Pearls - Pieces of the Moon?

I’ve always loved the lustre of pearls but until recently I had not worked with the genuine article apart from re-knotting a strand I somehow inherited.

However as time has gone on I have slowly begun to offer a few pearl necklaces and bracelets on the website and am currently working on bringing you some pearl earrings (sneak peak above) with a Wristocracy twist of course.

I always like to learn a bit about the materials I am working with and pearls are no different. Have a quick read below to find out a bit more!

Where do pearls come from?

As you may know the iridescent jewels that we know as pearls come from the sea or water at least. They are found in some oysters (ocean) and mussels (rivers) in a variety of different places around the world. Other molluscs produce pearls as well - however not all of them are as pretty or valuable as the nacre covered pearls that we have come to love. Conch and snail (Melo melo) pearls being the exception - they are super rare and very valuable.

Pearls in History

Throughout history pearls have been worn by royalty and style icons alike. Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy favoured them as did Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth and even Julius Caesar himself (more on that later). They have been called many names including the ‘Queen of gems’, ‘Celestial Dew’, ‘Pieces of the Moon’ and even a ‘Roman girls best friend’.

In some Indian cultures (Hindu mythology) pearls are referred to as the’ moon’s daughter’ or ‘teardrops of the moon’ because of their connection to ocean tides and their shimmery glow that resembles that of the moon. Some even believe pearls have ability to prolong youth!

In Ancient Rome pearls were associated with Venus, the Roman ‘Goddess of Love’ who was said to have emerged from the sea in a scallop shell. (This was later depicted in the famous Botticelli painting ‘The Birth of Venus’ - pictured above.) They were seen as a symbol of purity and beauty and became more valuable than gold or diamonds becoming the ultimate symbol of wealth, power and prestige. It seemed every Roman girl wanted to own one, however because pearls were so rare and sought after, to own even one pearl you had to be enormously rich.

Julius Caesar had a passion for pearls and he was a great connoisseur of them. It’s been said that he was even able to guess their value just by weighing them in the palm of his hand. He once gifted a large black pearl to his favourite mistress Servilia. It was said to be worth some six million sesterce (approx 1.5 billion USD dollar equivalent in 2019) making it perhaps the most valuable gemstone of all time! Caesar restricted who could own pearls going so far as to order that pearls were only to be owned by people of a certain age and class; they had to be married and possess great wealth.

Julius Caesar’s interest in the jewel was so piqued that it was said to be one of the factors that drew him to invade Great Britain! It was said that time the British Isles was the source of some of Europe’s finest pearls. Beautiful black pearls from Scotland, rose pink pearls from Ireland and white pearls from England were found in the mussel shells that lived in the rivers of Great Britain.

What are the most valuable pearls today and why

Over the years pearls have been found across the globe including the Middle East, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, China, the South Pacific, Australia and the Americas with each area known for a particular type of pearl. Salt water pearls are generally considered more valuable than fresh water pearls because a single oyster can only produce one salt water pearl, whereas a single mussel can produce up to fifty fresh water pearls a time. Of the salt water pearls the South Pacific pearls are generally considered the most valuable because of their exceptional quality (size, colour and lustre) and their rarity due to the long time it takes to grow them.

What is a cultured pearl

Pearls from the wild are rare finds these days, in fact the vast majority of pearls on the market today are not formed and found in the wild, but rather cultured by man. Whilst cultured pearls are still formed within a mussel or oyster shell, they do so after human intervention. A piece of donor shell is placed within the shellfish that then leads to the shellfish emitting the nacre protection onto the foreign body (to protect itself) thus forming the pearl.

The nacre or shimmery coating is the same material that coats the inside of the mother shell (the mother of pearl) and it is thickness of the layers of nacre that determine how shimmery the pearl is. That shimmer along with the origin, size, shape, and colour determines the value of the pearl. The longer the pearl is left to form the more shimmery and perhaps valuable it will be.

Pearls naturally come in a variety of colours including white, pink, silver, cream, brown, green, blue, black, yellow, orange, red, gold, and purple however nowadays many pearls can be dyed to achieve these colours.

