Pearls have never been out of fashion. From the gowns of Anne of Cleves and Jane Seymour, to the runways of Paris, they have always been the ultimate fashion accessories.

When the inventor of modern fashion, Coco Chanel, proclaimed, "A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls," she instantly elevated them to haute couture essentials. Chanel swathed her models in strands, chokers and solitaires, and they became as synonymous with Chanel's understated style, as the interlocking double c logo.

Just as striking, though perhaps a little less extravagant, are the fresh adaptations of pearls by designers from all around the world breaking down the old pearls and twin set clichè, with present fresh, deconstructed interpretations of the classic accessory.

Throughout Europe and the USA designers are taking the pearl and giving it a fresh, modern appeal. Teamed with diamonds of all colours including brown, black and yellow, given a new twist with pink sapphires and set in both yellow and white gold the appeal of the pearl has never been greater.