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From Vintage to Vogue: Pearls Make a Stunning Comeback

Myranda North Molina: The Princess of Pearls

“My grandmother always wore a stunning strand of pearls. I admired their luster and shine caught by the light,” says Myranda North Molina, owner of Myranda Fine Jewelry.

At 19 years old, Myranda North Molina got her first set of freshwater pearls. They made her feel very feminine.

“I recently handed them down to my daughter as a wedding present, as they were a gift from her father who has since passed away. It was the most cherished gift I could give her,” says Myranda.

As the owner of Myranda Fine Jewelry, Myranda says the classic pearl is making a comeback for 2025, being reimagined in fresh, modern designs.

“Pearls are all-inclusive pieces that compliment everyone.”

Pearls, traditionally associated with vintage elegance, are now a symbol of versatility and individuality, showcasing their ability to transition seamlessly from timeless to edgy. This resurgence is fueled by a renewed appreciation for unique textures and forms, with baroque and irregular shapes gaining popularity.

“The trend of layering pearls with other materials and incorporating them into streetwear reflects a shift toward bold, statement-making pieces that challenge traditional norms and celebrate the beauty of this gem.”

According to Myranda, round pearls hold the most value. Specifically, the most sought-after is the freshwater or Akoya. She specializes in all pearl collections, including Tahitian and rare South Seas.

“Main factors that contribute to the quality and value of a pearl include: nacre, luster, surface, shape, color, and size.”

Myranda says pearl color is also to be considered. This includes bodycolor (overall color of the pearl), overtone (one or more translucent colors that lie over the bodycolor), and orient (iridescent colors that provide a shimmer just below the surface of the pearl). Not all pearls will possess all three characteristics which makes shopping for pearls fun and unique.

“Pearls start at a few hundred dollars and go up to a few hundred thousand.  Do not get caught up in the facts of the pearls- go with what speaks to you.”

At Myranda Fine Jewelry, they hand-select each pearl, in addition to using one of the top pearl distributors in the world.

“Our custom pearl pieces are hand-strung by our in-house pearl stringer. We add a unique touch because the clasp of each strand is custom-made and hand-selected by our team and purchasing client. To enhance customization, we add rare stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. We use all shapes, all lusters, all budgets, and all sizes. We are an esteemed jeweler to create custom pearl masterpieces.”

Per Myranda, the main distinguisher between pearls and other gemstones are their unique origins. They form within various species of freshwater and saltwater mollusks. Each pearl has a unique story.

“Tahitian pearls are unique in that their luster can give off a black, green, or purple tone. This makes the piece distinctive. They bring a different, yet luxurious look to any pearl piece.”

Speaking of luxe, Myranda says South Sea pearls are most unique in origin and exquisite appearance. They are the largest cultured pearl and take a long time to grow… up to five years per pearl. They are produced by a specific type of oyster and can only produce one at a time. This makes them exceptionally rare and valuable compared to other pearl types.

“Pearls are versatile and can be styled for everyday wear or worn as a piece for special occasions. My favorite way to wear pearls is with a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Pearls can be layered, particularly with Tahitian pearls, giving off a bold, eternal look.”

It’s essential to keep pearl jewelry in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches. If the pieces are worn often, a professional cleaning and restringing annually is recommended. To maintain, use a delicate cloth with warm soapy water. Keep pearls away from perfumes, hairspray, and cleaning agents.

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