Beyond The Strand: New High Jewellery that Proves Pearls Can Still Surprise
In 2026, a new generation of designers is finding fresh ways to work with the classic pearl, whether that’s unexpected scales or unconventional colour combinations. Here, we round up the houses and independent talents pushing the material in unexpected directions.
The pearl has one of the longest and arguably most fascinating histories of any gem in jewellery design. Natural saltwater pearls were being worn by Egyptian pharaohs, traded across ancient Persia and India, and so prized in ancient Rome that Julius Caesar reportedly restricted their wearing to the ruling classes.
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In the continuation of this article, discover:
- The high jewellery houses and independent designers giving pearls a fresh new direction in 2026
- The standout pearl jewels of the year, from gobstopper-sized pearls to gothic baroque strands
- How designers are reworking the classic pearl through unexpected colours and scale
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