Wild Things
Austy Lee Art Jewellery draws inspiration from the animal kingdom, from majestic insects to ancient deities
Austy Lee’s eponymous jewellery collection uses rare gemstones to explore themes of religion, fashion and symbolism while producing one-of-a-kind statement pieces. Central to his work is a passion for exquisite craftsmanship. In several of Lee’s recent creations, intricate jade, ruby and diamond detailing bring the animal world to life.
The Chrysanthemum Butterfly Brooch, from the Jade Dynasty collection, reflects the designer’s fascination with culture and love of allegory. The ornate piece features a set of 16-petal chrysanthemum flowers, with a flourish of fancy orange, orange, champagne and white diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold. The flowers represent the Imperial Seal of Japan, introducing a regal theme that is carried through in the use of Burmese Imperial jade, a rare, neartranslucent gem once coveted by members of China’s royal courts.
The Waghoba with Green Lunar Earrings, from another recent collection, depict an ancient deity, which takes the form of either a tiger or leopard, worshipped in India. The Waghoba is crafted from onyx, while the earrings are embellished with yellow gold, Brazilian green tourmalines, Burmese green jade, Colombian emeralds, onyx and fancy yellow diamonds.
Another piece, the Tsuruhime Sen no Odori brooch, owes its name to the 16th-century Sengoku warrior Ōhōri Tsuruhime, whose character was said to be comparable to Joan of Arc. The yellow gold and antique Meiji lacquerware hairpin’s centrepiece is an elegant bird decorated with Mozambican rubies, onyx, fancy coloured diamonds and white diamonds.
Whether they’re inspired by mythical beings or striking species from this realm, Lee’s creations are connected by the way they each emanate a wild, fierce spirit.