Moody Blues
Storied pasts and ancient art forms inspire the deep blue hues in Austy Lee Art Jewellery’s new pieces
Three new pieces by high jewellery designer Austy Lee draw inspiration from the traditional Japanese art of raden, a decorative craft in which mother-of-pearl is inserted into a wooden or lacquered carving. Each of Lee’s pieces features the delicate lustre of abalone shell, while the unique designs and selection of striking gems reflect the brand’s fascination with storytelling.
The Phoiniko’s Ring—an 18-karat white gold piece set with abalone shell, fancy coloured and white diamonds and a Santa Maria aquamarine—draws from a marineinspired colour palate, while the inspiration for the intricate design stems from the Judean date palm, symbolic of the ancient region, now located in southern Israel, and its fertile agricultural lands.
A striking, unheated Burmese blue star sapphire forms the focal point of the Iznik’s Moonlight Ring, an 18-karat white gold ring adorned with abalone shells, lapis and white diamonds. Its name pays homage to Iznik decorative ceramics from western Turkey; the intricate pattern created by the lapis and diamonds demonstrates a direct tribute to the art form, while moonlight is effectively captured in the use of iridescent abalone shell.
Named after the famed philanthropist Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia, the Queen of Württemberg Bangle, from the Garden of Myth collection, features an array of fancy coloured, fancy yellow and white diamonds, abalone shell and a Sri Lankan blue sapphire button adorning the side. The centrepiece, a dazzling pear-shaped unheated Brazilian aquamarine, takes pride of place on the top of the bangle.
Lee’s ostentatious creations may be inspired by diverse muses past and present, but his designs are sure to stand the test of time.