Behind The Studio

Mermade Pearl Studio is led by designer Lisa Yuyi, based in Christchurch. Her work centres on the natural form of pearls—particularly baroque and keshi varieties—where variation, irregularity, and restraint guide each piece.

Lisa studied fashion design at AUT, with a practice shaped by material, form, and process. Rather than imposing uniformity, the process begins with sorting and pairing the pearls, where shapes are observed, balanced, and composed into designs that move between simplicity and statement.

All pieces are designed and assembled locally, with a focus on wearability, proportion, and quiet individuality.

The studio explores a balance between structure and softness, with metal kept minimal to allow the character of each pearl to remain intact.

Pieces move between everyday forms and one-off studio works. Alongside this, Mermade offers a considered selection of designs intended for repeat production, making pearls more accessible without losing their material integrity.

All pieces are assembled by hand, with design, sourcing, and finishing kept close to the studio.