In an area of just three square kilometres of tropical forest, as many as 1,500 species of butterflies can have their habitat. They provide an astonishing display of colours and diversity found in nature. Just as no two people are identical, there are no two identical butterflies. Among the most magnificent colours in nature are those that result from a phenomenon called iridescence.
The wings of many butterflies shine with beautiful metallic colours which change depending on the angle of view. They are covered with rows of tiny scales full of microscopic indentations. The distance between them is smaller than the waves of light, which interfere with such a structure. Some colours fade while others are enhanced. It took scientists ten years to create a simplified version of the surface of a butterfly's wings with the effect of so-called structural colour.
How do you transfer the incredible play of light and form to the world of jewellery? I designed a unique butterfly-shaped ring with openwork wings. They are placed at a gentle incline to optimise the amount of light reflected. Inside the wings, there are 127 gemstones with perfectly brilliant square cuts. Thanks to their excellent dispersion, they sparkle with all the colours of the sky. The ring was made in 14k rose gold.
