From Myth to Modern: The Ares Necklace in Black and White

Black and white pearl necklace featuring alternating black and white pearls with a gold clasp.
Ares necklace/ENNUI Atelier

The Ares Pearl Necklace at a Glance

The Ares Pearl Necklace is a study in strength and restraint. A strand of white and black pearls is gathered by a silver lock with rhodium and vermeil gold finishes, creating an immediate focus at the front. The composition is compact at 38 cm, sitting close to the neck with a choker-like presence that feels deliberate, confident, and modern.

Made to order, each piece is produced with care rather than speed. The materials read like a quiet manifesto: 925 recycled silver, rhodium plating for brightness and resilience, gold vermeil details for warmth, and two contrasting pearl tones brought into a shared rhythm.

It looks calm. It feels assured.

Inspiration Rooted in Myth and Mettle

Named for the Greek god associated with warfare and courage, the necklace channels the idea of resolve under pressure. Its structure hints at armor—hard surfaces meeting organic shapes—yet the pearls soften the effect, giving the piece a human pulse. Hard and soft, light and dark, elegance and grit: the name Ares gives context to the conversation happening along the neckline.

There’s a sense of readiness to the design. Not aggressive, but unwavering. The juxtaposition of light pearls and dark pearls touches on duality—the moment before a decision and the moment after, the clarity that follows an act of courage.

A quiet nod to myth. A clear gesture toward the present.

A Design Defined by Contrast

The necklace relies on contrast as its core language. The cool, chrome-like clarity of rhodium meets the warm glow of gold vermeil. White pearls glow with a milky softness, while black pearls seem to hold light inside their shadows. The elements do not compete; they stand side by side, intensifying one another.

Look closely and the tension becomes harmony. The metals give structure and edge; the pearls bring movement and reflection. A single gesture—black and white in conversation—feels both restrained and expressive.

White and Black Pearls in Dialogue

Pearls speak through luster rather than noise. White pearls reflect a soft, lucid shine that skims the skin with a gentle halo. Black pearls, by contrast, handle light like ink; they carry a subtle iridescence that shifts between charcoal, peacock, and storm-soaked blue. Together, they create a cadence along the line of the neck.

The pairing reads like light and shadow sharing the same frame. Day and night held still. The effect is graphic yet refined, suitable for a dressed-up moment and potent against something casual. Each pearl shares the stage, every tone magnified by its opposite.

A simple truth: contrast clarifies form.

The Clasp as a Sculptural Accent

The lock is not a hidden mechanism; it stands proudly as ornament. Made in silver and finished with rhodium and gold vermeil details, it brings architecture to the strand. The shape is sturdy, clean, and intentional—more than a closure, it is a small piece of sculpture drawing the eye to the front.

Function underpins beauty here. The weight and finish of the clasp balance the pearls, and the mixed metal tones pull the palette together. It’s the punctuation mark that gives the sentence its meaning.

Precious Materials with Purpose

Materials set the tone for how a piece feels, wears, and ages. Each choice in the Ares Pearl Necklace supports longevity, clarity of design, and a thoughtful relationship with resources. Silver forms the backbone, rhodium protects the surface, vermeil adds warmth, and the pearls carry the light.

925 Recycled Silver

At the core lies 925 sterling silver crafted from recycled sources. Sterling silver is durable by nature, firm enough to hold shape while retaining a touch of softness that feels good against the skin. Using recycled silver redirects existing material back into lasting form, lowering the demand for newly mined metal and keeping focus on craft rather than extraction.

The metal’s tone is clean and cool, an ideal canvas for both rhodium and gold detailing.

Rhodium Plating for Lasting Radiance

Rhodium, a rare member of the platinum family, is prized for its bright, mirror-like finish. Applied to silver, it adds a crisp sheen and creates a barrier that helps resist tarnish from air and skin contact. The effect is visual and practical: a luminous surface that endures daily wear with grace.

The plating heightens the modern attitude of the piece. Sharp, sleek, luminous.

Vermeil Gold Details as Warm Highlights

Gold vermeil—gold layered over sterling silver—appears at the clasp as a warm counterpoint to the rhodium’s cool brilliance. These gilded notes read like sparks within monochrome; subtle, but unmistakable. The mix of metals gives the necklace a broader styling range, allowing it to sit comfortably with silver and gold jewelry alike.

Warmth where it matters. Just enough to glow.

Proportions and Fit

Fit shapes the mood of a necklace. The Ares Pearl Necklace is measured to sit high on the collarbones, creating a strong line that flatters both minimal silhouettes and layered outfits. Proportions are sharp yet accommodating, refined without feeling fragile.

