-

REIMAGINING PEARLS FOR A NEW GENERATION WITH ADORN PILI

IN CONVERSATION WITH FOUNDER PILAR RAVIRAJ

Written by

Jorge Lucena

Photographed by

No items found.

Styled by

No items found.
No items found.

In a world of fast-changing trends, Adorn Pili offers something different–a fresh, modern take on pearl jewelry. Founded in 2022 by Pilar Raviraj, the brand focuses on unique and accessible designs, creating pearl jewelry for today's woman by blending classic and contemporary styles.

The brand's origin story is rooted in a desire for creative immediacy. After working in the demanding world of women's fashion, Pilar felt a disconnect between inspiration and execution. "After a few years working in womenswear, I found myself disillusioned with the pace and demands of the industry," she explains. "Endless design cycles and the long wait to see ideas come to life left me craving something more immediate. Jewelry allows me to translate inspiration into a tangible piece within hours." This desire to quickly bring ideas to fruition is what sparked the creation of Adorn Pili, a brand dedicated to making pieces that easily enhance any outfit. "As the finishing touch that completes a look, jewelry has the power to transform an outfit. Adorn Pili was born from a desire to create pieces that instantly elevate an outfit.”

Pilar's background in both high-end luxury fashion and commercial brands has undeniably influenced the brand's aesthetic. Exposure to fashion weeks and luxury design instilled an appreciation for artistry and craftsmanship, while experience with commercial brands honed the ability to create wearable designs. A pivotal moment for Pilar was a stint on the accessories team at Thom Browne, where she learned to push the boundaries of wearable design. “I now bring this innovative approach to my jewelry, using unique pearls that many would consider unusable," she reveals. "These pearls—unconventional in shape—are transformed into stunning statement pieces, allowing my customers to feel confident and empowered, with jewelry that is as distinctive as they are.”

At Adorn Pili, the design process, as explained by Pilar, is a balance of intuition and careful craftsmanship. "Creating a piece of jewelry begins with inspiration, which sparks the initial idea. From there, I move into sketching designs, followed by crafting sample pieces to bring the concept to life. After making any necessary tweaks to perfect the design, we finalize the piece, ensuring it meets the brand’s standards of quality and craftsmanship before it’s ready for our customers.” This dedication to quality extends to the sourcing of the pearls themselves, which are ethically obtained and can take up to four years to form naturally. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in every step.

Adorn Pili fills a distinct need for modern pearl jewelry. “With Adorn Pili, I wanted to fill the gap in the market for pearl statement jewelry that feels fresh and modern,” Pilar explains. “Pearls have often been associated with outdated designs, so I aim to redefine them by creating pieces that feel current and exciting. This modern take on pearls is central to the brand’s identity.” This desire to modernize a classic is a core element of Adorn Pili.

Bestselling styles, which include the Luna, Nora, and Raine, offer modern takes on classic designs, especially appealing to brides looking for something different for their wedding day. “Our best-selling styles resonate with customers because they offer a modern twist on classic pearl jewelry," Pilar says. "Many brides want something unique for their wedding, and our designs feature one-of-a-kind pearls that provide the final touch. The use of pearls that women haven’t seen before makes our pieces exciting and fresh, especially for those looking to stand out on their special day. Our commitment to timeless, yet modern designs truly connects with brides seeking something different.”

For Pilar, the most rewarding aspect of the work is seeing the jewelry worn by others. “The most rewarding part of seeing someone wear our jewelry is knowing how they feel—there’s a unique sense of individuality that comes with it," she shares. "When I see a bride wearing one of our pieces, I’m always touched. I remember how important it was for me to perfect my own bridal look, and the fact that they chose one of our designs for their special day feels incredibly rewarding. The memories tied to these pieces are truly special.”

For those aspiring to enter the world of jewelry design, Pilar offers practical advice, “My advice to someone starting out in jewelry design is to remember that things don’t happen overnight. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay—accepting them will help you keep pushing forward. Start small and take your time, but stay consistent. Be playful with your designs, but always remember that your customers' opinions are what matter most. Listen to their feedback and follow their lead to create something meaningful.”

No items found.
No items found.
#
PREVNEXT