Fashion & Jewelry · ART TO WEAR The Pearl,Living Gem From the ocean depths to family heirlooms — everything you need to know about the noblest gem of feminine elegance Jewelry & Style There are jewels that shine through artifice and jewels that shine through story. The pearl belongs to the second category — the only precious stone created by a living organism, a masterpiece of nature that humans have worn for thousands of years. Cleopatra dissolved them in vinegar to impress. Coco Chanel democratized them. Audrey Hepburn immortalized them on screen. And yet, today, the market is flooded with imitations. Do you truly know what you’re wearing around your neck? "A natural pearl is the only accessory that does not age — but patinates." I. Anatomy of a pearl — what lies within A natural pearl forms when a foreign body — a grain of sand or a parasite — penetrates a mollusk. In response to irritation, the mollusk secretes nacre, a mixture of crystalline calcium carbonate and organic proteins, deposited in concentric layers, year after year. The result, after years or decades, is a sphere of almost impossible perfection. Cultured pearls follow the same biological process — the difference is that the nucleus is intentionally introduced by humans. The most valuable are Akoya (Japan), South Sea (Australia, Philippines), and Tahitian pearls. Freshwater pearls, predominantly cultivated in China, are more accessible and extremely varied. Fake pearls, on the other hand, are simple glass, plastic, or ceramic beads coated with an iridescent lacquer that mimics the pearlescent appearance — with no connection to biology or the seas and oceans. · · · II. Tests of elegance — how to distinguish authentic from fake You don't need a gemologist for the initial checks. A few simple gestures will reveal the truth behind any pearl. 🦷 The Tooth Test Gently rub the pearl against the edge of a front tooth. A real pearl will feel slightly gritty, granular — due to the aragonite crystals. A fake pearl slides perfectly and blandly. 💡 The Light Test Hold the pearl against strong light. An authentic pearl will show depth, complex iridescence, and variations in tone. A fake will look flat, uniform, almost plastic. ⚖️ The Weight Test Natural and cultured pearls have a specific weight — they feel dense and cool to the touch. Plastic ones are much lighter; glass ones are slightly heavier than they should be. 🔍 The Hole Test With a magnifying glass, examine the stringing hole. On real pearls, the edges are sharp, and the nacre layer is visible. On imitations, chipped lacquer or a homogeneous, different core is often observed. If you have serious doubts or plan a significant purchase, a certified GIA gemologist can perform X-ray tests — the only method that definitively differentiates a natural pearl from a cultured one. · · · III. Where to buy authentic pearls — a guide for the informed buyer The source matters as much as the stone itself. Here's where you can buy with confidence, regardless of budget: Traditional jewelers with GIA certification Look for stores that are members of national jewelers' associations. Always ask for the certificate of authenticity and a detailed invoice specifying the type of pearl. Recommended Mikimoto, Tasaki, Autore The major Japanese and Australian pearl houses — the industry's gold standard. Premium prices, impeccable quality, lifetime guarantee. Luxury Majorca Pearls (Mallorca, Spain) Surprisingly: Majorica pearls are high-quality imitations — but officially recognized as such. Beautiful and accessible, provided you know what you're buying. Noble Imitation Pearl Paradise, The Pearl Source (online) Specialized online retailers with a solid reputation, detailed macro photographs, and clear return policies. Online Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams auctions For unusual natural pearls or historic necklaces. Each lot comes with independent gemological reports. Collection Avoid with caution: pearls sold in street markets, at prices far below market value, or without any documentation. An authentic 12mm South Sea pearl cannot cost 30 lei. · · · IV. Grading value — what makes a pearl more precious Luster is the most important attribute — a high-quality pearl reflects light like a mirror, with vibrant brilliance and depth. The surface must be as clean as possible, without visible spots, scratches, or irregularities. A perfect spherical shape is the rarest and most valuable, although baroque and drop shapes have their own distinct charm. Size matters: each additional millimeter in diameter can double the price. And finally, nacre thickness determines longevity — a cultured pearl with a thin layer of nacre will lose its luster in a few years. Pearls do not function as speculative investments, but as objects of aesthetic heritage. Their value is not dictated by market volatility, but by rarity, construction, and cultural permanence. Unlike diamonds, gold, or collectible watches — assets with much more liquid and standardized global markets — pearls are evaluated in a more nuanced and subjective way. This does not mean that they cannot have investment value. Rare natural pearls, perfectly matched necklaces, or vintage pieces with important provenance can reach impressive values and appreciate