O R A  P E A R L S  was created by pearl specialist and jewellery designer Bibi Southwell, who has spent over a decade sourcing and developing relationships with pearl farming communities and gem suppliers all over the world.

Bibi’s fascination with pearls and tracing their sources originated as a hobby after discovering pearl farms across Asia while travelling between her studies at University College London (UCL). Her obsession with the gem continued alongside her career in private equity, during which she became qualified with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Bibi finally left the corporate world to launch ORA in 2016. As a nod to her degrees in Classics and Ancient History, the name “ORA” is taken from the Latin for “shore” or “coastline,” which is notably the boundary between humans and pearls.

Bibi hand selects the pearls at the sources ensuring the finest quality and every item is hand made by the designer herself in her studio in Chelsea, London. Her vision is to create simple designs that do not overshadow the innate beauty and timeless character of nature’s most natural gem. Her focus on fresh, minimalist and elegant design achieves the perfect balance between modern and classic.

Having launched ORA, Bibi felt there was a market for a darker and more masculine/unisex brand featuring pearls for men, thus at the end of 2018 she went on to create ARO – the antithesis of ORA. ARO focuses on the juxtaposition of gems from opposing elements – gemstones originating from the earth and pearls from the ocean. Click here to visit www.aropearls.com.

ORA offers a bespoke service for any special gift or occasion. Please contact hello@orapearls.com to discuss what you are looking for and how we can help.