38 cm Length and Choker Presence

At 38 cm (approximately 15 inches), the strand occupies the timeless space of a short necklace with a choker feel. On many necks, it rests at the base of the throat; on others, it may sit slightly higher, bringing extra definition to the jawline and collarbones. This length keeps the pearls visible above most necklines and situates the clasp as a central accent.

Measure your favorite short necklace to compare. The close fit is part of its character.

How It Frames the Neckline

The necklace frames open necklines—scoop, square, bateau—with crisp clarity. Against a high crewneck or turtleneck, it reads as a luminous ring that breaks up solid fabric and adds structure. Paired with an unbuttoned shirt, the pearls trace an elegant arc that draws the gaze upward toward the face.

Layering can be striking: a longer, simple chain beneath, the Ares strand above. The interplay of lengths emphasizes the pearls’ rhythm and the clasp’s sculptural presence.

Craftsmanship Made to Order

This piece is made to order, which means production begins after purchase. That choice fosters intention: measured steps, careful finishing, and parts brought together to match a single request rather than a warehouse schedule.

Patience rewards the wearer. The result feels personal.

Six to Eight Weeks of Dedicated Making

Expect a making window of six to eight weeks. During this time, components are prepared, finishes are applied, and the necklace is assembled and checked. Pearls are strung with steady hands; metalwork is polished to the right degree of shine. Each step supports comfort, security, and visual clarity.

The timeline reflects real craft. Care takes time.

Order Confirmation Email and What to Expect

After purchase, an email lands in your inbox confirming the order. It marks the start of the timeline and outlines the next steps. As production progresses, anticipate shipping details and tracking once the piece is ready to leave the studio.

Clear, simple communication frames the experience so you can plan around anticipated delivery.

Styling the Statement

The Ares Pearl Necklace carries presence on its own and thrives within ensembles that value contrast. Think deliberate textures, well-cut lines, and palettes that let white and black shine.

After Dark Poise and Edge

Evening settings highlight the necklace’s sculptural qualities. Against a black slip dress, the white pearls glow and the dark pearls deepen, with the clasp punctuating the look like a polished buckle. Add a sharp blazer or leather jacket and the mixed metals bridge both finishes with ease.

For a sharper angle, pair with satin, matte jersey, or a tailored shirt left open at the throat. The strand sits close and steady, lending definition to the neckline.

Completing the Look with the Ares Ring

Ares ring/ENNUI Atelier

The Ares Ring echoes the necklace’s spirit—metal with intent, clean form, and a sense of strength. Worn together, the pieces build a cohesive story: gleam at the hand, luster at the neck, clarity throughout. Coordinated, but never fussy.

Two points of focus. One clear message.

Mindful Care for Rhodium and Vermeil

Gentle care extends the life of plated finishes. Treat the rhodium and vermeil surfaces with a light touch, avoiding chemicals, abrasives, and ultrasonic cleaners. Perfume, hairspray, and lotions should go on before the necklace; allow them to settle before you fasten the clasp.

Wipe the metal with a soft, dry cloth after wear to remove oils. A quick ritual, a long benefit.

If deeper cleaning is needed, use lukewarm water and a mild, non-citrus soap. Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and let the piece air dry fully before storing. No harsh polishes. No rough cloths.

Storage and After Wear Rituals

Pearls appreciate gentle handling. After each wear, give them a brief wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth to keep their luster clear. Store the necklace flat in a fabric-lined box or pouch, separate from harder pieces that could scratch the surface.

Keep the piece away from prolonged humidity and direct sunlight. Avoid sealed plastic for extended periods; pearls benefit from a small amount of ambient moisture. If traveling, place the strand in a dedicated case to prevent tangling and pressure.

Care is quiet respect for materials. It shows.

Sustainability and Mindful Luxury

The Ares design draws strength from considered choices. Recycled silver reduces demand for newly mined metal. Made-to-order production helps minimize excess inventory and the waste it can create. Long-wearing finishes and repair-friendly construction support a future where cherished pieces remain in circulation, not drawers or landfills.

True refinement favors longevity. Buy once, wear often, care well.

Pearls themselves speak to patience—the time they need to form, the calm they suggest on the skin. Choosing a piece crafted with attention honors that rhythm and places value on what lasts.

A Lasting Impression

The Ares Pearl Necklace reads as a clear line across the throat: light meeting dark, armor meeting softness, tradition meeting modern shape. It steps into a room with quiet command, then settles in as if it has always been there.

Strong. Composed. Human.

From materials to finish, from proportion to presence, every choice supports clarity. The result is a necklace that frames the wearer with intention and leaves a memory in the mind’s eye long after the clasp is undone.

A final glint at the collarbone. Then a soft close to the day.

A Necklace in Black and White. Image copyright © Adore Pearls. All rights reserved.
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