From old to new: Jeweler Skrein* celebrates the renaissance of the pearl

The Viennese family business Skrein* presents new jewelry creations in its jewelry store, highlighting the endless fascination and beauty of the pearl. What makes this special: jewelry already owned by the family can be transformed into contemporary works of art upon request.

Left: "Dessert" earrings in a two-tone design made of pearls and colored gemstones. © Skrein*

Comeback of a classic

For a long time, pearls had a somewhat outdated image, associated more with jewelry from grandma's jewelry box. But for some time now, this treasure from the mollusk has been making a comeback. This has also been noticed by jeweler Marie Skrein, who runs the Viennese family business Skrein* in its second generation.

“We are noticing that pearls are making a strong comeback – they have become more versatile, modern, and individual. Many customers want new pieces of jewelry with pearls, while others bring in family heirlooms to bring them into the present day with our help. It is precisely this combination of tradition and reinvention that makes our work so exciting.”

This marks the return of the pearl as a central decorative element in jewelry, lending it an elegant, timeless character and making it perfectly suited to any occasion. What was once considered classic or even conservative is now being reimagined – multifaceted, modern, and stylistically bold. Whether in simple lines, combined with gold, or as a statement piece – the pearl has shed its traditional austerity and represents a new generation of luxury: individual, sensual, and surprisingly versatile.

Jewelry that lasts for generations

For jeweler Skrein*, working with pearls is not primarily about following trends, but about creating jewelry of lasting value. Each piece is crafted with the intention of lasting for generations – embodied in high-quality craftsmanship and a deep understanding of materials.

In her workshop, Marie Skrein senses the growing appreciation for traditional materials and the desire to revive jewelry with history – a process that requires sensitivity and experience: 

"Working with pearls is a unique experience. No two are alike – each has its own shape, its own shade, its own character. This makes it all the more important to understand the material and give it space to unfold its beauty." 

Hardly any other natural product offers such a wide range of shapes, colors, and characteristics as the pearl. South Sea cultured pearls, with their impressive size and intense luster, are considered the most majestic variety of their kind. Tahitian cultured pearls fascinate with their mysterious shimmer in nuances ranging from anthracite to peacock green. Akoya pearls represent classic elegance and harmonious roundness, while freshwater pearls captivate with their natural diversity – from soft rose tones to sophisticated steel gray. However, origin alone does not determine a pearl's value. Luster, shape, surface, and size are also crucial – those characteristics that make each pearl a unique, one-of-a-kind piece and elevate it to a symbol of natural beauty.

The creativity and philosophy that are lived in the Skrein* manufactory guarantees that every pearl becomes a special, unique piece of jewelry that corresponds to the personality of the wearer and brings joy for a long, long time.