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
Florio
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.
Silver
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.
If you would like to have this design crafted bespoke for you in another metal - yellow, white or rose gold - please contact us and we will be delighted to make this for you. In some designs we can also mix metals in the same design.
Blue Topaz
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.
Craftsmanship and Sourcing
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.
Sicily shaped by waves of conquest and left tinted with the settlement of differing peoples over 4000 years, since 8th century BC intrigued Cassandra. The island that floats like a tempting jewel in the centre of the Mediterranean had her hooked... Mosaics were transposed into jewels sparkling with diamonds and her honeycomb for Erice made it golden once again.
