The Earth's atmosphere, a gaseous shell reaching more than 400 kilometres upwards, has been called an ‘incredibly complex system’. Water circulation occurs in an atmospheric layer extending from the Earth's surface to a height of 10-20 kilometres. This is the troposphere, which has been described as ‘the ground-level layer of the atmosphere, the area where clouds, rain, snow, hurricanes, and tornadoes occur’ (C. L. Mantell and A. M. Mantell, Our Fragile Water Planet).
Let us follow the route taken by a single water molecule on its perpetual journey. Let's start at the point when it breaks away from the surface of the ocean. As water evaporates due to the sun’s heat, the molecule rises to several thousand metres above the ground. It then combines with other water molecules to form a tiny droplet. Carried by the wind, it travels hundreds of kilometres. During this time it evaporates once more, and the molecule rises again until it joins a raindrop heavy enough to fall to the ground. The single droplet, with billions of others, falls down the hillside, and then the water flows into a stream. It joins a river that eventually flows into the ocean.
This amazing natural water cycle inspired the creation of a unique ring. A deep-coloured aquamarine stone is set in the centre. Its name aptly alludes to the ring, which mimics a falling drop of water. After hitting the ground, the drop splits into smaller particles, symbolised by the successively embedded smaller diamonds. The entire piece has been crafted in white gold.
