DANIELLA KRONFLE

June, the month of pearls, is going strong, so I still have a few more pearl surprises in store for you. Today I will share my insights on those rare and elusive yellow pearls, as well as my design inspiration for the Medusa necklace and earring set. Here goes...

Naturally colored by its formation in the gold-lipped oyster, the yellow pearl or South Sea Golden Pearl is said to bring wealth to the wearer. Perhaps this is true, but what we do know for sure is that the South Sea pearl's rich golden beauty does bring incredible joy. What distinguishes a South Sea golden pearl from all its other pearl counterparts is its distinct coloration.

Unlike a pure white pearl, a golden pearl exhibits a remarkable sparkling champagne tone. The effect of a golden pearl is a richer, more intricately dazzling appearance. These positively posh pearls are coveted throughout the world for their unique appearance.

Just like traditional white pearls, South Sea golden pearls can be showcased in all types of jewelry. They are also versatile enough to be the centerpiece of an unending variety of setting designs. The end result is a luxurious piece of jewelry like my Medusa necklace and earrings that will be treasured for a lifetime.

South Sea pearls, like the ones I used for the Medusa necklace and earrings, are graded for imperfections of the percentage of the surface area. South Sea pearls have a long cultivation period from 1.5 to 2 years, and therefore only few South Sea pearl are perfect and without any blemishes. This is why these pieces I have designed are very special. It is only on rare occasions, and only in fine jewelry, that you find so many matching pearls of the right size and color variation together in one piece.

When I was designing the Medusa I wanted to make sure that I could highlight this quality. It has only been a few times in my career that I have found together 15 perfectly matching South Sea pearls, so I wanted my vision to do them justice, while always respecting the materials and their history.

As for the Medusa myth and inspiration, I always have been fascinated by the Greek guardian and protector who began her story as a beautiful maiden who was then one of three Gorgon sisters who were both beautiful and terrifying. Long story short, Medusa was punished for her beauty and was turned into a snake haired monster who was later beheaded.

The Medusa myth does not end there. She was also the mother of the legendary Pegasus, and could turn men into stone with just one look. It is said that the corals of the Red Sea were spawned from her blood, and that her head became the shield of the goddess Athena.

In modern analysis, and in what I think makes her more compelling, Medusa is a feminist character who is not really used to signify malevolence but female rage and bravado. It is this facet of her myth that made me think of her for my design. The elongated golden tentacles remind me of her hair, and the combination of yellow and white gold signify the old and the new. It was my hope that like Medusa, these pieces and their wearer can make men turn to stone with just one glimpse.

Whether you are searching for the perfect gift, or simply spoiling yourself, South Sea golden pearls are the best way to get your hands on unparalleled beauty and luxury. And you don't have to travel the seven seas to find the most beautiful pearls in the world. Simply come to Daniella Kronfle Jewelry for pearls and much more. Me or other fine jewelry experts are here to provide you with everything you dream of and more!

Love Always

Dani K

Nothing says classic elegance more than a single strand of perfect pearls, and nothing is as timeless or a covetable as my fabulous strand of pearls finished with a "diamond pearl" shown throughout. This month is all about pearls since they are the birthstone of the lucky ones born in June. Here is some of their myth and history.

In many countries around the world, pearls have been incorporated to the mythology of almost every culture that has encountered them. What makes them so fascinating?, you might ask. Well they come from the sea for starters, which is always a source of wonder.

The mythology of pearls goes way back to the origins of history. In Hindu culture pearls represent the moon and were symbols of love and virginity. It's said Krishna discovered the first pearl and gave it to his daughter on her wedding day. Islamic tradition holds pearls in even higher esteem. In the Koran, pearls are considered one of the greatest rewards to be received in Paradise, and in Christianity, pearls are considered a symbol of purity.

People have been making jewels from pearls for centuries. They are after all, the oldest known gem. I keep the on the top of my list because due to their beauty and value, they have been able to transcend the test of time. In the 1900's pearls were so rare and valuable, that famed jeweler (and idol of mine) Jacques Cartier purchased the property for his store on Fifth Avenue by exchanging the property for two pearl necklaces.

Pearls, with their warm inner glow, have always been considered an ideal wedding gift. Sometimes, they are even used as a solitaire in an engagement ring. These lovely, lustrous gems don't only come in virginal white. Depending of where they were "made" pearls come in different colors, ready to satisfy all of my customers desires. Akoya pearls, the classic cultured pearls from Japan, are considered the most lustrous of all. They come in lovely colors such as rose, silver/white, cream, gold, and blue/gray, and are generally found in round, semi-round, baroque, and drop shapes. When it comes to size, Akoyas range between 2 and 10 millimeters, with the average pearl being 7 millimeters round.

The next type of pearl, South Sea, are the rarest and most expensive of all cultured pearls. Because they look exactly like natural pearls (you can only tell the difference by X-ray), South Sea pearls are not enhanced in any way, and are only polished to bring out their natural glow. Their most common color is white, but they are also found in silver/white, pink and gold. As far as shape, they are available in the same shapes as the Akoya, with the addition of button, ringed, semi-baroque and oval shapes. Their size ranges from 8 to 22 millimeters, with the average being 15.

Tahitian pearls, or black pearls as they are commonly known, are almost twice the size of the Akoya. These large, dark beauties are treasured for their rarity and exotic color and luster. Year after year, Tahitians increase in value, making them an amazing investment. These pearls are worshiped for their almost metallic color, which varies from light grey to dark grey. In addition to their dark color, Tahitians are favored due to their ability to display different shades of shine on their surface. The most desired are peacock and and cobalt blue colors, but aubergine, magenta, greens, golden-orange, and lemon are also available.

When purchasing pearls, I suggest you keep in mind that rose and silver/white pearls look great on fair skin, while gold and cream colored pearls look best on olive skin and darker complexions. Also remember that even though the size of a pearl does not determine its quality, it does matter when it comes to price. Because its very hard to grow a larger pearl, usually the bigger the pearl, the higher the price it will fetch. I love working with pearls and have used them since I began designing jewelry. Due to their amazing characteristics and popularity with my clientele, they are always present in my collections. A pearl can be a symbol of love or a good investment. To me, they are a spectacle of nature and a world or inspiration. 'Till next time.

Love Always
Dani K

Piece of the Week: Medusa Necklace and Earrings

Bling of the Month: Pearls, Pearls, Pearls