over time. However, most pearls are not bought for quick returns, but for their long-term aesthetic relevance. It is precisely this visual stability that transforms them into a form of smart luxury — a type of value built over time, not around hype. Pearls do not follow trends and do not try to attract immediate attention. They remain relevant precisely because they have managed to traverse eras, styles, and generations without losing their refinement. The Ritual of Care — how to keep pearls alive ◆Put pearls on last, take them off first — perfume, hairspray, and perspiration can damage their nacre. ◆Clean them after each wear with a soft cotton cloth, lightly dampened with clean water. ◆Never leave them in airtight boxes — nacre needs humidity; a silk pouch is ideal. ◆Restring necklaces at the jeweler every 2–3 years, or more often if worn regularly. ◆Protect them from ultrasound, steam, and chemicals — including chlorine in pools. · · · V. The Pearl Atlas — differences between natural types Not all pearls are created equal. Provenance, sea, mollusk, and climate leave distinct imprints on luster, color, and character. Saltwater Cultured Pearls — the most prized Cultured in the sea, with a human-introduced nucleus, but with nacre deposited biologically — sometimes for years. Classic Akoya Pearl Japan · China The classic standard of elegance — spherical, white or cream, with an unmistakable metallic luster. Preferred for traditional necklaces and fashion houses. Size6–9 mm Colorwhite, cream, pink MolluskPinctada fucata Approx. price€300 – €5,000 Rarest South Sea Pearl Australia · Philippines · Indonesia The largest and most valuable cultured pearl. Thick nacre layer, velvety luster, colors from silver-white to intense gold. Size10–20 mm Colorwhite, silver, gold MolluskPinctada maxima Approx. price€500 – €50,000 Mysterious Tahitian Pearl French Polynesia The only truly black pearl in nature. Green, blue, or purple reflections — a spectacle of iridescence against a dark background. Size8–16 mm Colorblack, green, purple MolluskPinctada margaritifera Approx. price€200 – €20,000 Accessible Freshwater Pearl China · Japan The only one cultivated without a solid nucleus — almost entirely composed of nacre. Varied shape, pastel colors, the most accessible price of all. Size4–13 mm Colorwhite, pink, lavender MolluskHyriopsis cumingii Approx. price€20 – €1,500 Wild Natural Pearl — the coreless treasure Formed without human intervention, in the wild. Extremely rare, almost exclusively on the auction market. Ultra-rare Wild Natural Pearl Persian Gulf · Sri Lanka · Myanmar · Red Sea An accident of nature — no introduced nucleus, formed spontaneously. 99% of natural pearls were harvested until the mid-20th century, almost completely depleting mollusk populations. Today, an authentic natural pearl is sold at Christie's or Sotheby's. Internal structurepure, concentric nacre VerificationX-rays (GIA gemologist) Typical shapebaroque, rarely spherical Approx. price€10,000 – €1,000,000+ Availabilityauction exclusive Quick Comparison Type Nucleus Formation Time Luster Rarity Wild Natural Absent 10–30 years Exceptional Extreme Cultured Akoya Spherical, donor mantle 1–3 years Metallic, vibrant Moderate Cultured South Sea Large spherical, mother-of-pearl 2–5 years Velvety, deep High Cultured Tahitian Spherical, donor mantle 1.5–3 years Iridescent, spectral Moderate Cultured Freshwater Absent (tissue nucleus) 2–7 years Diffuse, pearlescent Low Note for the discerning buyer The term "natural pearl" is often incorrectly used in trade to designate any real pearl (including cultured ones). From a gemological perspective, a true natural pearl is exclusively one formed without any human intervention. When buying, explicitly ask for a GIA or SSEF certificate that states: natural pearl, no indications of cultivation. "A woman who wears pearls knows something other jewelry cannot say — that authentic beauty takes time." QUASSO ARTICLE ART TO WEAR

In an era of commercial homogenization, where algorithms and large chain stores dictate what we wear, finding a unique stylistic identity has become a challenge. When all the shop windows on major boulevards and online look the same, where do we find clothes that value structure, fiber quality, and a cut that doesn't expire after one season? True style is not found in mass production. It is hidden in those European workshops that have refused to sacrifice craftsmanship on the altar of volume. In this guide from Quasso Insights, we analyze three exclusive women's fashion brands that deserve to be on your radar if you value the quality label. 1. Polin et Moi: Reinterpreting Parisian refinement There's a certain nonchalance in the way Romanian and French women approach fashion — a desire to look impeccable without appearing to have tried too hard. The brand Polin et Moi captures exactly this essence. Inspired by classic Parisian aesthetics, this brand successfully combines subtle romanticism with the structure of tailoring pieces. Their collections are not made to be admired only in the window; they are versatile pieces, designed for the dynamics of a busy day. What sets them apart: The materials are carefully selected to provide comfort, and the cuts follow soft geometric lines that flatter the figure without constricting it. It is the definition of elegance you can wear from Monday to Sunday. 