Melusine chains - with freshwater pearls
Melusine Chains are named for a beautiful feminine water spirit.
Melusine is a mythical figure from French folklore believed to inhabit sacred springs and rivers. The tale goes: A nobleman came across Melusine by a well, deep in in the woods. Enchanted by her beauty he wanted her as his wife. She agreed to marry on the condition he would never watch when she took her bath. Of course, he eventually did and discovered her mermaid's tale. Enraged by the betrayal, Melusine took her daughters and fled to the rivers. For keen readers there's more here. Freshwater pearls are grown in rivers. Their organic shapes talk to all who value nature's charm over manmade perfection. With their not so round, or baroque shapes, Melusine Chains are the wabi sabi alternative to Coco Chain's classic Swarovski perfection. Tears of mermaids - such poetic image, and yet another sweet ancient myth the creation of ocean pearls. “Melusine Tears” crossed our mind, merging the two myths. But our bracelets are our smiles, so we dropped "tears" and kept "Melusine". The old illustration plate below covers most freshwater pearl-shapes on the market and the colours vary within a range of subtle natural colours. Scroll down for our Melusine bracelet samples plate!
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About freshwater pearls
Shapes. This old illustration covers many freshwater pearl-shapes we find on the market today. From almost round, seed, potato shaped, to flat on one side and the more baroque.
Colours. Lesser quality freshwater pearls may be dyed. Sometimes in too bright, not always stable, colours, but subtler tones are quite reliable. Although we're reluctant to use dyed pearls they can be quite interesting, and we now and then use certain fancy colours for commissions of the chunkier designs. Price. Freshwater pearls are have flooded the market in a positive way for pearl lovers. While a strand of South Sea pearls may be out of reach for many, freshwater pearls are becoming a better and better, yet affordable, alternative. Another good reason for using fresh water pearls, apart from price and quality, is that Chinese rivers get cleaned up in order to produce the best pearls. That means cleaner water for people and less pollution ending in the ocean. So, we do indeed support the use of freshwater pearls! |
Melusine Chains - the finer details
Freshwater pearls - perfect for unika orders. Due to the natural variation in colours and shape each new order may vary from the original. If ordering a collection and complete consistence is crucial we recommend Coco Chains. Colours. The colours may vary within a range of subtle natural colours. From white and cream, over pink and peachy to grey, peacock and black. See plates! Chain material options. Chain size follows pearl size. For smaller pearls our standard is a high quality plated brass or stainless steel chain. On request we can supply chains in 925 silver or vermeille (goldplated 925 silver). For the chunky sizes, we use lovely light aluminum, plated in black, silver, bronze or gold colours. All bracelets have an easy to handle toggle clasp. Pricing for bespoke signature bracelet or private commissions. We can give a quote when we know the pearl size and chain material; chain size follow pearl size. Prices will vary according to pearl quality and size. Reuse old pearls. A lovely option for creating a unique and personal Melusine chain is to reuse pearls from a broken or outdated pearl necklace, providing the size and amount is sufficient. |
Melusine bracelets with various types of freshwater pearls.
Pearl sizes from approx. 5 - 10 mm. |
Redesign: Have a look at the back of a drawer - maybe there's a treasure waiting to be restored?!
Send us a photo and ask for a quote!
Send us a photo and ask for a quote!
HOW CAN WE HELP?
We like to think we've covered all possible questions but there's always something that slips through. Please, don't hesitate to send us a word if you need more information about an item or a service. For specific items, make sure to state the details so we'll know what to respond to. |
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GOOD TO KNOW
For a good collaboration it helps to know each other. A few points: Our background is design focused. Grey Pearl prototypes are skillfully hand-made, but not by goldsmiths. To illustrate a design we use photos and drawings or bead up a little test. The site gives an idea of how we work and what we value, both professionally and personally. |
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Tittin Rinde. All rights reserved.