“Cool girl’s pearls” have been a trend in jewellery in recent years and it does not look to be going away anytime soon. And thank goodness for that! We are even seeing this gorgeous trend in bridal footwear! But forget the old nanna look single string design, modern pearl jewellery can be designed, wait, re-imagined for the contemporary bride in a host of stunning ways or kept classic for the more traditional bride.

That’s the beauty of the pearl – the design can reflect your personality. Pearl jewellery can be both a modern fashion statement or what will become a timeless family heirloom. And the mothers of the bride will LOVE coming on this shopping trip with you.
Here are our 5 top tips for embracing pearls for the modern bride.
Look For Top QualityLook for pearls and designs that are sourced and handmade locally using the finest quality materials. And that doesn’t only mean the pearls themselves. Ensure your jeweller is accompanying these valuable and precious gems with quality sterling silver and gold fill.
Go Bespoke
Go for a piece that is a tailor made, one of a kind, not mass produced and that reflects your overall style and tastes. Choose a jeweller who is willing to share their design and creative processes with you and who you feel comfortable with.
Trends Aren’t Everything

Images by Jewel Photography

It’s important to choose a pearl piece that clearly understands the current fashion and times, but one that will always remain classic, timeless and most importantly, never date.
Baroque and Keshi pearls offer something stunning and different but of course you can’t go past freshwater pearls for their unique imperfect perfection. They may have uneven surfaces, come in different colours and sizes and each have their own charm.
Don’t Stop There
Australian designers are doing wonderful and creative things with pearl designs including stunning statement earrings that really pack a contemporary punch but with all the classic elegance of Grandma’s prize pearls. You may wish to however keep it subtle and consider a simpler and smaller pearl drop earring that are so popular right now. Designers are also experimenting with mixing pearl with silver and golds to create a fashion forward contemporary look.

Image by Jewel Photography

Share the Love
There is no need to stop at the bride! Pearls are so classic and timeless and ageless, making them the perfect gift to consider for the mothers of the bride (or groom) and of course your bridesmaids. Consider a gorgeous single pearl friendship bracelet. Pearl bracelets are a lovely way of elevating a bride’s and bridesmaid’s outfit.

Ms Zebra Says: Personally, I’ve always been a fan of pearl jewellery! I love that nowadays we can get creative with design and make gorgeous bespoke pieces!

Leoni & Vonk design and create all their bespoke jewellery in their studio in St Kilda in Melbourne. They are the first to admit that the cosmopolitan lifestyle of St Kilda does influence their bespoke designs as does the proximity to the ocean and the ever changing light of the city beach. They use only the finest quality materials and strive to source them from Australian suppliers. Leoni & Vonk have a hands on approach to every stage of the design and creation process are able to ensure that our customers only receive the best.