On Materials & Making

Every piece begins with a balance—between material, wearability, and intent.

Mermade Pearls uses a range of metals across different designs, including stainless steel, gold plated components, gold filled materials, and sterling silver. Each is selected with a specific purpose in mind.

Stainless steel offers strength and durability. Gold plated components allow for a wider range of accessible designs. Gold filled and sterling silver provide a higher level of longevity and refinement.

Rather than positioning one material as inherently better than another, the focus is on how each is used. A simple piece may benefit from a lighter, more accessible material. A more considered design may call for something with greater weight or longevity.

This approach allows the collection to move across different price points without losing coherence.

All pieces are designed and assembled in Christchurch. The process is hands-on and iterative—working directly with the pearls and components to find the right balance of proportion and movement.

Small adjustments are often made as each piece comes together. The way a pearl sits, the spacing between elements, the length of a drop—these are decisions made in the moment, rather than fixed in advance.

The result is a collection that feels consistent, but not uniform.