Inside Hagia Sophya in Constantinople, the beautiful old mosaic walls of 1260s were painted over when it was converted to a mosque in 1453 and later uncovered again in 1847. It was near the great mosaic of Empress Irene that Cassandra saw a decorative pattern that she began to sketch out as a delicate pierced-out 'in relief' design as a brooch or centrepiece for a necklace. To echo the colours of the mosaics she decided to use various colours of enamel and she also set small diamonds into the design. From the journey to Turkey.
Empress Irene 18ct yellow gold interchangeable necklace centrepiece set with pearl and diamonds and enamelled. This can be worn as both a pendant and a brooch. All pendants sold without chains.
Cassandra herself designs all her jewels and works closely with her stone cutters and craftsmen throughout the process from design through to creation including on her bespoke projects.
Ever in search of the unusual and rare, Cassandra travels the world to source beautiful gemstones, either in the rough or cut form.
The craftsman works as an artist recreating the design in metal. The jewel is then mounted, assayed, polished and set.