My last collection NEPTUNE has emerged through observation and appreciation of the beauty of marine algae—considered by some to be the most important organism on Earth.

NEPTUNE includes three series: Seagrass Meadows, Sea Grapes and Lichen. Each is informed by the rich landscapes of Australia’s shorelines and the marine flora that thrives there. To find out what inspired them, I will profile each individual series here on my Stories page. First up, Lichen.

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The Lichen story features yellow Australian sapphires sprawling across hand-carved organic forms, like seaside lichen growing over rock pools. Bright cognac Argyle diamonds and Australian zircons add to the glimmer, warm hues radiating out in delicate patterns.

Specific inspiration was taken from images I took of yellow and orange sunburst lichen scattered up and down a group of rocks at Orion Beach in Jervis Bay. I always find myself going back to this spot, photographing from afar but also up close under a macro lens, trying to capture the intricate detail of this beautifully complex organism.

Explore the Lichen series in my latest collection NEPTUNE here. 

Image of Marina Antoniou courtesy of Kim Low, editorial image courtesy of Myles Pritchard.