl necklaces, click here and have fun creating something new and totally unique.

Posted: May 11, 2009 10:08 AM

May 08, 2009

Throwing it together

Just today I woke feeling uninspired by my wardrobe (which was certainly not helped by the weather), the same wardrobe that sees me through season to season, never really changing (that's the problem with buying quality clothes that last just too long!). Putting on the usual black ensemble, I was delighted to put my hand in the jewellery jar and pull out a long silver pearl necklace that thankfully evoked instant inspiration. I began by wearing it long with a knot in and by coffee time (11am) I had wrapped it around three times and was wearing it tiered. Thank goodness for versatile jewellery - it is my wardrobes future!

Posted: May 8, 2009 12:21 PM

April 30, 2009

Lucky pearls

It has recently been reported that Alex Colyer who plays softball for the Baylors has a lucky pearl necklace that she wears to all her games. She says that she is very superstitious and that the pearl necklace is her good luck charm. It has fallen off a couple of times during a game and has needed to be restrung but she still holds onto it safely and would be lost without it.
So for those of you who haven't got themselves a lucky pearl necklace Mai Pearls have a few for you to choose from. This rice pearl necklace can be worn twice around the neck or perhaps you prefer a more classical style? What ever the preference, don't hold off getting one for too much longer.

Posted: April 30, 2009 11:05 AM

April 27, 2009

Full Bloom

As we see year in and year out, flowers or florals are big this season. They are a feminine way of marking that spring has finally arrived with summer just around the corner. So even though it may be raining, brighten up your winter wardrobe with some colourful floral accessories. How about these yellow jade flower earrings, or these mother of pearl flower studs or these drop pearl and flower earrings? Have a look and get inspired.

Posted: April 27, 2009 12:51 PM

April 24, 2009

Michelle goes nuts about pearls.

Michelle Obama has recently been spotted wearing a Tom Binns pearl necklace to a White House gala event. Get the same look but for a fraction of the price at Mai Pearls and follow America's First Lady's look by layering up a few ivory white pearl necklaces at different lengths. Such a striking look could not be easier to create.

Posted: April 24, 2009 11:11 AM

April 22, 2009

Will you be nude this summer?!

As Vogue.com so beautifully puts is, embrace fashion's softer side in tones of cafe au lait. This summer's hot look is cool looking shades of nude and oyster. Check out the catwalks here and accessorise with dangley ivory pearl earrings and a twist on a classic a cream pearl necklace.

Posted: April 22, 2009 11:37 AM

April 21, 2009

Qing Dynasty Photographs

Rare 19th Century photographs of Chinese life have gone on display in Beijing. John Thomson, a Scottish photographer who visited China from 1868-72, took them. If you can't quite make the trip to Beijing, here's a taster of the exhibition. Although there does not appear to be much pearl jewellery on display in the photos, there is plenty here!

Posted: April 21, 2009 11:21 AM

April 17, 2009

Vintage

In this month's Vogue, it seems as though the editors cannot get enough of Vintage. From top tips when buying on ebay to new and exciting vintage jewellery and clothing sites. Vintage is the word on all their lips. To get the finished look, add a long string of cream pearls and as Mai Pearls' pearl ropes are so long, they can be worn around the neck 3 times, making them perfect for any neckline and giving them great versatility.

Posted: April 17, 2009 12:39 PM

April 16, 2009

A pearl carpet?...

The Telegraph reported on 20th March 2009,
"A carpet studded with pearls and gems and commissioned for the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed has sold for £3.8m at an auction in Doha, Qatar.

The Pearl Carpet of Baroda, now the world's most expensive, is believed to have been created in India more than 100 years ago as a gift to the tomb in the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Sotheby's said it had expected bidding for the Pearl Carpet of Baroda to start at $5 million and believed it would fetch a much higher price. Earlier estimates anticipated the lot fetching as much as £14.5 million. But the starting price was brought down to $4.5 million because there were few buyers than expected. It finally sold for almost $5.5 million.

The carpet is traditionally believed to have been commissioned by the maharajah of Baroda as a gift for the prophet's tomb. The maharajah died before the donation was made and the pearl carpet remained in his family.

It has an entirely embellished surface, studded with an estimated two million natural seed pearls known as basra which were harvested from the waters of the Gulf."

If you love pearls but prefer to wear them than walk over them, or your budget doesn't quite stretch as far as £3.8m, take a look at Mai Pearls.

Posted: April 16, 2009 11:05 AM

April 08, 2009

A summer of colour

However dark and dull the economic future may look at the moment, according to London Fashion Week, bright colours are going to be big this summer. From hot orange, shades of pink from pale peachy blush to hot fuchsia, greens and royal blues, muted tones are definately out. Not the easiest colours to wear for pale complexions, these colours are however great when worn as accessories including jewellery. To view the complete spring summer 09 collection click here and enjoy all that colour!

