Instore Talila Gafter Instore's October pearly queen, Talila Gafter, is a veritable human melting pot of cultures. Born in Italy, her mother is famed designer Ella Gafter, who hails from Poland. Talila was educated in Switzerland and Rome, and now lives in New York with her husband and two children. The administrator of her mother's firm, Ellagem, Talila is currently studying for a PhD to add to her existing arsenal of qualifications, which includes degrees in law and philosophy. Of the industry, she says, "I love spending my time working with a commodity that is both concrete and beautiful." Like Ella, Talila has a passion for pearls. "People should sell pearls with respect for their natural characteristics and without trying to cover over any 'defects', but rather by stressing the attractive, seductive, and lively aspect of the pearl," she explains. "Everybody buys pearls, each according to his pocket, because everyone loves to put against their skin (or to see against their loved one's skin) something round, sodt, and warm. What could be both more flattering or more attractive? Well, when you put it like that – what could be?
	Serious Hues Here the combination of Tahitian pearl and ruby is taken to the extreme, bringing out the pomegranate hues of the pearls. Good Things Come in Threes (necklaces) This set is great for a suit (wear one necklace only) or for an evening dress (wear all three). Period Drama (earrings & matching brooch) Baroque design remains classic because of winning color combinations: emeralds en tremblant, Australian pearls with silver hues, mother of pearl, and a touch of onyx. I think pearls have been and will always be like a magnet for human beings because they are a gift of nature, spherical (the most perfect shape, according to the philosopher Plato), smooth, soft to the eye, and warm to the touch. They also produce the most wonderful sound when you play with a bunch of them in your hand. What could be more desirable? The depth that characterizes a beautiful lustre has an appeal that goes beyond mere shine and brilliance, it speaks of a glow that comes form the inside. Different hues of pearl color go well with different skin colors, so that every woman (and man!) can wear pearls. And they match and enhance every possible style of clothing, from the most classical to the most extremely fashionable. This is why everyone wants them...now! —Talila Gafter