Quatrefoil Solstice
As with most of the pieces that are made here, inspiration grows as the pieces grow. Much of the time, the description and what to call each jewellery piece comes as an “ah-ha” moment. So, with these earrings, as they were being made, it became obvious that they had that Françoise feel.
If you have ever been lucky enough to travel to France or to experience a Mardi Gras festival in the French Quarter, then you can recognize of the energy and colourful palette in these earrings that represent this area and culture.
Bright greens weave together over olive and galvanized green duo beads, creating a quatrefoil pattern. Czech fire-polished beads add accenting colours, reflecting reds and purples in between the interlaced greens.
To mark a celebration, champagne is usually the choice drink. With these earrings, at each of the four points, champagne beads are used to mark a celebration of their own: the Summer Solstice. And I realize, the Solstice was on June 21st, which is when I intended to publish this post, but life has a way of happening.
These bright beads reflect the more colourful season of the year when trees and fields are full of green leaves and grass, and wildflowers sprinkle the hillsides with a pop of colour. Speaking of green hillsides, a great experience, in-person or virtually, is English Heritage’s Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. The sun reaches a point where the colours of green grass, champagne and red sunlight meld together, creating a beautiful light show. Apart from the French influence, this celestial aspect also helped to influence the earring design.
The asymmetrical rose gold chain that hangs from the lowest point of each earring brings in an extra dramatic flair. It is perfect for a special evening out, a fun summer event, or whatever fits your fancy. Go out in a Parisian style to celebrate the solstice!
