Having started out to modernise, and bring a fresh perspective to, the oldest of gemstones, the pearl, Claudia wanted to convey the sense of power implicit in this beautiful gemstone. From their amazing and fascinating history to the iconic women and men who have worn pearls, they are the most alluring of gems, loved throughout the world. Claudia’s designs channel this power to create beautiful pearl pieces for today, and tomorrow, and for every woman. Our phrase pearl power sits at the heart of everything we do – a wry ‘rif’ on Girl Power – deciding for yourself how to be. This sits at the heart of all we do.
So it made sense that at some stage pearl wearing icons would inspire certain designs. These are our designs inspired by three powerful pearl wearing icons Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe and Angelina Jolie.
Coco Chanel.
We all know her fashion handprint – pearls, layers and layers of them. What we particularly love, though, is how she got rid of the corset saying she wanted to design clothes that were fit for the job at hand. Who could play tennis in a corset. Claudia likes to channel this spirit in all her designs thinking through clearly how a piece may be worn and how adaptable it can be to the person’s life and wardrobe. Our first piece named after Coco Chanel is our much loved Coco epee drops. Inspired by the swords shield maiden’s used in battle Claudia created a slim ‘sword’ (epee is French for fencing sword) from which she put a beautiful slightly baroque pearl. We feel they channel the fiercey spirit of Coco Chanel. A modern classic. We particularly love her quote ‘A girl should be two things; classy and fabulous
Marilyn Monroe
One of the most beautiful pearl necklaces Claudia saw was the one given to Marilyn Monroe by Joe Dimaggio on their wedding night. Round lustrous orbs which seemed imbued with the sheer presence of her beauty. Much is known of her very public life, but did you know she founded her own film company back in 1954 to have more control over her income, and was known for her hardworking and ambitious work ethic. And her mothers middle name was pearl. Our designs are very inspired by the round pearl necklace she owned and weI like to think of them carrying some of her energy and beauty and high voltage glamour.
And this is our favourite quote of hers “It’s not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on.” ‘
Angelina Jolie
We have always admired Angelina’s iconic classic pearl style which suits her very classic beauty. These designs were inspired by her very sinuous, simple style which always sits the right side of sexy. Well known for her humanitarian work she is a real style pin up and we like to think that some of her sense of purpose and style is distilled into these simple modern designs. Who can fail to be inspired by her quote:
‘Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see.”