How to clean pearls

Pearls are delicate and can be easily damaged - they rate about 2.5 on the Moh’s scale so can be easily scratched.

Despite the fact that pearls were born in water - they should not be worn in it.  To keep your pearls looking beautiful remove your pearls jewellery before showering, swimming or extreme exercise (causing sweat) and avoid exposure to perfume or hairspray as this can damage the nacre.

Instead use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your pearls and wear your pearls often they tend to survive longer when worn. This is because they are porous and the small amount of moisture and oil from your skin helps to maintain their lustre. Left alone for long periods in a jewellery box will lead to their dehydration.

Some other random interesting pearl information

1. Pearls are linked with February and June, the zodiac signs of Cancer and Gemini and are often used as a gift to celebrate a 3rd and a 30th wedding anniversary.

2. Cleopatra is said to have once taken her priceless pearl earring off and dissolve it in wine. She then drank it to impress upon Mark Antony how rich she was.

3. Queen Margherita of Italy wore pearls from below her chin to her knees!

4. Pearls are linked with the name Margaret and all its derivatives as the name comes from the Ancient Greek word for pearl.

5. Sometimes pearls are even made into health ‘tonics’ and/or used in some makeups for various increase perceived health benefits.

6. Most of the freshwater pearls seen today are cultured in China.

Are there any other gemstones you’d love to learn more about? If yes, let me know, which ones and  I will happily go down the rabbit hole again! Oh and the pearl earrings above will hopefully be out soon - if you want a pair - comment below or message me and I can provide a few more details in advance.

Amber - The Tears of the Trees

Taking advantage of this quieter time I have to confess to being absorbed in a book called “Jewels - A Secret History” by Victoria Finlay.

It has been a gripping read for me and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in jewels - particularly the origin, history and the folklore surrounding them.

This book covers just nine precious materials, seven of which I work with - so I considered it something I should invest my time in and I am so glad I did as I have learnt so much from it - despite only being half way through!

In the first chapter the author talks about the origin of Amber some 40 million years ago.

Ancient conifer forests that grew in the Baltic region in the middle to late Eocene epoch, (when mini horses 🐴 roamed the earth 😱) produced plentiful quantities of resin after an unknown ‘event’. The liquid resin dripped in massive quantities creating rivers of stickiness that gathered beneath the trees sometimes capturing flora, fauna, insects and even the odd lizard (but no horses) in its path - creating a fascinating snapshot of the time for future scientists. These resin rivers were eventually consumed within the earth and became fossilised and rediscovered many millions of years later.

You’re still thinking about the mini horses aren't you’t you? Just 30cm tall apparently! Now concentrate - back to the Amber. 😆

When the (now) solid fossilised resin resurfaced millions of years later the mysterious golden material became prized and sought after by many ancient cultures. The location of where it was found was always kept a closely guarded secret making it even more mysterious and prized. Merchants would travel to the many corners of the earth, each weaving a different story about what the new magical material was and where it came from. The Ancient Greeks called it Elektron, meaning ‘the sun’ because of the array of golden colours that it came in, ranging from yellow to burnt orange, red and brown. But in rare circumstances, it was also found in white, black and even blue tone. This latter three are super valuable and not typically made into beads, just incase you a wondering!

The Amber was crafted into jewellery and sometimes carved (it is a relatively soft material - just 2-2.5 on the Moh’s scale) and used as talismans for courage and self confidence and even good luck. The Chinese even thought that it contained the soul of a Tiger! 🐅 What a thought! At times the value of Amber soared so much - it was even more valuable than gold! On at least two occasions this mysterious golden material was used to make elaborate mosaic rooms and was also been incorporated into very famous Iconic art works. It has links to many in history King Menelaus of Greece, Peter the Great, the Teutonic Knights and even Jurassic Park (the movie).

Honestly, who knew how interesting this material was?

If all of this has piqued your interest and whet your appetite to include a piece of this gorgeous and super interesting jewel in your Wristocracy collection - you can purchase my current Amber offering (pictured above) here. Please note that it is not intended as a teething bracelet as it could pose a choking hazard.

Other chapters in this super interesting book include information on Pearls, Opal, Peridot, Emerald, Sapphire and Rubies.

