The Islamic love of geometry is echoed in the Mashrabiya screens created on their travels wherever they went. Geometry builds on simple shapes of circles, squares and rectangles turning them into puzzling patterns. And through the spaces in between, it is possible to create endlessly varying vistas for the eye to wonder at.

As I walked from palace to palace around Morocco, the trellis pattern was repeated in each one: different and yet the same. I made gold sections of the squares and created earrings and rings set with diamonds, turquoises and lapis lazuli.

Originating from the Latin name "granatus", meaning seed-like, rounded garnet crystals bring to mind perfectly polished pomegranate seeds. The scientist in Cassandra has always been fascinated by this isomorphous series, giving rise to gems ranging from colourless through to all colours of the rainbow. These gleaming gemstones have a high refractive index, perpetually emitting light. Some will even change colour, appearing bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red in incandescent light. No wonder they are said to have guided travellers throughout history, with their light warding off all darkness and fears. With these strong associations to illumination, it's not surprising garnets have also been so popular with kings and queens, vikings, and knights. Imbued with eternal happiness, health, and wealth, the traditionally resplendent red colour of garnets enriches wearers with faith, stability, and courage. An appropriate birthstone for January, which marks the beginning of the year.