Neptune: A collection of bespoke jewellery exploring the intricacies of marine flora with extraordinary Australian gemstones.
The Neptune collection 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 stories: Seagrass Meadows, Sea Grapes and Lichen. Each is informed by the rich landscapes of Australia’s shorelines and the marine flora that thrives there.
Particular inspiration has been drawn from the environments of the South Coast of NSW, from the kaleidoscopic jewel tones and bright golden sands of Jervis Bay—a place jeweller Marina Antoniou has been visiting since childhood. It was here, during peaceful days spent walking along tide lines, paying attention to interesting shadows, glistening seaweed fronds and other washed-up specimens, that the idea for Neptune crystallised. Back in the studio, the photographs she took of these scenes inspired her to play with specially sourced gemstones, exploring colour, contrast and form.
The collection is handcrafted with 18ct yellow gold in organic forms and set with Australian gemstones—turquoise, zircon, chrysoprase, diamonds and sapphires—that come from remote corners of the country.
These extraordinary stones cast their brilliant reflections upon the gold, the interplay of their warm hues bringing memories of sunlight, seawater and sand.
Neptune is an exercise in gaining creativity from nature, and each series is a celebration of its treasures.
The entire Neptune collection is available online and in store at Courtesy of the Artist in the Strand Arcade, Sydney.