thejewelrybook.com | 27
ABOUT CLEOPATRA'S VAULT
( f e a t u r e d o n c o v e r )
Captivated with the saturated colors
and seductive powers of large-scale
gemstones, designer Lauren Harwell
Godfrey traveled back in time to
ancient Egypt for her newest collection,
Cleopatra's Vault. Eschewing a literal
interpretation of serpent-inspired cuffs
or gilded headpieces, Godfrey instead
used her signature triangle inlay — a nod
to the Pyramids — alongside statement
gems and bold silhouettes then set
in 18-karat yellow gold. Designed to
adorn a modern-day queen, a capsule
of four one-of-a-kind pieces are set with
spectacular sustainably-sourced Muzo
emeralds from Colombia, nearly glowing
from the inside out.
Lapis Lazuli and turquoise, ubiquitous
stones of the time, are used as
accents, as are details like black onyx
(reminiscent of Cleopatra's kohl-rimmed
eyes), and malachite (which, when
ground into paste, was used as the
first version of eye shadow). Dramatic
"Totem" pendants — inspired by
traditional Egyptian symbols created for
each province that signified the people's
spiritual connection to their land — act as
stately anchors to the collection.
"While shopping at the Tucson Gem
Shows this past year, I found myself
drawn to the allure of big, juicy,
statement-making gemstones," Godfrey
explains. " They really seemed befitting
of a queen, and I started to think about
what a modern interpretation of royal
jewels could entail. I loved the idea of
naming the collection Cleopatra's Vault,
while imagining all of the jewels she
might have locked up in there waiting to
be discovered someday."
