Brief: Large, bold pearls typify Chanel’s Spring collection

 

Pearls, always a Chanel classic, make their appearance in a big way for the Spring 2014 collection. Photo: Chanel.

Pearls, always a Chanel classic, make their appearance in a big way for the Spring 2014 collection. Photo: Chanel.

 
BY JORDAN CLARY

It’s difficult to look at the giant pearls dominating this year’s Chanel Spring 2014 collection and not wonder about the gargantuan oysters that spawned them. Most pearls average 7 to 7.5 millimeters and take two to three years to develop. Very large pearls, however, not only require bigger oysters, but also can take twice as long to grow. Perfectly round pearls increase the value of a piece of jewelry, and the combination of big and round typifies the Chanel collection. These rotund pearls, some nearly spherical, while others look more like gibbous moons, are threaded on denim or cuff the neck like headphones on a gold or platinum band. Matching bracelets and rings also showcase the large pearls.

—April 16, 2014