Bao by JLL Pearl

Bao is the freshwater pearl necklace peridot diopside I designed around a single question of contrast. At its centre, a large diopside pavé ball rests between two vivid green peridot rondelles. Around them, white freshwater pearls form the strand on a black satin cord. Moreover, the dark cord and setting make the green stones read with unexpected intensity.

The stones

The central ball is the pivot of Bao. In fact, its entire surface carries diopside pavé — dense, dark, catching light like a moving thing. On either side, two peridot rondelles bring a different green: vivid, transparent, almost electric. In contrast, the diopside reads as older and deeper. Yet together, these three elements form a composition that pulls the eye immediately.

The cord

The cord I choose for Bao is black satin — soft, flat, textile. As a result, it becomes part of the visual equation: white pearls, dark cord, green stones. In addition, the cord forms a lasso with a sliding knot for easy length adjustment. Therefore, Bao sits as a choker or falls lower on the décolleté. A small pearl marks the end of the cord.

I thread each Bao in Greece, pearl by pearl, until the balance feels right. Therefore, no two pieces are identical. Indeed, this freshwater pearl necklace peridot diopside carries a tension I find nowhere else. Each Bao leaves in its JLL Pearl pouch with a certificate of authenticity. Since I work with natural stones, variations are part of the piece.

Materials

• White freshwater pearls, 10mm
• Central diopside pavé ball
• 2 peridot rondelles
• Black satin cord, lasso style
• Sliding knot, adjustable length
• Small pearl cord stopper