2. Rivera: The Spanish lesson in artisanal craftsmanship Founded in the 70s, the Spanish brand Rivera is living proof that tradition and modernity can coexist perfectly in a garment. If Polin et Moi brings a Parisian flair, Rivera offers the versatility and quality of "Made in Spain" construction. Each Rivera piece is the result of a controlled process by skilled artisans, where attention to finishes and internal details is reminiscent of traditional tailoring. The brand excels in using premium materials, including natural fabrics and high-quality leather, building resort and smart-casual pieces that bravely stand the test of time. What sets them apart: The technology and ergonomic construction of the clothes. They create clothes that feel good from the first wear, eliminating the rigidity specific to formal pieces and offering a luxury that doesn't need to be shouted about to be noticed. 3. Manit: Personality and Mediterranean spirit directly from Barcelona If the first two brands focus on classic elegance, Manit (straight from vibrant Barcelona) adds a touch of attitude and contemporaneity to the equation. It's a brand designed specifically for the modern woman who uses clothes as an extension of her strength and personality. Manit collections are distinguished by their versatility and their ability to quickly transition from a business context to an elegant dinner. Their lines are often fluid, inspired by Mediterranean relaxation, but remain anchored in a clear structure through well-thought-out design details (highlighted shoulders, sculptural collars, rich textures). What sets them apart: The perfect balance between femininity and power. Manit clothes convey confidence and a subtle avant-garde aesthetic, ideal for those who want to express their individuality through premium details. Quasso Insights Conclusion: "Made in Quality" as the sole criterion Choosing a brand should not be dictated by the logo on the label or its presence in all the malls in the world. When you invest in a piece from brands like Polin et Moi, Rivera, or Manit, you are actually paying for hours of design, for the quality of the stitching, and for the respect shown to the wearer. In 2026, luxury means knowing what you wear. It means turning the garment inside out and being as impressed by the interior finishes as you are by its visual impact.

For decades, the "Made in Italy" label was the equivalent of a guarantee certificate, while "Made in China" was synonymous with cheap and short-lived production. In 2026, the reality behind these labels is much more complex, and the boundary between them has become extremely fine. The question remains: what are we really paying for when we choose the origin of a garment? The "Made in Italy" Myth: Heritage and Legislation When we read "Made in Italy," our brain activates the Halo Effect: we imagine an old artisan in a Tuscan workshop, handcrafting a pair of shoes. In reality, European legislation allows this label to be applied even if a large part of the manufacturing process took place in another country, as long as the "last substantial transformation" occurred in Italy. Nevertheless, Italy remains a leader for a technical reason: the ecosystem. The proximity between fabric mills (such as those in Biella for wool) and tailoring workshops creates a quality control chain that is difficult to replicate. It's about a culture of detail that has been passed down genetically. The New Face of China: "Premium Manufacturing" China is no longer just the "world's factory" for disposable items. In the last decade, production centers have emerged in areas like Shenzhen or Guangzhou that use state-of-the-art technologies that Europe has not yet implemented. Many luxury brands produce complex pieces in China because their 3D knitting or laser cutting machines are superior. Quality is no longer about geography, but about Production Specifications (Tech Pack). If a brand demands quality and pays the right price, China can deliver impeccable execution. The Paradox of "Made in Italy" with External Labor There is a grey reality in cities like Prato, where thousands of factories owned by Chinese entrepreneurs produce clothing on Italian soil to legally use the desired label. Here, "Made in Italy" becomes a marketing strategy, not necessarily a guarantee of traditional working methods. Criteria for evaluating quality: If you want to know if a garment is worth the investment, ignore the country of origin and check the following mechanisms: 1. Material composition: Natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton) will always be superior to a synthetic blend, regardless of where they are sewn. In addition, check the places where two pieces of fabric meet (shoulders, pockets, side seams). If the garment has stripes or plaid and they don't align perfectly at the seam, it means the material was cut en masse, without care for waste, to save meters of fabric. In true luxury, visual continuity is sacred. 2. "Plastic bag" lining: If the exterior is fine wool, but the lining is 100% polyester, the garment will retain heat and unpleasant odors. Authentic luxury uses linings made of natural or semi-natural fibers (cupro, viscose, acetate), which allow the skin to breathe. Polyester in the lining is the cheapest way to finish a garment, nullifying the benefits of the expensive outer fabric. 