Getting to Know – Mai Pearls

Interview With: Henrietta Askew

Company Name: Mai Pearls

Website: http://www.maipearls.co.uk

Location / Coverage: Online shop, but office based in London

Who are / what is Mai Pearls?

We design and sell handmade freshwater pearl jewellery.  Mai Pearls aims to make pearl jewellery more accessible by not only including classical pieces within the collections but also more fashion led, contemporary pieces.

How did Mai Pearls come about and how long has the business been going?

Mai Pearls was launched in May 2006 when I came back from studying in Beijing to create my own pearl jewellery label.

What sets Mai Pearls apart from other jewellers?

Each piece of jewellery is handmade by a small group of women in China who are paid a fair wage and whose working conditions are safe and of a good standard.  Mai Pearls donates 10% of their profits to charities distributing within China.

What’s the best thing about the job?

I love the flexibility of working for myself.  Also, when things are going well the highs are very high, although this also means that the lows can be very low as well. It is also very satisfying being able to give something back to the people of the country who make the jewellery and enable me to have a business.

Does Mai Pearls have a specialist area?

We specialise in Chinese freshwater pearl jewellery.

Who/what are your influences?

My influences are my suppliers and the new techniques they are using when I visit them and also the predicted colours for the seasons.  I am also influenced greatly by the wedding market and what the brides-to-be are looking for either for themselves, their bridesmaids or flower girls.

Do you have a favourite collection or piece of your jewellery?

I love the classic pieces, particularly the ivory white drop pearl earrings I wear them all the time!

Where can I find out more about Mai Pearls?

On our website www.maipearls.co.uk, our Mai Pearls facebook page or on twitter http://twitter.com/mai_pearls – take your pick!