La Quintessenza necklace in 9ct yellow gold and set with pearls, graduated to lie flat around the neck. The Quintessence, meaning the five elements Earth, fire, water, air and ether, comes from a section of stone work (some volcanic and presumably from Mount Etna) on the inner wall of the Cloister at Monreale Cathedral, Palermo built by William II of Sicily in 1174. From the Journey to Sicily.
The necklace measures approximately 16'' in length.
La Quintessenza
I noticed a changing pattern in the stonework of the wall inside the cloisters of Monreale. It alternated from white limestone to a black pumice in a beautiful undulation. I sketched it out in my notebook as I sat in the sun with my back to the mosaic columns of the cloisters representing the four elements. I recreated the pattern in gold with pearls and named it La Quintessenza after the fifth.
Yellow Gold
Gold is a metal that Cassandra loves to work with, it takes a wonderful pátina with time. Cassandra has the skill of knowing which carat, strength and durability of gold to use, where stone setting is concerned, so that jewels last and look beautiful for generations. Sourcing gold and other metals responsibly from people who have the same ethical vision as herself is particularly important, and she regularly encourages transformations from old unworn jewels in to new sparkling pieces. When receiving jewels from Cassandra Goad, you can be assured that only the highest quality gold is being used.
If you would like to have this design crafted bespoke for you in another metal - silver, white or rose gold - please contact us and we will be delighted to make this for you.
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.
