Pearls and diamonds unite in Suzanne Kalan’s new jewellery
Suzanne Kalan sets the Tahitian pearls at the heart of her new jewellery collection
![Two rings with black pearls and emeralds and diamonds.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CsQXcyt2EykEc5NY4zDLrm-415-80.jpg)
Suzanne Kalan may be best known for her love of diamond baguettes, but for her new collection she’s fallen in love with the seductive luminescence of pearls. The collection, which pairs Tahitian pearls with both baguette-cut diamonds and baguette-cut emeralds, is the result of a collaboration with the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA).
The capsule collection of earrings and rings celebrates the rich undertones of black Tahitian pearls, which can appear blue, green, purple and pink depending on the light. Kalan was approached by the CPAA – which had been given support from the government of French Polynesia to launch a collection – at the beginning of the year, and was immediately attracted to the idea. ‘So many incredible jewellery designers have not worked with Tahitian pearls before, so I was excited to be given this opportunity; especially by such a globally respected organisation as the CPAA,’ she says.
Suzanne Kalan’s black pearls
Her distinctive baguette cuts make a graphic foil for the sensual orbs of the pearls. Kalan celebrates the rainbow of hues in both, offsetting the pearls’ warmth against the sparkle of the diamonds. ‘I also love emeralds next to the colour of Tahitian pearls, hence I made emeralds a significant part of the collection. Tahitian pearls are also timeless, modern, classic, yet edgy and sexy – incredibly complementary to my work with baguettes and previous collections.’
Did anything surprise her about working with pearls? ‘I didn’t quite realise how many undertones of colour Tahitian pearls have – they’re beautiful!’ says Kalan. Adds CPAA executive director Jennifer Heebner: ‘Suzanne is remarkably talented, so I could not be more excited that she is our first partner in this project. I’m excited to introduce more people to the beauty, lustre and allure of fine pearls.’
Information
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published