How did you get started in the pearl industry?

I was working as an accountant when my mother fell ill
and was forced to stop working. I decided to buy the business from her
partly because I thought it was a shame to close the business and partly
because I was curious to see what I could do. I grew up watching my mother
trying to fit her work in and around family life and I valued and respected the
energy she had put into creating a successful business. I couldn’t just let
that disappear without giving it a second life.

What’s something about your mother's approach to the
business that still shapes how you work today? 

My mother has a strong sense of adventure and a very
positive, curious outlook. By nature, I am the complete opposite, but running a
small business has forced me to adopt some of her traits and I think she has
taught me to see that opportunity exists in any situation. Good customer
service has always been a cornerstone of the business, and I try my best to
find a balanced solution for all my customers.

If someone is buying their first pearl piece, what should
they look for, and what should they feel?

I always say that the main feature you should look for is
good lustre in a pearl. If the lustre is good, the inclusions don’t really
matter. Usually, your first instinct is the best option. The pearl you are
drawn to is the pearl you should select, and you will love wearing it time and
time again.

Why do you think pearls have remained timeless across
generations?

I think the tonal colours of pearls make them very
versatile across outfits. Whether they are white, grey, black or gold, these colours
can work with just about any item of clothing or occasion. Also, I think pearls
give you an instant “facelift”. Other stones sparkle but pearls glow and reflect
that light onto you so your skin looks brighter. As a gemstone, they are unique
in that they are not cut into shape; you wear them as they were found in the
oyster/mussel so they have a more direct connection with nature.

What pearl trends are you seeing right now?

I’m not aware of specific trends other than I feel like I
am being asked for Akoya pearls more often again (these are Japanese cultured
pearls). This might indicate a return to “classic” jewellery. When times are
uncertain, I think there can be a tendency to gravitate to classic styles that
are simple and timeless.

What’s the most memorable pearl or piece you’ve ever
worked with?

I took a risk on a very dramatic and unique natural coloured
gold keshi pearl strand. I ended up selling it straight away and was asked to
source enough pearl to make a matching bracelet. I’m sure the end customer
would get comments every single time she wears it.

Do you have a favourite type of pearl, and why? These two
questions are similar so happy for you to choose either!

I love any pearl with amazing lustre but if I had to pick
one type, I would probably select a baroque south sea pearl. I like pairing the
soft organic shapes with clean metal lines and the south sea pearl has a nacre
that adds weight and depth that’s very grounding.

What do pearls represent to you, beyond their material
value?

I actually like the fact that pearl farming requires intentional
care for the environment. Capitalism is so destructive and yet pearl farming done
correctly has a positive impact on water quality and other plant and animal
life (both on land and in the water). Pearls are like a little miracle produced
by man/woman working with nature so I feel like it’s a very positive item to
have on your skin or in your life.