Classic pearls get a makeover courtesy of contemporary jewellery designers

To anyone who thinks pearls should be restricted to demure little stud earrings or plain necklaces, I say string 'em up. Today, pearls are more versatile than ever in the hands of contemporary designers.

Greek-French jeweller Melanie Georgacopoulos has been slicing and dicing these jewels of the sea for years, but her new range makes use of what is essentially a by-product, mother-of-pearl, cleverly carved into traditional gemstone shapes and teamed with gold and pearls in luminous rings and earrings.

From top to bottom: 18ct-yellow-gold, pearl and grey-diamond Orbite ring, ￡2,960, Anissa Kermiche; 18ct-gold, mother-of-pearl and freshwater-pearl ring, ￡3,900, Melanie Georgacopoulos.

Anissa Kermiche's Orbite ring does what it says on the tin, using grey and white diamonds and pearls to orbit a diamond-pierced pearl centrepiece.

Delfina Delettrez's Double Bubble ear cuff sports a single pearl in the larger of its two golden hoops, while Buccellati's pearl and gold cuff has a beautifully tactile, quilted appearance.

18ct-yellow-gold and pearl bracelet, price on request, Buccellati.

Not bad for what is essentially a mollusc's attempt to get rid of an unwelcome visitor. One bivalve's trash is another woman's treasure.

Pearl and moonstone jewellery