Description

Linda McFarlane’s white pearl drop earrings are classic and wearable. Large pearls are always flattering.The tripl drop gives them a modern and distinctive style.

Linda McFarlane has been working as a jeweller for some 15 years. She began as a logical extension of her original training and lifelong interest in fashion-design and textile arts. She takes a restrained approach and likes to explore the possibilities presented by the use of simple materials and forms. Nevertheless, she enjoys making the most of varied textures, colours, and reflective qualities.

‘I like my work to be individual and affordable and distinct from that found on the high street. I enjoy experimenting with such materials as stainless steel, rubber, Perspex, glass, with bold forms to create surprising yet harmonious wearable sculpture.’

Linda places particular emphasis on opposites in her work. She likes to play with contrasts such as light and dark, rough and smooth, shiny and dull. She has made a special range of environmental jewellery for GroundWork gallery using natural materials such as stone, shell, lava and leather. Linda often experiments with new combinations of materials and designs. As well as in textiles, Linda’s background is in teaching and she lives and works in Norwich.

About the materials

Where Do Freshwater Pearls Come From?
Although the traditional source of pearls has been saltwater mollusks, freshwater mussels, which live in ponds, lakes and rivers, can also produce pearls. China has harvested freshwater pearls in the form of “mabe” since the 13th century, and has now become the world’s undisputed leader in freshwater pearl production.

The Appeal of Freshwater Pearls
Generally speaking, freshwater pearls are not as round as saltwater pearls, and they do not have the same sharp luster and shine as akoya pearls. However, they appear in a wide variety of shapes and natural colors, and they tend to be less expensive than saltwater pearls, making them very popular with younger people and designers.

Also, because freshwater pearls are solid nacre, they are also quite durable, resisting chipping, wear, and degeneration.