Adele by JLL Pearl

Adele is a long pearl necklace with garnet at its centre — one metre of large baroque freshwater pearls, each one knotted individually on black silk cord.

The pearls are large, near-round, their surfaces carrying a strong iridescence that shifts between white, silver, blue, and rose depending on the light. No two look exactly alike. Together, however, they move as a single thing — weighted, fluid, alive.

The centre

At the midpoint of the strand sits one ornament: an oval navette in oxidized gunmetal silver, set with deep red garnets and a ring of small pavé diamonds. The garnets are a warm, saturated red — simply right against the white of the pearls. Moreover, the diamond pavé catches light at every angle, giving the piece a quiet brilliance that reveals itself slowly.

Two ways to wear it

Because Adele is one metre long, it can be worn as a single strand falling to the sternum or lower. Alternatively, it doubles beautifully — looped twice around the neck, the ornament shifting position each time. Therefore, it is, in effect, two different necklaces.

I knotted each pearl by hand, one by one. Each knot protects the pearl and keeps the strand secure. It is also, simply, the right way to mount a pearl of this quality.

This long pearl necklace with garnet and diamond is part of JLL Pearl's permanent collection. Each piece arrives in a JLL Pearl pouch, with a certificate of authenticity.

Materials

• Pearls: large baroque freshwater pearls, white with strong iridescence
• Cord: black silk, individually knotted between each pearl
• Centre ornament: garnet and pavé diamond, oxidized gunmetal silver setting
• Length: approximately 100 cm
• Handmade in Greece by Patricia Mulko