Small Florio studs in silver and set with blue topaz. 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 16x14mm
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.
Topaz is an Aluminum fluoro- hyrdroxyl- silicate that occurs in large crystals mostly in Brazil. Its slightly turquoise blue hue, is similar to that of aquamarine. It is perhaps this colour that makes it the stone symbolising friendship and love, honest and fidelity. It is the birthstone for November.
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.