Blossom and Pearls...

Blossom and Pearls- A Personal Account of My Continued Passion

 Hello & Welcome!
I am sure you have all noticed the wonderful display of blossom this season, cheering up the still grey skies and falling on the pathways like delicate tissue confetti. My garden is looking beautiful at the moment with our cherry tree in full bloom, its pale pink blossom providing a nectar feast for our bees! ‘Millie’ our hot pink Camellia is bursting with big bright velvet flowers, vivid and rich. I bought her 25 years ago when she was just a ‘stick’! ‘She ‘lives outside the kitchen window making washing up more bearable! So with all this blossom and beauty around me, I could not fail to make the link to my passion, pearls!!

Inspirational Blossom

Blossom heralds in the spring and remains with us generally till the end of May. Japan is renowned for its magnificent Cherry Blossom starting in February in Okinawa and sweeping to Hokkaido by May. This event in Japan is known as the ‘Sakura season’. The blossom is part of the culture and often people will have ‘Blossom parties’ and will spend many happy hours relaxing in the parks where many of the trees are, appreciating their beauty. This is known as ‘Hanami’.
Some of the most prized pearls come from Japan. These stunning Akoya Pearls are often celebrated in beautiful pearl blossom jewellery. Mikimoto has had a cherry blossom collection for many years. The purity of the pearl with the pretty blossom flower creates some magical jewellery!
The pearl whether akoya or freshwater is the perfect gem to use to celebrate the blossom, found in a variety of pinks, whites and creams, all complimenting and representing the blossom perfectly.

The Power of Pink!

There has always been an association with the colour pink with femininity. The colour range of pink extends from soft baby pink to bright ‘hot’ pinks suiting most girls and their individual styles.
Pink in all its wonderful shades will be seen in this season’ new jewellery collections, spilling into summer and melting into winter. Soft and versatile, pink and white fresh water pearls will look sensational with the new floral designs arriving in our clothes stores. Pearls of any description will look fabulous with a pair of well cut jeans, and tailored jacket or our LBD. Pearls will add a grace and sophistication to any clothes we chose to wear!
Fresh water pearls are less formal than akoya pearls and the beautiful South Sea Pearl. With their interesting shapes, colours and lustres, fresh water pearls give a whole new meaning how to wear pearls, getting away from the misconception of pearls only to be worn with a ‘twin set’ or by more mature women in the family!!!
Pearls are fun and radiant, giving happiness to ladies of all ages! Nature truly is a wonderful thing!

My Vintage Brooches!

In my last blog I left you with some beautiful pictures of some of my treasured pearl brooches. As promised I will explain more…
This particular adventure started on a chilly, very wet Norfolk afternoon! A dear friend of mine is renovating an amazing listed building to be used for wedding venues and special events.
The house nestles comfortably between several undulating cornfields, complete with its own charming brick and flint chapel and barns, the setting is idyllic. Its warm red brick and huge Georgian style windows were a welcome sight against a very black and rainy sky! A lot of the hard and heavy restoration work is being lovingly restored by her husband, who I have to say is doing an amazing job!
I had arranged to meet a superb photographer at the house. He has an unusual ‘eye’ for the ‘quirky’ photographic image, along with the ability to capture the essence of the moment. We have been friends for years, so with his lenses and my creative eye we embarked on a few shots!
I think you will agree what a wonderful place this will be for a dream wedding or romantic weekend away. The rooms are large and airy with a very warm and welcoming feel. Decorated to a very high standard with a nod to traditional fabrics and furniture but with modern conveniences, this is truly a delightful home. One bathroom has a huge shower complete with television! Awesome!
After a few hours of display and photography we left excited to see the results of our work. Here are a few images I should like to share with you, hope you like them.






Images kindly given by Laidlaw Photography
Wedding venue link on application via British Pearl Association

Till the next time, have a great month!

Maria x