Ocean Bloom Pearl Hoop Earrings

Pearls always surprise people when they learn how they're actually made — slowly, in response to something small and irritating that the oyster couldn't get rid of. I think about that a lot. It's not a mineral, technically, but it earns its place here; there's something quietly moving about beauty that comes from patience rather than pressure.

I used to think Rose Quartz was a little too soft, almost too obvious a choice for a love stone. Then I actually lived with a piece for a while and realised that's exactly the point — it doesn't try to convince you of anything, it just sits there being gentle until you notice you feel calmer. I keep a small piece by my bed.