Ancient Greenery
Peridots adorn Austy Lee’s fanciful designs, paying tribute to ancient civilisations
Austy Lee creates designs that serve as tributes to lands near and far. Inspired by ancient lore and intricate forms found in nature, no two pieces are alike; in two of his latest designs, Lee brings his inspiration to life in entirely distinct ways.
The Solar Green ring, from the Poetry of Art collection, features a Burmese peridot centre stone encircled by Burmese bluish green jade, tsavorites and black enamel, and champagne and yellow fancy diamonds. Inspired by the Ancient Egyptian belief that peridots are the remnants of a star that exploded in the sky, the 18-karat yellow-gold ring celebrates the gemstone’s healing powers. The first peridots were found in Egypt’s Red Sea about 1500 BC, and ancient lore describes the duty of Topazo Island (now Zabargard) inhabitants to collect the stones for the Pharaoh, highlighting their prestige and status. The stone’s ethereal green glow is said to be visible at night, giving rise to its epithet, the gem of the sun.
The 18-karat yellow-gold Spiniensis’ Ring, from the Garden of Myth collection, boasts a fancy intense yellow diamond centre stone with vivid Zambian emeralds and a peridot on either side. Completing the piece are fancy yellow and white diamonds.
Inspired by Spiniensis, the Roman god of thorns, the ring embraces the peridot’s benefits and the Roman belief that it bestows peace, harmony and good health. Said to balance emotions and eliminate feelings of guilt, the gemstone was cherished for its radiant positivity.
Throughout the ancient world, the peridot was celebrated as a revered gemstone imbued with mystical properties.
Lee’s designs pay homage to its power and prestige.