Posted: April 8, 2009 04:03 PM

March 04, 2009

Spring Summer 2009 trends

As a signed up newsletter member of Sheerluxe.com, I was delighted to receive the S/S09 trend report written by their very lovely Natalie Hughes. I was even more delighted when reading further that the demure is very much back this season. Natalie suggests (and I agree) that we ought to embrace our feminine side with ruffles, flounces and bows in blush-coloured chiffons.
This is great news for Mai Pearls fans as we have plenty of chiffon and blush colours for you all. What could be more feminine than pearl jewellery I ask you?!

Posted: March 4, 2009 04:04 PM

February 16, 2009

The Designer Wedding Show

From the 13th - 15th February The Designer Wedding Show was exhibiting in Battersea Park, London. I went to visit it on the first day to be inspired, find out what the trends are and to eye up any competition!

It was very inspiring, particulary as it seems to house the creme de la creme of the bridal services from tiaras to tents.
What came across strongly from the cat walks was that vintage is very BIG this year. Whether it is your dress or your jewellery, it must be vintage. The wonderful thing about vintage is that it is an elegant "green" option.
There were a few of Mai Pearls' competitors there however although there were some great jewellery brands for the bride there was absolutely nothing for the bridesmaids. From my experiance, the bride often likes to give her bridesmaids a piece of jewellery to wear on the big day. This is a lovely keep sake from the day whilst ensuring that all the bridesmaids look tidy and uniformal. This is certainly a niche that may have been over looked by The Designer Wedding Show and an area that Mai Pearls may be able to fill next February. However there is absolutely no reason to wait as today we have just launched our "Pearl Bridesmaid Jewellery" range, making it even easier for the bride to shop for her bridesmaids!

Posted: February 16, 2009 02:03 PM

January 07, 2009

China for New Year

I hope that you all had very happy Christmas' and jolly New Year's.

I was in China for New Year's which although I have done this before, this year it was a little bit different. In the past, my experiance of New Year ie 31st December in China has been rather non existant, as the Chinese celebrate the Chinese New Year for about 2 weeks sometime between late January and early February. However, this year for the first time I think, China announced a public holiday for 3 days from 1st-3rd January to celebrate the western New Year. So the Chinese now seem to celebrate 2 New Years! And why not?!

Happy New Year to you all!

Posted: January 7, 2009 02:26 PM

December 22, 2008

Happy Christmas!

Thank you for your interest and custom during 2008 and we at Mai Pearls wish you a VERY Happy Christmas and New Year!

Posted: December 22, 2008 11:19 AM

November 04, 2008

Christmas shopping

As Christmas is fast approaching, internet shopping is reported to be up by 30% to date, driven by convenience, easy price and product comparisons, and high motering costs. Mai Pearls offers the customer an ideal way of tackling that overwhelmingly long Christmas list from the comfort of your warm cosy home. If you have had enough of making decisions, there is always the Mai Pearls Gift Voucher option whilst Mai Pearls also offers a Gift Wrapping service enabling you to leave a special message in the gift card provided and reducing your piles of wrapping up.

Posted: November 4, 2008 05:47 PM

October 27, 2008

Internet shopping

The High Street has seen great change in the last few years. Last December, the High Street footfall was down by 2.6% against the previous year, while internet shopping enjoyed a 46% increase. Retail has changed irrevocably. So why not join the statistics and do your christmas shopping online this year? It will save you time and you can do it from the comfort of your home. The majority of online shops have sound returns policies just like any high street shop. www.maipearls.co.uk

Posted: October 27, 2008 03:42 PM

October 23, 2008

The Recession

With Gordon Brown finally announcing to the UK that we are going into a recession, no one could blame us all for feeling a little down in the dumps about things. So why not brighten up your mood by wearing something bright today? For bright jewellery, check out the Mai Pearls Contemporary range, and even better, have a look at the 25% off Sale Page!

Posted: October 23, 2008 11:24 AM

October 21, 2008

Autumn Winter 08 jewellery trends

Big jewellery is what it is all about this Autumn as shown on the Givenchy Autumn Winter 08 catwalks. Jewellery was supersized with layers of necklaces, piling on heaps of chains and armfuls of bangles. For once, less is not more, so don't hold back, but pile your jewellery high this month! If you are in need of a few more layers, then have a look at www.maipearls.co.uk for some inspiration.

Posted: October 21, 2008 04:39 PM

July 14, 2008

Under valued?

I recently read that a study by Halifax Home Insurance, published in May ’08 showed that the British public own £52 billion worth of jewellery and that much of it is not insured! The study showed that 35% of people had never had their jewellery collection valued and 10% had not had a jewellery valuation in the past 10 years.
If this all sounds familiar, why not have a valuation – you might find that you have been sitting on a nest of golden eggs!

Posted: July 14, 2008 03:36 PM