La Martorana Mosaic necklace in 18ct white gold set with a large La Martorana and two smaller La Martorana motifs with pave diamonds on a chain. Inspired by Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, usually called La Martorana, which was built in 1143. The beautiful mosaic floors of this small church with its elegant Norman Campanile seemed almost like delicate lace. From the Journey to Sicily.
The large motifs measure 40x30mm and the smaller measure 28x15mm.
La Martorana
In the small church of La Martorana, curated by Greek officials for a Norman King, you are astounded. The mosaics seem to reflect the patchwork of cultures that is Sicily. I sat one afternoon after lunch in the cool of La Martorana, and wondered how to tell the story of these mosaics in a jewel.
My pencil drawings of the intricate, geometric patterns had a simplicity that I liked instantly and consequently, the La Martorana earrings and necklace pendant are made in only white and yellow gold.
Diamond
Diamond- from the Greek 'adamas' means the unconquerable and so it is, being the hardest of all gemstones. From yellowish to green, red, pink and blue, diamonds are found in all colours in South Africa, Australia, as well as Namibia, Russia and China.
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.