Are you interested in hearing more about these stones or am I alone in my interest? Please let me know….

Mixed Bead Lanyards - Are they compatible with all mobile phones?

I have a veritable rainbow 🌈 in mixed bead lanyards available at the moment as I have just replenished them.

Each one is different and the one you see on the picture is the actual one you get. Each mixed bead lanyard is unique so you're the only one who has it.

The lanyards are made with double clasps so you can not only wear it around your wrist but you can also attach your phone to your bag, your belt loop or whatever you choose. (One clasp on the phone and the other on the bag or loop it around if you choose).

These lanyards make finding your phone so much easier and can help prevent theft and loss. So, they don't just look pretty they are pretty darn useful.

I had someone comment to me that a "how to" video on how to attach the lanyard to your phone might be helpful as they thought their ability to have one was based on them having a certain attachment or a certain phone and I explained all you need is a mobile phone and a cover and the rest is supplied.

Click on the video below

Each Wristocracy lanyard comes with clear slip and ring that slots into your phone case that the lanyard is then attached to.

Pearl Necklaces and Bracelets

I've held stock of fresh water pearls for a while now - but I left them for custom requests largely as opposed to making them into stock, largely as I was unsure of the sizes people prefer.

Today that changes....

I will begin to offer 'one of a kind' Fresh Water Pearl necklaces and bracelets.

You will be able to see the actual strand for sale and the size I am able to make it up to.

I hope this makes sense!

PS I’ve also built a little collection around the peach pearl bracelet called Peach Dream!

Happy Valentines ❤️

Happy Valentines all! Have a beautiful day!

Goddess Bracelets with clasps

Goddess bracelets ... Pictured are Selene and Nyx. These bracelets are made with sterling silver clasps (by special request + $10 for SS or +$15 14K gold fill) but are regularly available as elasticated bracelets from as little as $40. They feature super sparkly gemstones and small sterling silver or 14k gold fill beads. I'm thinking about adding some more colour ways and would love your input.

NEW Product - Beaded Phone Lanyards

NEW mixed bead phone lanyards available on the website now. I have 5 different colours in stock now - though just one of each until I have a chance to make some more. I listed these on a soft release recently and they sold out quickly - so if you like a colour nab it quickly as it is not an endless supply. The pink I have in stock currently is Mixed Pink 4 (as pictured on the website) the other colours are white, black, blue and green. Please know this mixed bead lanyard is a limited line as I collected these beads over many years and I only have so many! I also have Rose Quartz lanyards ... Which one is your fave?

#wristocracy #new #phonelanyard #nzmade #limitededition #phoneaccesories

Officially signing off for 2024

Officially signing off for 2024. I hope that you are all enjoying some well earned rest and relaxation time with your loved ones over this holdiay break. I hope the dawn of 2025 brings with it good health, happiness and success and more prosperous times for all! 🌅🥂🎉

#HNY #happynewyear #wristocracy

Sterling Silver and Tanzanite

A dainty little Tanzanite bracelet heading out today.

These bracelets are strung from tiny sterling silver beads and feature your choice of gemstone.

Tanzanite is one of the birthstones for December. It is said to have a calming effect and represents transformation, introspection, wisdom and truth.

If you are interested in a birthstone bracelet but are not sure of your options - check Wristocropedia on the Wristocracy website for a list.

Stones are listed by month, zodiac sign and even anniversary. I stock many of them in the appropriate size. Additionally an alphabetical list of metaphysical meanings is also available there.

These bracelets are $40 each and made to size.

Please note: clasp bracelets are also available in this style at extra cost.

Thursday this week is the last day to order before I take a short Christmas break.

#wristocracy #tanzanite #decemberbirthstone #birthstonebracelet #nzmade #birthstone #giftideas #lastminutegifts

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

A couple of last minute orders ... A sweet little fresh water pearl clasp bracelet with zirconia and sterling silver finishing (from $50) and a Christmas themed Crystal pendants with sterling silver bail and chain - Christmas Tree $35 and Snow Flake $45. None of these are currently on the website, so message me if you want one. Sterling Silver necklaces are box chain and approximately 45cm.

