I was first taken by the warm iridescent colors of this magnificent 82 Carats Brazilian Imperial topaz when I acquired it a few years ago.It took another 2 years before I came up with the concept of this stone serving as the centerpiece ( more specifically the face) of an homage to one of my favorite Opera characters : “Turandot” from Puccini.

I have always loved Opera and thought that , along with Norma, Turandot was one of the most dramatic expressions of a real diva that has always fascinated all Lyrical art aficionados.

I had initially considered resorting to C.A.D. given the complexity of the design but eventually decided to painstakingly hand-carve the frame and the dragons for weeks, cutting & refining the dragons ‘s proportions, legs and details (ever throught of rendering of the nails of a dragon or its skin ??? …).The base of the crown was carved out of Ebony and set with 8 round yellow & orange sapphires as well as citrines.

The pearls were carefully selected in terms of size & colors in order to complement the tones of the Imperial topaz. "Antennas" are  made of fiber optics terminated by small gold bead pearls.

I just love this piece that took months to evolve and shape up into this final figure that evokes, beyond its naturalist expression, so many moral & philosophical dimensions of life (legagcy, sense of duty, passion, elegance, courage, commitment etc...).

I can think of very few glamorous stars who could wear this while sprucing up their roses.Catherine Deneuve came to mind many times with souvenirs of "Indochine".