Pearls of Saint Barthelemy
These ladies took conservative pearls and restrung them on thin leather cords. All The rage in Saint Barthelemy:
(From left) Daughter Marie, Mother Maryvonne, Granddaughter Jessica
Unique combinations: pearls and leather, sea glass, shells, pearls -- all very beautifully conceived and executed.
I collect pieces, as does Inge Fontaine, my stylist, my daughter Alexis. Everyone looks great with a single pearl or many ropes. The pearls holes have to be drilled larger than they do for a conventional
necklace, because the thongs are thicker the knots used are sailors
knots, similar to macrame.
The shop is called Maryvonne & Gerard. Bijoux de la Mer
Rue de la Republique
Gustavia 97133
Saint Barthelemy
Telephone: 0590-52-37-68
bijoux@epilog.com
Martha,
These unique pearls of St. Barts, alone or with their leather, glass, and shells are beautiful. Thanks for the explanation of how the necklaces are created. So beautiful.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 3rd, 2008 at 7:09 am
How are the pearls obtained on the island? Do locals dive and bring up oysters which they sell or keep for their pearls? Are the round pearls found on the beach like shells? I have not seen pearl diving by locals on any islands I have been to, but neither have I seen people with pearls strung with leather like a plentiful local jewel.
Posted by: Carol | January 3rd, 2008 at 8:18 am
What cool necklaces! I would like to make some with just faux pearls for fun. Love them.
Posted by: Bethie | January 3rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi Martha, What a facinating blog. I hope you will show and wear some of these creations on your show real soon so we can get a closer look at them. How soon will our favorite sea glass and shell collector, Hannah Millman, travel down there to bring back more for her beautiful creations? Thanks for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Hi Martha! Happy New Year!! I always look at your blog but never think of posting a comment until reading your entry regarding Bijoux de la Mer. I love the pieces they create in that lovely little shop & I own several of their creations. I spend time every year on the island of St. Barts & always make time for a visit to Bijoux de la Mer. I'm so happy you are a fan of their work. They are so perfectly St. Barts.
Best wishes,
Matthew Robbins
Posted by: Matthew Robbins | January 3rd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
They look earthy yet elegant.
Sue:)
Posted by: Sue Mannel | January 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
This is an excellent idea. Wonderfully creative! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kathleen Marie | January 4th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Martha,
What a well deserved trip you deserve this so much. The pictures are so beautiful. I have been to St. Bart's and St. Martin and you are right the shopping is the best. But, I really liked the beaches. Can't wait for your return to see more pictures of the trip. p.s. what a great idea to take the doors off the helicopter to take better pictures.
Posted by: Jolynn Mytnick North Ridgeville, Ohio | January 4th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Wow! Those are quite beautiful and so unique.
Posted by: Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home | January 5th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Hi all!
Carol, the pearl on the picture are either Tahitian Pearl or Chinese freshwater pearls.
No pearls are cultured in the caribbean. The pearls are imported from the Pacific region (French Polynesia, Japan, Australia, Philippines, China...)
Best
Francois
Posted by: NetPearl | January 9th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Martha - Beautiful trip pictures, but please consider visiting the FL panhandle, especially the resort villages along C.R.30A. We have the most beautiful white sand beaches, gorgeous emerald green water and even shops that sell the same pearls on leather thong necklaces and so much more. Plus, we are a lot closer to NY. Come on down.
Posted by: Emily | January 9th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Dear Martha,
Recently I have been seeing bottle trees in peoples' yards and gardens. I made one myself and it sits out in the pond. It holds 43 colored bottles, attracting birds and reflecting light. What can you tell us about them?
