Pearls Before Swine Men

While fashion tends to become more and more inclusive, there remains a field where perfection is still essential: jewelry. Perfect earrings, delicate swirls, pearls with unmatched roundness, stones brighter than ever... Starting from this observation, Himo Martin founded the brand Pearls before swine in 2005. Its name, inspired by a verse from the Bible that metaphorically advises against giving pearls to pigs because they cannot recognize their beauty, summarizes the concept of the brand: to offer jewelry created using materials deemed imperfect in order to develop an original aesthetic and a new form of delicacy. Necklaces, bracelets, or rings here take on a slightly aged and often raw dimension that does not detract from their appeal. Assisted by a dealer, a long-time friend, Himo Martin collects the pearls deemed imperfect by the jewelry industry. His favorites? Akoya pearls and those from Tahiti, which he then mounts on silver bases. Seeking a unique look, he then works the precious metal by oxidizing or engraving it using unexpected tools, sourced from the medical field, for example. In addition to their ethical dimension, Pearls before swine's creations are also sustainable as they highlight pearls, stones, and metals sourced fairly. Close to nature, the designer sometimes includes elements like wood in his creations. And this is not the only way Himo Martin stands out. Far from the tumult of Fashion Weeks and their frantic pace, the Canadian jeweler does not present his collections according to any calendar, relying solely on his inspiration. A solitary artisan based in Montreal, he handcrafts all his jewelry (with the help of an assistant) in his Vancouver workshop to offer pieces that are ever stronger and rich in emotions.