Humphrey Collier Twister Tahitiperle

9 mm freshwater pearl white + 11-12 mm Tahiti pearl

The objective that Humphrey set in collaboration with Norbert Muerrle for this jewelry line was to find a stainless steel material that is elastic. After more than a year of development work, we now have a 2 mm thick fabric made of many individual stainless steel threads in various alloys and thicknesses. The stainless steel threads are twisted together and processed. Only the correct arrangement provides the desired properties.

Now we have a piece of jewelry that adjusts to the wearer to some extent in size. It is also pleasant that these necklaces have no clasp. Simply stretch, place around the neck, and it fits.

The design with the different spheres may somewhat remind one of the “retro style.” One thing is certain: these pieces are simply beautiful.

Humphrey’s Tahitian pearls:

The black-lipped oyster Pinctada margaritifera produces the black Tahitian pearls near the islands of French Polynesia. The oyster is quite large, sometimes reaching 30 centimeters in diameter. Therefore, the pearls are often large. They are unique due to their natural, dark colors. They can take on gray, silver-colored, or charcoal-like shades.

Humphrey’s freshwater pearls:

Although the traditional origin of pearls is oysters living in saltwater, mollusks living in freshwater lakes and rivers can also produce pearls. Freshwater pearls are robust and resist chipping, wear, and show fewer signs of use.
Freshwater pearls differ from other cultured pearls in that they are not provided with a nucleus. Instead, a small cut is made in the tissue, into which a tissue particle from another oyster is inserted. The mussels are nurtured and cared for between 2 and 6 years. The finished pearls consist of solid mother-of-pearl.

In recent years, the Chinese have been able to bring the art of freshwater pearl cultivation to a level where the top qualities are hardly distinguishable from their relatives from saltwater.

The HUMPHREY jewelry wearer thus has the certainty of owning a special piece of jewelry.

Dangers for the pearls

Due to their chemical composition, pearls are sensitive to chemical and physical influences (e.g., they should be removed for showering and hair washing).

They consist mainly of calcium carbonate and the organic horn substance conchiolin. Pearls are sensitive to excessive heat, dryness, and moisture.

Care of the pearls

There are special cleaning baths that are mild. Pearls should preferably not be cleaned in ultrasound. You can clean the pearls yourself from time to time in a simple way. Place the pearl in a bath of lukewarm water mixed with a splash of a gentle detergent and some alcohol, and brush gently. Then rinse the pearl with clear water and dry the pearl with a soft cloth. Every two to three years, you can carefully rub the pearl with lanolin.

A pearl jewelry piece brings joy on many days and lasts a lifetime!