Pat Walker
Jonesboro, Ga
Posted by: Pat Walker | March 11th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
hello ms. stewart,
the ladies who own that store are wonderful. i walked in there last year and they fitted me with a big black pearl that stays around my neck. im a guy and i was concerned about it falling off. Ms.Maryvone told me her son is a surfer and it will stay on for life!
i get the coolest compliments.
you are a cool lady and you do good work. i like you.
joe in dc
ps i want to send you a photo of me with the ladies above and our black pearl, where do i send it
Posted by: joe | March 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
There is nothing like the boho chic vibe of St Barts, and the effortless good taste and style of Maryvonne's pearl jewelry/artwork reflects that. We "drop in" to catch up with the family whenever we are in town, which translates to lovely memories and more pearls on my cluster necklace, which looks like a handful of gorgeous pewter-colored grapes. I also wear their single pearl choker, which never never comes off, and we were happily photographed together recently at the Finish Line of the Florence Marathon. I knew the Italians would appreciate the extra bit of fabulous flourish - who says runners can't be chic at the same time??!! So excited to visit the rest of the family in Sayulita for even more beautiful pearl pieces. All I know is that wherever I go in the world, my pearls are a conversation piece, and a treasured connection to a place I adore.
Posted by: Lesley | March 29th, 2008 at 1:47 am
About the Maryvonne's pearl jewelry...what is price (estimate)?
Posted by: Marcela | April 22nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I couldn't stoop purchasing items from their store!!! Mama..she is wonderfully talented and full of life and Maria, her daughter makes you feel the energy of the ocean as she romances each creation!! My husband and I will look forward to visiting them again and again...what a find!!!
Posted by: Regina Kay | May 11th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Thank you Martha.
A great story abour our small island St. Barth.
Hope you will come again very soon.
Posted by: Elle Ferre | June 11th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Do you know whether or not they are related to the family in Mexico that has Les Gazelles?
The necklaces look similar
Posted by: Laine | July 18th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Yes - Les Gazelles are two of Maryvonne's daughters. If you are in Mexico, you will want to check their store out in Sayulita. The girls there, along with a brother, are the local royalty. Just look for the drop-dead chic girls who walk down the street and the crowds part like the Red Sea. I bought a great 3-pearl ring from them, and my husband wears a pearl around his neck that never comes off, just like mine. Look forward to heading back to St Barth for more pearls in Nov for my bday. Enjoy!
Posted by: Lesley | September 8th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Yes, I live in the 30A (Seaside/Destin) area as well. Those pearl/leather combos are all the rage here as they are in St. Barts. From reading the background of Maryvonne & Gerard Mignot (and sharing the same last name as another I know), I am pretty sure they are related to the same husband/wife team that creates the very same jewelry here. Because of it's popularity, we now have many different people in this area that copy and sell the same look for less money...although the quality does not compare. I wonder if they know Martha is a fan?
Posted by: kloli | January 3rd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I saw this jewelry in a shop at Seasinde. I wish I had bought some for my wife. How can I roder these leather pearl necklaces?
Posted by: David Trusty | March 14th, 2009 at 6:24 am
Wonderful. Have you seen any Ilene Sirota creations? She's showing at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California. Originally hails from the big apple.
Posted by: loramargaret | May 5th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I love pearl necklaces. I have 3 real ones already and about 7 faux pearl necklaces... These look really interesting - possibly when I get married next year I'll wear a new Pearl Necklace. Can't Wait !!
Posted by: Pearl Lover | May 29th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Never would have thought making a Pearl Necklace with leather. What a great idea and a twist to pearl jewellery.. Kind of 'shabby chic' !! Love the picture too ! Foxy Ladies
Posted by: Pearls Pearls Pearls | July 21st, 2009 at 11:24 am
I have made leather and pearl jewelry since I was a kid in the 60's playing in my aunt's jewelry box. I sold to a lady all thru college who sold my things on the French Riveria. Now there are dozens of people selling this type of product, especially near Destin, Florida where I live.
Posted by: connie chartier | October 20th, 2009 at 11:13 am
...wonderful example or great artistry! i love that they not only work with pearls, but are also talented leather workers where craftmanship really matters. thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: michel johnson | November 25th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Fabulous designs using the finest tahitian pearls and leather, south sea pearls, fresh water pearls, gemstones and diamonds.
Trendy necklaces, bracelets and rings.
Inspired by the ocean and the beach atmosphere and luxury.
All our pearls are natural and authentic, with lots of shine and colors.
ANAISfinejewelry.com
Posted by: Anis Lacerte | August 19th, 2010 at 3:34 pm