Large Florio studs in 9ct yellow gold and set with cabochon green malachite. The Fig tree, of which this is a stylised version from the 'Liberty' era of Palermo, was a Jewish symbol of grace and elegance and often given as a gift to Jewish women. The name of the earrings comes from the Florio family who epitomised the Belle Epoque era of Palermo. From the Journey to Sicily.
Each earring measures approximately 15x18mm
The Florio family are an old Sicilian family, and the Targa Florio race was their invention. This was a mad car race around Palermo and the Porsche Targa is named after the race. The pattern on the cuff is of stylised fig trees from a lunette in Palermo.
Malachite has a distinctive structure and green colour from the copper minerals within, typically comprising curved concentric banding that alternates between light and dark green shades. Often its fibrous structure is visible, with the long direction of fibres appearing perpendicular to the colour banding and giving the stone both a silky and dull lustre.
All Cassandra Goad Jewellery is designed and made in our workshops in London.
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.