3. Hem quality and fabric allowance: Turn the trousers or skirt inside out. A quality garment has a generous hem (3-5 cm) and a fabric allowance at the inner seams. Brands that produce at minimal cost cut the material "to the bone" to save a few cents per unit, which means the garment can never be altered by a tailor to be adjusted. 4. Seams: Turn the garment inside out. If you see cheap "overlock" instead of French or covered seams, the country of origin doesn't matter – costs have been cut. In technical tailoring terminology, overlock (popularly known in Romania as "surfilat") is a type of stitch made by a special machine that performs three functions simultaneously: it sews two pieces of fabric, trims the excess edge, and wraps the cut edge with threads to prevent fraying. Most "ready-to-wear" garments (t-shirts, hoodies, jeans) are assembled almost exclusively with overlock. It is an extremely fast and efficient method, as the stitch is elastic, making it ideal for jersey or knitted fabrics that stretch. While essential in mass production, the visible presence of overlock inside a jacket, coat, or evening dress is an indicator of cost reduction. In luxury tailoring (High-End): The edges of the material are not left with overlock. They are "closed" with French seams (where the edge is folded inward and sewn again) or are "piped" (covered with a separate band of silk or satin). In fast fashion production: Overlock is the universal method. If you turn a "luxury" jacket inside out and see that zigzag stitch that leaves the fabric edge visible, it means the brand has chosen the shortest and cheapest finishing method. An overlock stitch is secure, but it can easily unravel if a single thread is snagged. In contrast, luxury finishes (such as the English seam or piping) protect the material much better in the long term, preventing direct friction of the edges against the body or other layers of clothing. 5. Buttons and accessories: Horn or corozo buttons and metal zippers (Riri or YKK premium) are better indicators of luxury than a geographic label. Plastic buttons (which feel warm and light to the touch) instead of horn, mother-of-pearl, or corozo are the first sign of economizing. Furthermore, check if the button has a "shank" made of thread that raises it slightly above the fabric. If it is sewn flat and tight to the fabric, it will tension the material and break quickly – a clear sign of cheap industrial automation. Conclusion In 2026, the country of origin is more an indicator of marketing cost and social positioning. True quality has become universal. A well-made garment is the result of rigorous technical specifications, not GPS coordinates. At Quasso, we believe that "Made in Quality" is the only label you need to keep an eye on.

Summer 2026 marks a definitive break from loud prints, instead proposing a return to organic origins. The pattern is no longer a simple ornament applied to the material, but becomes an extension of the environment and the texture of the fiber. The aesthetic of this season is governed by the delicate balance between forms and the fluidity of nature, offering an elegance that seems perceptible rather than visual. The prints that define this summer are elegant, natural, and full of personality, structured on five essential pillars that redefine the modern wardrobe. 1. Reinterpreted Stripes and Soft Geometry Instead of mathematical and rigid lines, we encounter strokes that seem shaped by wind or water. This "controlled imperfection" gives clothes a sculptural dynamic, eliminating the visual aggressiveness of classic stripes. This year's geometry is gentle, with shapes that flow naturally on the body, maintaining an air of relaxed and authentic luxury. 2. Abstract Botanicals and Natural Contrast Vegetal elements are rendered through diffused silhouettes, eliminating the visual clutter of traditional floral prints. The chromatic palette is based on earthy tones—olive, ochre, and sand—which perfectly negotiate with the strong midday light. These prints are elegant, natural, and full of discreet personality, designed to complement the wearer, not overshadow them. 3. Textured Micro-Patterns For those who prefer subtle detail, micro-patterns add depth to materials without overloading the silhouette. They transform the textile surface into a complex tactile experience, where the quality of the fiber becomes the main protagonist. Design thus becomes a matter of finesse and observation, ideal for a refined social context. The conclusion for summer 2026 is a pragmatic one: elegance results from the garment's ability to reflect the environment in an abstract and balanced way. By choosing these strategic patterns, you don't just wear a print, but a calculated, distinguished state of mind perfectly adapted to contemporary style requirements. Quasso's Advice for Wearing Patterns: When choosing a strong print, let the cut remain simple. A complex patterned piece needs room to breathe – pair it with raw metal accessories (matte gold or antique silver) and natural textures, such as linen or raw silk.