Nati by JLL Pearl

Nati is the pearl necklace lapis lazuli sapphire gold I designed around a single question: what happens when two blues share the same frame. At the centre, a lapis lazuli oval — deep, opaque, veined with gold — and a dark faceted sapphire rest together in a gold bezel connector. Around them, small baroque freshwater pearls form the strand with quiet presence.

The stones

I choose lapis lazuli and sapphire for Nati because they share a colour and nothing else. The lapis is dense and ancient — its blue almost black, its surface matte, crossed with threads of gold. In contrast, the sapphire holds light differently: faceted, transparent, its blue shifting with every movement. Yet together, in the same gold bezel, they form a considered pair.

The pearls and the cord

The pearls I select for Nati are small and baroque — 8 to 10mm, AA quality, white with soft iridescence. As a result, they bring lightness to the strand without drawing attention from the central connector. In addition, Nati offers two silhouettes: a long single strand, or folded into a double row. 

I thread each Nati in my atelier in Greece, pearl by pearl, until the rhythm feels right. Therefore, no two pieces fall the same way. Indeed, this pearl necklace lapis lazuli sapphire gold carries something considered and ancient. Each Nati leaves in its JLL Pearl pouch with a certificate of authenticity. Since I work with natural materials, no two pieces are alike.

Materials

• Small baroque freshwater pearls, 8–10mm, AA quality
• Lapis lazuli oval cabochon
• Dark faceted sapphire
• Gold bezel connector (pendant)
  
• White satin cord
• Dual wear: single long strand or folded double row