Arbol de la Vida earring pendants in 9ct white gold and set with diamonds. Inspired by the 'Arbol de la Vida' made in Puebla, Mexico in clay and representing the Tree of Life. They are often highly coloured with birds, leaves and flowers as decoration. From the Journey to Mexico.
*Astrea hoops are sold separately.
One of the most extraordinary people that Cassandra met on her visits to Mexico was the octogenarian Tiburcio Soteno. Tiburcio continues his family tradition of ceramics in Metepec outside Mexico City and has his work in the collections of the British Museum.
The Mexican tradition of ceramic "Arbol de la Vida" can take on a variety of themes from The Virgen of Guadelupe, Frida Kahlo, Dia De Muertos to the Nativity. For Cassandra, Tiburcio made a large meter high white ceramic sculpture of the Nativity. It was this that formed the basis of the original outline for her design for her earrings and pendant. The challenge then was to make a large dramatic earring pendant set with diamonds, light in weight and airy. The result is remarkable and testament to Cassandra's fascination with excellence in engineering.
Diamond- from the Greek 'adamas' means the unconquerable and so it is, being the hardest of all gemstones. From yellowish to green, red, pink and blue, diamonds are found in all colours in South Africa, Australia, as well as Namibia, Russia and China.
All Cassandra Goad jewellery is designed and made in the
workshops in London.
As a gemmologist, the chemical composition and properties of
gemstones have always fascinated Cassandra. Ever in search of the
unusual and rare, she 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, his interpretation is
vital to the overall feel of the jewel. The jewel is then mounted,
assayed , polished and set. Many of Cassandra's jewels can be hand
engraved with a personal message to make a unique bespoke gift.