Pearls get rebellious in the hands of Melanie Georgacopoulos for Tasaki

Melanie Georgacopoulos celebrates a non-traditional aesthetic in new Tasaki pearl jewellery

pearl jewellery with gold spikes by Melanie Georgacopoulos for Tasaki
(Image credit: Tasaki)

Melanie Georgacopoulos continues to explore a subversive side to pearls in new Tasaki jewellery collections. Pearls are studded with golden droplets and spliced with yellow gold in earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces that offer a contemporary rethink of a traditional aesthetic.

pearl jewellery with gold spikes

(Image credit: Tasaki)

‘I was drawn to the irregular and more singular shape of baroque pearls, their silvery colour, and wanted to give them a punk feel,’ says Georgacopoulos of the new ‘Baroque Drops’ collection inspired by delicate drops of water. ‘When your finger runs over the surface of the pearls, those small golden “disruptions” surprise you as your mind tells you that they are not supposed to be there.’

pearl jewellery with gold

(Image credit: Tasaki)

Georgacopoulos has also added to the popular ‘Arlequin Slashed’ and ‘Reflective’ collections in pieces that incorporate spheres and ribbons in yellow gold. ‘So many of us are ingrained with this idea that pearls are pure and proper and that symmetry is a manifestation of clear thinking and responsibility,’ Georgacopoulos adds. ‘However, as is increasingly obvious, we have entered a period where people are embracing their individuality, the beautiful “flaws” that make them unique. I feel that I have been championing this for a long time now through my pieces and collections, challenging the status quo. I feel that this non-uniform aesthetic really makes us pause and think and ultimately appreciate pieces much more.’

pearl jewellery with gold spikes

(Image credit: Tasaki)

The new pieces mark 11 years of collaboration between the jewellery designer and Tasaki. ‘And what a time it has been! I just love how they always embrace my ideas; they are so open to pushing the boundaries of contemporary pearl jewellery. They are not followers, they are trailblazers.’

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Hannah Silver joined Wallpaper* in 2019 to work on watches and jewellery. Now, as well as her role as watches and jewellery editor, she writes widely across all areas including on art, architecture, fashion and design. As well as offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, Hannah is interested in the quirks of what makes for a digital success story.