'The Cavolfiore design was inspired by my travels in Sicily. It was only when I travelled north to the great Volcano of Etna, that I began to understand just how fertile the land is; its natural mineral explosions have created an isle where almost anything will grow, and in lush quantities too.

The markets of Taormina nearby were overflowing with blood oranges, enormous golden lemons and great fluffy white cauliflowers. I could not resist transforming those beautiful vegtables into a jewelled form and so it was with pearls that I made my first pair of earrings - the diamonds adding the feeling of drops of early morning dew.'

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.