It was while I was living in Madrid that I designed the Madrid cross. I loved to go to a small pastelería and eat chocolate palmeras and one day there was a green and white flag hanging out over the street by the pastelería with a cruciform pattern on it. When I came back home later that day I added to my sketch book and then rather forgot about it, only coming back to it some weeks later. With fresh eyes and a clear mind, the little sketch became the pendant that has been given by godparents and grandparents, worn by girl friends and sisters, and even by brides on their wedding day. Simply adorned with pearls or set with four birthstones in the centre, it is always the most lovely of gifts - to give, and to receive.

Pearls are among the earliest of gem materials used for personal adornment. Enraptured by their luminescent shades, the Ancient Greeks once believed they were tears of joy from Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

The only gemstone to be produced by a living organism, this gem epitomises incredibly rare and unique wonders in nature, as a symbol of purity and modesty. It also denotes love, success and happiness, so is often presented as a wedding gift, as well as being the birthstone for June.

Quite different from other polished gemstones, their unique 'orient' is a result of subtle iridescence and a surface reflection of light. They are commonly white, golden, grey, brown and black in colour; with various iridescent tints including pink, green, blue and lilac, and are either produced naturally or artificially, in marine saltwater or freshwater.