Blood red agrumi and glistening pomegranates steep the markets of Palmera, proving themselves irresistable. Just as they were for the Goddess Persephone, who spent 6 months of the year in Hades because she ate the pomegranate seeds. I set my pomegranate seeds of lapis lazuli, coral, pearls and turquoise into a bangle and hoop earrings, and called them Persephone as a reminder of the goddess, for Sicily is often called: Persephone's Isle.

Pearls are among the earliest of gem materials used for personal adornment. Enraptured by their luminescent shades, the Ancient Greeks once believed they were tears of joy from Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

The only gemstone to be produced by a living organism, this gem epitomises incredibly rare and unique wonders in nature, as a symbol of purity and modesty. It also denotes love, success and happiness, so is often presented as a wedding gift, as well as being the birthstone for June.

Quite different from other polished gemstones, their unique 'orient' is a result of subtle iridescence and a surface reflection of light. They are commonly white, golden, grey, brown and black in colour; with various iridescent tints including pink, green, blue and lilac, and are either produced naturally or artificially, in marine saltwater or freshwater.