Black pearl collection

THIS year's fair marks the international launch of a new line of pearl jewellery from the award-winning Australian designer, Peter Meier.

The collection, issued through Bentine Gems for whom Mr Meier works exclusively, features Tahitian black pearls in a range of rings and pendants.

According to Mr Meier, they combine classical European design with the simple elegance of traditional jewellery from ancient civilisations.

'For this collection, I drew on my experience working with classical designs in Switzerland, where I completed my apprenticeship, and combined it with some of the finer, more simple designs typical of indigenous Australian culture,' he said.

'I have also gained inspiration from the magnificent art works of the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations.' Bentine Gems has access to some of the finest black pearls from the pearl farms of Tahiti. This, according to product manager Chris Noone, was also instrumental in inspiring the collection.

'We are a major purchaser of black pearls from Tahiti and it was natural for us to combine our purchasing ability with Peter's design talents to create a collection which is both innovative and responsive to trends in the market,' Mr Noone said.