Why pebble jewellery is popular with designers the world over, from Agmes to By Pariah and Otiumberg
Smooth, tactile and organic, pebbles are inspiring elegant designs that feel reassuringly grounded
Sculptural and tactile, pebbles have long drawn designers with their simplicity and natural appeal. At the London-based label By Pariah, designer Sophie Karg takes an abstract approach to the trend. “I’ve always been drawn to organic shapes that feel both grounding and elegant,” she says.
“The pebble form, in particular, offers a sense of tactility and individuality that aligns with my design ethos – pieces that are refined, modern, and carry a story.”
Rather than a literal interpretation of the stones, she aims to evoke “ease and quiet confidence”. Her Pebble pendant, crafted from moss agate and 14k recycled gold, has a smooth silhouette bisected by a line of pavé-set white diamonds. “It’s minimal yet impactful,” she adds. “It captures the essence of what I aim to create: jewellery that feels personal, elevated and timeless.”
Brazilian-born designer Fernando Jorge’s new 16-piece high jewellery series explores the shape, texture and natural irregularity of pebbles. Among his stand-out designs are the High Fluid Pebbles earrings, made in 18k yellow gold and set with hand-carved brown river pebbles from Brazil and 2.72 carats of pear-cut brown diamonds.
Jorge, who trained at Central Saint Martins in London after beginning his career in Brazil, produces much of his work in São Paulo and sourced the pebbles from a Brazilian park once known for its diamond-rich riverbeds. Their thumb-sized, organic shapes are arranged alongside diamonds in cuffs, rings and earrings, their earthy surfaces offset by faceted sparkle. Some pieces feature marble, carved and set with white diamonds as a counterpoint.
London-based jeweller Lily Gabriella also works with marble, pairing the stone with a domed 16.10-carat rubellite in her Editions cocktail ring. Set in 18k rose gold, the piece is bold and tactile, yet rooted in the natural world.
That material-led focus is also central to Los Angeles-based designer Sophie Buhai. Her latest jewels include several pebble-like pieces carved from jade and finished in silver or gold. The handcrafted Egg pendant pairs hand-carved jade with sterling silver on a simple cord. It’s also available in onyx or 18k solid gold, with choker versions strung on vegan leather.