Peking butterfly silver and enamel earstuds with closed wings. Inspired by the green Chinese butterfly wall paper at Broughton Castle where Cassandra stayed before her trip to China. From the Journey to China.
My Chinese adventure began in England at Broughton castle in Oxfordshire when I stayed in a room with the most beautiful green 18th century Chinese wallpaper. I noticed that occasionally , small butterflies had been hand painted in the wallpaper, and I was charmed by their flitting and fluttering over the walls. I found myself day dreaming about the Far East of the 18th century, imagining the Forbidden city and its exotic palaces, sumptuous silks and stories of the Emperor. I sketched butterflies in all sizes, some as earrings, some larger for brooches and necklaces. They were golden and small, larger and diamond set with facetted stones sparkling on their wings . And so I named them after the names for the capital : Peking ( the smallest), Nanjing ( the medium size) and Beijing ( the larger brooch and pendants).
Silver is the most malleable of metals and when freshly polished takes a mirror like shine. All of the sterling silver used in Cassandra Goad jewellery is of the highest quality and crafted in one of our workshops in London. Cassandra always finds her silver from sustainable sources and where possible recycles the metal; never compromising on quality
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.
In China, Cassandra designed her Qin and Han collection, interpreting the warring factions in opposing colours of gemstones. Butterflies of diamonds, sapphires and emeralds inspired on the 18th century Chinese wallpaper became necklaces and tiaras. Cassandra was overwhelmed by the Temple of Heaven- its geometric roof shapes becoming a pair of earrings.