While in Paris last week for the Bijorhca, Who’s Next, Première Classe, and Maison et Objet (more on those soon!), I was able to visit Lydia Courteille’s boutique and spend an hour or so gazing at her new (and a few classic) creations.
Tucked away on the Rue Saint-Honoré, not far from the ultra-luxe Place Vendôme, the intimate boudoir-style shop houses a veritable bejeweled world of wonders: collections including the jungle-themed Amazonia; the Russian-influenced Scarlett Empress; the Native American–inspired Rainbow Warrior Prophecy; and her newest, the Queen of Sheba collection, which pays homage to the mythical, mysterious biblical queen.
A trip to Ethiopia a few years ago gave Courteille the idea for this 18-piece collection. Among the designer’s geographic influences: the Omo Valley–dwelling Mursi Tribes, the Lalibela churches (carved into the earth of solid rock), and the volcanic Danakil Desert (“the cruelest place on earth,” wrote National Geographic); and the Ark of the Covenant, which, according to legend, can be found at the Church of St. Mary of Zion in Axum, Ethiopia.
Scroll down to see just a few of Courteille’s Sheba pieces. (All prices on request; Lydia Courteille, Paris, 33-14-261-1171, lydiacourteille.com)
Ring in 18k brown rhodium gold with 7.8 cts. t.w. tsavorites and 71.5 ct. green tourmaline
Tiara in 18k black rhodium gold with 2.67 cts. t.w. brown diamonds, 3.48 cts. t.w. yellow sapphires, 13.7 cts. t.w. tsavorites, and 49.5 cts. t.w. peridot
Ring in 18k black rhodium gold with 1 ct. t.w. yellow sapphires, 4.05 cts. t.w. tsavorites, and 26.5 ct. green tourmaline
Earrings in 18k black rhodium gold, 0.13 ct. t.w. diamonds, 0.14 ct. t.w. yellow sapphires, 19.75 cts. t.w. tsavorites, 25.3 cts. t.w. peridots, 14.65 cts. t.w. opals, and 7 cts. t.w. green tourmalines
Top: Ring in 18k brown rhodium gold with 4.5 cts. t.w. tsavorites, 1.05 cts. t.w. opals, and 29.6 cts. t.w. green tourmaline
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