Catherine and Orlov earrings in 18ct yellow gold set with fire opal and diamonds. Inside the Kremlin is a jewel house full of intoxicating treasures. I remember the darkness on entering and the almost firework like display of the jewels that Count Orlov gave to his lover Catherine the Great. There were necklaces, brooches and earrings set with colourful foil backings that glowed pink and green for Catherine's exotic costume balls. Inspired by a detail of crescents and trefoils I created the Catherine and Orlov design weaving quartets and quintets of pave set diamonds around a central oval stone. From the journey to Russia.
Catherine & Orlov
Inside the Kremlin is a jewel house full of intoxicating treasures. I remember the darkness on entering and the almost firework like display of the jewels that Count Orlov gave to his lover Catherine the Great. Diamonds that held secrets in the sparkles. There were necklaces, brooches and earrings set with colourful foil backings that glowed pink and green for Catherine's exotic costume balls. Inspired on a detail of crescents and trefoils I created the Catherine and Orlov design weaving quartets and quintets of pave set diamonds around a central oval stone from which rivers of pearls ran into triple rows of chokers. I set fiery red opals in the centre of a pair of earrings and made a bespoke aquamarine and diamond brooch that even the Empress would have enjoyed wearing
Yellow Gold
Gold is a metal that Cassandra loves to work with, it takes a wonderful pátina with time. Cassandra has the skill of knowing which carat, strength and durability of gold to use, where stone setting is concerned, so that jewels last and look beautiful for generations. Sourcing gold and other metals responsibly from people who have the same ethical vision as herself is particularly important, and she regularly encourages transformations from old unworn jewels in to new sparkling pieces. When receiving jewels from Cassandra Goad, you can be assured that only the highest quality gold is being used.
If you would like to have this design crafted bespoke for you in another metal - silver, white or rose gold - please contact us and we will be delighted to make this for you.
Opal
Opals with their play on colour are endlessly intriguing, especially the Australian opals from Coober Pedy in Australia. But opal also occurs in Peru in a soft almost turquoise blue and in Mexico in fiery oranges. Softer than other gemstones, they should be worn with care and kept in a moist atmosphere- it is a good idea to keep a glass of water in your safe if you have opals. Opals are the birthstone for October.
Craftsmanship and Sourcing
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.
