Born in Mexico, Chrissie Douglas is the daughter of two well-known English artists - an abstract painter and a portrait artist - who emigrated there after WWII. Thanks to her parents, she was, at a very young age, exposed to the world of art and learnt the aesthetic value of mixing colour and texture. Her artistic background gradually found its expression in her passion for jewellery, and more particularly pearls. She is today acknowledged as one of the few pearl specialists and pearl jewellery designers in the UK and is acclaimed for her novel approach and her flair for creative design.

Chrissie Douglas developed her ex-pertise in pearls and gemstones in the early 1980s in both Hong Kong and Malaysia, before settling in the UK.

In 1989 she founded her own com-pany, Coleman Douglas Pearls, where she is backed by a highly skilled and motivated team, including personally trained stringers, craftsmen, goldsmiths, silversmiths and stylists.

This thriving company, whose mission statement is “pearls as never before”, specializes in natural and cultured pearls and creates exciting, unique and original jewellery for an array of clients worldwide, including celebrities, European aristocracy, international government figures, and members of the fashion elite.

The designer successfully builds upon the centuries-old traditions of pearl jewellery, whilst adding her own personal touch of contemporary vitality. Constantly amazing and enthralling jewellery lovers across the globe, she presents pearls in as many different ways as is possible, and thus relentlessly pushes the boundaries of jewellery design to new creative dimensions.

Chrissie Douglas works closely with the fashion industry as well as bridal fashion designers and each year presents two stunning collections consisting of six self-explanatory ranges – some sophisticated and upmarket, and others more casual and affordable: The Fine Jewellery Range, Couture Range, Chelsea Range, Fashion Range, Bridal Range and Birthstone Range. Necklaces, chokers, earrings and bracelets are created with pearls often combined with a variety of precious and semi-precious stones and 18k gold or platinum.

Some pieces such as the beautiful Titania multi-stranded choker, which comprises a large choker and a loose necklace, are signature pieces. Produced in 1994, as part of Chrissie Douglas’ first full collection, this piece was showcased at the Chelsea Festival Fashion Show alongside work by Vivienne Westwood. It was also the inspiration for John Galliano’s first Dior collection.

Chrissie Douglas has been widely recognized as a precursor in jewellery trends. In 1999 her Atlantis collection, which focused on pearls strung with semi-precious stones, was recognized as being the first of its kind, and in 2002 Coleman Douglas Pearls launched its Retro Collection, introducing the novel concept of combining precious stones with leather. It included the Harley Davidson-inspired biker-chic pieces and the Warrior Pearl designs, for which Chrissie Douglas received the 2002 Tahitian Pearl Trophy award.

Coleman Douglas Pearls are on permanent exhibition at the Earth Treasury section of the Natural History Museum in London and, two Coleman Douglas Pearls’ designs form part of the prestigious “Pearls” exhibition which was inaugurated in New York in 2004 and is scheduled to tour in the USA, Canada, Tokyo and London.

COLEMAN DOUGLAS PEARLS LTD
97b Drayton Gardens
London SW10 9QU
U.K.
Tel: +44 207 373 3369
Fax: +44 207 835 2068
www.colemandouglaspearls.com