The Secret of Berenice collection is steeped in the opulent history of ancient Egyptian royalty, where the fascination with gold and coloured gemstones was unparalleled. Both men and women of the royal court cherished these treasures, rewarding intrepid explorers who dared to bring back the earth’s most beautiful stones.
One such explorer braved the unpredictable waters of the Red Sea, where the elusive island of Zabargad lay hidden beneath a veil of mist. On this mystical island, he stumbled upon stunning lime-green gemstones – peridots – whose brilliance captivated him. Rushing back to Thebes, he presented his discovery to Queen Berenice, who was enchanted by the stone’s vibrant beauty.
Berenice, known for her discerning taste, would have undoubtedly commissioned a jewel that paired this mesmerising green gem with the deep, regal purple of amethyst. During the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000 to 1700 BCE), amethyst was already highly fashionable, with the main source being the mines at Wadi el-Hudi. This beautiful purple gemstone was favoured by the elite of Ancient Egypt, including queens and princesses.
The rich colour of amethyst was reserved for royalty, not only because of its intrinsic beauty but also due to its association with the luxurious Tyrian purple dye. This dye, painstakingly produced from the secretion of Mediterranean molluscs, was so rare and labour-intensive to create that it was valued more highly than gold. Only a small amount of dye could be extracted from each mollusc, making the process incredibly expensive and time-consuming. As a result, the deep purple hue became synonymous with power, wealth, and exclusivity, further enhancing the prestige of amethyst. For Queen Berenice, combining the mesmerising green of peridot with the royal purple of amethyst would have created a jewel that was not only visually stunning but also a powerful symbol of her status and authority.
But the true marvel of Berenice’s jewel was revealed in the flicker of candlelight. Unlike emeralds, which darkened under artificial light, the peridot retained its vivid green hue—a secret only Berenice knew. And we think she kept it a secret because it was a hidden quality that set her apart. After all, the so-called emeralds of Cleopatra were most likely also peridots, further deepening the mystique and enchantment of this extraordinary gem.
Thus, our collection, The Secret of Berenice, pays homage to this ancient tale of discovery, luxury, and the timeless fascination of gemstones that transcend the ordinary. Each piece in the collection captures this mysterious charm and regal elegance, a testament to the power of a royal, well-kept secret.
