“When I visited Sicily for the first time in my early twenties, I was mesmerised by the vibrant beauty and intensity of the colours that adorned the columns of the Monreale cloister.”
Renilde Vervoort
ART HISTORIAN & DESIGNER
This splendid cloister, completed around 1200, is exceptionally well preserved and stands as one of the finest Italian cloisters, both in terms of size and the beauty of its intricate details. Spanning approximately 2,200 m², it features decorated pointed arches supported by pairs of white marble columns—over 200 in total—alternating between plain designs and those adorned with bands of gold and coloured patterns.
Credit: Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily
These patterns are created from glass cubes, known as tesserae, meticulously arranged either spirally or vertically along each column shaft. The marble capitals are intricately carved with foliage, biblical scenes, and allegories, with no two alike.
The use of tesserae dates back to antiquity, where they were commonly used in floor and wall mosaics. Marbles or limestones were cut into small cubes and arranged into representational designs and geometric patterns. Over time, tesserae began to be made from coloured glass or clear glass backed with metal foils. The Byzantines introduced tesserae with gold leaf, where two glass pieces sandwiched the gold. This technical innovation produced a far more intense, colourful, and luminous effect, as the reflection of the gold emanated not only from the front but also from between the tesserae, creating a richness and brilliance that surpassed even plain gold leaf.
We were inspired by the splendour and beauty of this magical place and sought to capture its spirit in a jewel. We selected colourful gems and had them expertly cut into sugarloaf forms to echo the tesserae. The sugarloaf cut, distinguished by its conical shape that culminates in a rounded point at the top, beautifully showcases the natural colours of the stones. Set in 18k rose gold, we designed the gems to move within the ring, adding a playful undertone to these exquisite pieces.
