SimplyAbuDhabi XLIV

GRAND COURT Constructed in 1782, Bangkok’s Grand Palace was conceived as the residence of the Kings of Siam, now known as Thailand. The vast complex is still in use today for several annual ceremonies, seen also by countless visitors keen to witness the striking architecture and detailed craftsmanship of the different spaces, including the spectacular temple of the Emerald Buddha. Roofed with traditional glass and gold leaf tiles, the Grand Palace has a unique grandeur and sparkle. The Shimmering Rays ensemble captures the intensity of the palace’s visual glow with yellow and white diamonds to reflect the spectacular glitter. Worked in a series of angles and repeating lines, they replicate the soaring effect of the monumental columns, using an invisible setting to create pure lines and bring a further sense of wonder. The central pendant is a contemporary interpretation of the mythological Naga heads – fierce, stylised dragons – which appear throughout the architecture. These mythical creatures also inspire the Golden Dragon set, with polished gold evoking the shining roof of the palace. The inspiration comes from the pedestals of the mighty columns, their Naga form snaking through diamonds worked in both kite, trapezoid and square shapes – the bracelet itself is conceived as a base fromwhich the arm can rise elegantly. POTSDAM Situated in the scenic landscape of PrussianArcadia, just outside Berlin, Sanssouci was built by Frederick the Great in the 1740s as a countryside escape, where the king and his courtiers could enjoy music and nature without a care in the world, hence its name, signifying “carefree” in French. In fact, all conversation in the palace was conducted in French. Built in the Rococo style with elements unique to Frederick’s wishes, the picturesque building sits at the top of a stylized park, surrounded by vineyards and woodland. The golden detailing of the Rococo frescoes, the omnipresence of nature and music provide the inspiration for a delicate yet frivolous design. RED FORTRESS Perhaps the most celebrated example of Islamic art and architecture in the world, theAlhambra palace stands on the Sabika hill above the Spanish city of Granada, bearing witness to theArab presence in Europe between the 8th and 15th Centuries. TheAlhambra (meaning red fort or palace) was built in the 13th Century, though a pre-existing fort may have already stood on the same location. The splendour of the site was such that it survived the Reconquista and remains a much-visited monument to this day. The beauty and intricacy of its décor are especially evident in the muqarnas, representing the seven levels of heaven. Boghossian’s ateliers developed a unique technique to create the settings for the white and yellow diamonds of the Seven Realms necklace, reflecting the astonishing intricacy of the original wooden ceiling in the Hall of theAmbassadors. The ceiling design is said to represent the seven heavens through which a soul must pass in order to reach the eighth level, paradise. On the necklace, the diamonds of varying shapes appear to float, mounted on the necklace with a single claw in an abstract interpretation of the different geometric patterns present inside the hall. The Midnight Blue set offers a more conceptual interpretation, with the dark blue of the tanzanite symbolizing the sombre skies behind the illuminated building of the Alhambra as seen from the opposingAlbaicin hill, as if suspended in the nocturnal clouds. The carved pink opal at the centre of the necklace suggests this image of the palace’s intricate muqarnas floating in the air, ready to “dissolve “against the mysterious, nocturnal backdrop. RAINBOWRIAD The Bahia palace in Marrakesh was commissioned in the late 19th Century by Si Moussa, the Grand Vizir of Sultan Moulay Hassan I. Its impressive scope across eight hectares was conceived to showcase the finest Moroccan traditions of craftsmanship, especially in its highly ornate muqarnas or painted cedarwood ceilings. The intricate design of these details, as well as their masterful use of colour, form the direct inspiration for pieces which reflect the geometry and rich palette of the muqarnas (painted wooden carvings). The Wheel of Colour is a mesmerizing homage to the complexity of Bahia’s ceilings. Equally beautiful from the back, the generous pendant is a remarkable assemblage of mother-of-pearl in a unique cream tone, inlaid with pink and purple sapphires, tsavorites, demantoid garnets, lapis lazuli, turquoise, Paraiba tourmalines, and yellow and white diamonds. The rich red of rubellite is the unusual centrepiece choice for the Mosaic Haven set, inspired by the wooden fretwork of the courtyards. The bracelet and earrings also display highly complex techniques of latticework, playing with the idea of MYSORE Simply Abu Dhabi | 185