The last day for Christmas orders is Thursday or Friday depending in where you are! 😀🎄🎁♥️ In the meantime enjoy the moody weather .... Remember it is good for the garden and hopefully will cool things down a whisper😂😉🌫️🌧️⛈️

#christmas2024 #wristocracy #nzjewellery #nzmaker #lastminutegifts #pearls

Jaipur

I created this bracelet to wear to on my travels through India and once I arrived in Jaipur I decided it really did represent the colours I saw in the old Pink City in Jaipur where the Johari Bazar is situated, thus the name!

It is strung from a gradient of faceted Orange Agate, Cherry Agate and Rose Quartz and I have completed mine with a 14K Rose Gold fill bead - but you can choose to have yours finished in 14K Gold fill or even Sterling Silver if you prefer. Price will vary accordingly.

The number of beads in the gradient will obviously depend on the size - the one I am wearing is an 18cm. I hope you like

I have only 2 of these to sell at this stage so if you want one don’t delay.

#bracelets #gradientbracelet #wristocracy #pinkbracelet #agatebracelet #quartzbracelet #nzmade #indiainspired #pink

My November Adventure . . .

I can't believe December has rolled around already! 🎄🎅🏼🌺⛱️ Time flies when you're busy and I have been that!

I have just returned from a trip to India and am now ready to dive right into all things Wristocracy having been inspired by so so much.

The beauty about a blog is I am not limited by a number of photos that social media dictates. So, I have added in a few more pics and I have so many more that I am happy to share if you’re interested, so do let me know.

What an experience! 😮 Everywhere we looked there were new discoveries to be made - I just don't quite know where to start!

We explored bazaars and navigated city streets, visited temples and mosques, learnt spinning in the Ghandi Ashram and were serenaded by sitars dining on the finest Gujarati cuisine under two moons 🌕🌙 in Ahmendabad. We visited palaces, bathed in rose petals and watched the most beautiful sunsets in Udaipur. We woke each day to yoga on the rooftop, visiting remnants of a colonial era and ancient sites and shopped for linens and gemstones in Jaipur. We saw all sides of life all over India - the good and the bad. We visited the Taj Mahal in Agra - a true wonder of the world indeed.

It is a trip I will never forget, for so many reasons. It was life changing. The sights, the smells, the tastes, the sounds and contrasts ... it truly took my breath away.

The people I encountered were some of the most beautiful souls I have ever met.

This gallery shows just a snippet of our adventure.

We are home now in beautiful New Zealand I am now reopen for business and am ready to make ship any and all your Christmas orders!

#india #open #wonderoftheworld #explore #tripofalifetime #wristocracy #bracelets #gemstones #treasures #nzmade #christmas #christmasshopping

No Shipping from 9th - 27th of November 2024

Just a little "heads up" that I will be taking a small break through November, from the 9th until the 27th and will be unable to ship during this time.

I will be checking my email and messages from time to time during this time so feel free to contact me should you have any enquiries and I will do my best to help.

Rest assured that I will be back in time for the 'silly season' and ready to ship any orders you may have in time for Christmas! 🎄

Pictured here is a little order collected today - a Le Chilli Rococo bracelet - $35 and a Tigers Eye with coated Hematite Buddha head ($30). Whilst the latter is not listed on the website it is absolutely available if you message me and I will make it to size.

I also created a (bespoke) clasp necklace in the Le Chilli Rococo design which is available on request. It is finished in rose gold plated sterling silver and prices start from $110 depending on the length you require.

#wristocracy #important #tigerseye #rococo #christmashours #sillyseason #bracelets #bracelet #nzmade #handmadebracelets #wristocracy.co.nz

FREE little bonus surprise bracelet

Following on from my last post - find a ton of Lavender gorgeousness to choose from. So many options and a few ideas on how to create some wonderful looks. 💜** Anyone who purchases 3 or more of these sets (and some singles in this range) will receive a FREE little bonus surprise bracelet!* **#lavender #bracelets #wristocracy #jewellery #lavenderamethyst #amethyst #seedbeads #springbracelets #springfashion #choose #youchoose #bonus #freebracelet

*conditions apply: free bracelet given is at my discretion. Offer applies sets and selected singles in the Lavender Collection.

