Image via WikipediaChristian Dior jewellery designer Victoire de Castellane brings a touch of art history to her latest collection.The Reines et Rois (Queens and Kings) collection is inspired by Vanitas paintings and sculptures first created by Baroque and later 19th-century Dutch artists. The Vanitas iconography is typically represented by images of skulls, and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and therefore the importance of celebrating life "here and now".
The latest Castellane collection consists of a series of 10 rings (representing queens) and 10 necklaces (representing kings) comprised of skulls carved from a variety of minerals, enhanced by platinum and diamond tiaras. The minerals that form the skulls are imbued with their own mythology:
- Chrysolite or "cat's eye" was used in the Middle Ages to embellish church ornaments
- Jasper was worn as an amulet in ancient Greece and Rome because it was believed to cure headaches. Jade was thought to be good for the kidneys.
- Sugalite, a royal purple stone, is said to help clear the mind, allowing purer consciousness.
- Chrysoprase was carved by Romans to make seal rings; labradorite is a sparkly mineral believed to balance the metabolism and promote wisdom.
- Pink opal is a symbol of hope, fidelity and purity.
The "headdresses" on each piece consist of crowns, ruffs, necklaces and pendants, all constructed in platinum, including platinum meshwork, and set with diamonds in various shapes and setting styles. Pearls are used as accent stones on some of the pieces.
Ultimately, although some will find the skulls to be creepy, they all seem to be laughing, which lends a sense of irony to this beautifully crafted collection.
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