We’ve entered graduation season…and chances are you have a family member or someone close to you who is graduating this year. Finding just the right gift to express your love and pride can be a challenge; here are a few suggestions to help you mark these once-in-a-lifetime events with magnificent pearls.

Always Akoyas

Left: The Layered Look at Chanel. Right: Assael Trilogy Akoya Pearl Ring; Assael Essentials Collection Akoya Pearl Necklace.

Akoya cultured pearls have been given for graduations and weddings ever since they were introduced to this country right after World War II. A timeless strand of pearls and pearl stud earrings were considered every young woman’s must-haves in the ‘50s and ‘60s, including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. When Salvador Assael brought Tahitian pearls to North America in the ‘70s, larger South Sea pearls, both black and white, came into vogue. Today, Akoyas are sharing the spotlight again as a new generation has fallen in love with the Akoya pearl’s unsurpassed luster and newfound cool factor.

According to Assael V.P. of Development, Peggy Grosz: “Young women influenced by pearl-centric Ready to Wear collections and Social Media are wearing Akoya strands and ropes in multiples, in mixed sizes, and layered with chains in eclectic new looks that are anything but retro.”

For more Akoya pearl graduation gift suggestions, please visit the Assael Essentials Collection here.

Celebrate with Bubbles

Clockwise from Top Left: Chanel Cruise 2018/19; Bubbles by Sean Gilson for Assael South Sea Pearl Earrings; Assael Large Bubble Ring; Stella McCartney Runway; Assael Small Bubble Ring.

Introduced last year, the Bubble Collection by Sean Gilson for Assael is a contemporary take on white South Sea and Akoya pearls—and now Tahitian black pearls—afloat on 18K gold. These magnificent multi-pearl designs are totally fresh, a bit cheeky, and destined to become bold new classics. But don’t take our word for it: Assael’s Large Bubble Ring won the prestigious Luster Award at the 2017-18 International Pearl Design Competition sponsored by the Cultured Pearl Association of America. To see the entire Bubble Collection, please click here.

Ombré All Day

Clockwise from Top Left: Heaven Gaia Runway; Dawid Tomaszewski Collection; Ombré South Sea and Tahitian Pearl Necklace by Assael; Kate Sylvester Runway.

You may have noticed that ombré fashions have made a major statement on international runways this year, not to mention at the recent Met Gala in New York. When it comes to precious pearls, this gentle gradation of colors presents a lovely visual effect that is sophisticated and surprisingly versatile. Assael’s Ombré South Sea and Tahitian Pearl Necklace is just one stunning example. To see more ombré styles by Assael, please click here.