Sets or Singles?

Question: I have a bunch of new looks - what would you prefer separates or sets?

It’s the simple things . . . Green Angelite, Prehnite and Jade

It's been a sad week for me. Creating things really helps take my mind to a better place so this set started to take form.

Green Angelite is all about love, compassion and self care, all of which I knew I needed right now. I have teamed it with Prehnite, a protective stone that is said to release negative energies and a very light mint green Jade that is said to bring inner peace and gratitude. I've also added in some sterling silver, a Rainbow Moonstone with silver ceramic heishi and a Rococo Menta.

This set is taking me through Spring. Whilst I've made it for me - if anyone else wants something similar, do get in touch and I will add it to the website.

Enjoy your weekend. 💚

#mint #jellymint #wristocracy #angelite #prehnite #jade #moonstone #rainbow-moonstone #spring #selfcare #rococo #menta #bracelets

Taking a moment to share some sad news - my beautiful boy Simba passed away.

As a small business, I am never 100% certain which aspects and how much of my personal life to share, particularly as many of you have your own fair share of "stuff" going on.

It's a dilemma . . .

However, after some introspection I've come to the conclusion that as I have always shared clips of my dogs (Sam, Simba & Ella) - it is also perhaps appropriate to acknowledge on this platform, when I can no longer do this.

Sadly, last week our beautiful white Lab Simba passed over the rainbow bridge, joining his chocolate Lab brother Sam, who passed away 2 years ago.

To all that knew him, Simba was the gentlest of souls who was full of life and mischief, particularly in his youth.

Following Sam's passing, he still got up to a bit a mischief but matured and became a guiding and calm companion to our anxious young dog Ella who had a very rough start in life. He offered her endless comfort despite being a stubborn old fella in his old age 😂. We loved him (and his brother) more than words can express and now the emptiness in our hearts is palpable .

Simba's little sister Ella is also missing the quiet reassurance he brought her, judging by her reluctance to go on walks or leave home, her sad and searching eyes and much quieter disposition. Astro the cat, Simba's constant companion and personal groomer appears to be coping well for now.

For a while now we knew that Simba was living on borrowed time and so the silver lining of 'things being quiet' with Wristocracy this year, was that it afforded me plenty of time to dote on Simba while we had him. For that I feel blessed..

Simba, wherever you are, may you be pain free and full of energy and agility again. May you be reunited with Sam and enjoying endless long romps on the beach, with a smorgasbord of smelly things for you to graze on. May there be plenty of muddy puddles, vast grassy meadows and streams for you to play in and an abundance of mangos, bananas, watermelon and big bones for you to scoff on as only you could. Last but not least let there be a constant supply of chuck it balls (only the orange ones) so you can show Sam all your new tricks. You are truly forever in our heart! RIP my beautiful boy! ♥️

Next level flashy Ethiopian Opal

Some next level flashy ⚡️Ethiopian Opal ⚡️in this Kehlani Mermaid necklace that went out today (with a sweet Rose Quartz tumble set... also pictured). I couldn't resist sharing you some close ups of the show they put on for me!

#ethiopianopal #flashystones #opalescence #wristocracy #workstories #mermaid #mermaidnecklace #mermaidjewelry #mermaidjewellery #madeinnz #nzmade

A little bit of heat 🔥 to warm you up!

A little bit of heat 🔥 to warm you up on this cold 🥶 windy day! Orange Agate 🧡 is such a favourite of mine being a self confessed Autumn 🍁Girl. But no matter your colour (or season) we have a colour and stone to match your mood (or outfit). Colour Therapy - 60+ different gemstones to choose from. Wear one or collect them all. Wear them alone or mix them in to existing sets or your own keepsake jewellery. Made to your size.

Deep in the Ocean Blue

My last pair of these sterling silver deep blue beauties headed out today ... In saying that, the shape is available in other colours and the colour is available in different shapes.... Variety has always been my MO. I also have a lot of Swarovski pendants waiting to made up into earrings and necklaces and they aren't always necessarily listed on the website so if you're looking for that perfect hue or shape and you can't quite find it - please message me for a full inventory of shapes and colours!