Over the course of history, the butterfly has been depicted artistically throughout many different cultures. In the Egyptian era, the image of a butterfly was frequently carved into art and architectural structures. Thought by many to be the bearer of good fortune, the silhouette of a butterfly mid-flight with its delicate wings fluttering is cherished for its allure and mystique. Yet it is the butterfly’s beautiful palette of colours that makes it one of the favourite winged creations to grace jewellery.
Anna Hu’s Victoria Butterfly brooch-pendant exudes warmth, thanks to the juxtaposition of fire opals, yellow diamonds, orange sapphires, orange garnets, and brilliants. While two cabochon-cut fire opals make up the tiny body, the faceted gemstones in a multitude of different cuts ensure the power of the piece. The rose gold rings and bracelets of Damiani, Stefere, and Moraglione echo the warmth of Anna Hu’s butterfly.
VICTORIA BUTTERFLY BROOCH, by ANNA HU 
ROSE GOLD BUTTERFLY RING, by STEFERE
BANGLE IN ROSE GOLD WITH DIAMONDS AND NATURAL QUARTZ, by MORAGLIONE 
EARRINGS WITH WHITE AND BLACK DIAMONDS AND RUBIES, by DAMIANI
Chopard features vividly coloured precious stones, gold, and titanium in a pair of earrings. The two butterflies are set with topazes, Paraíba tourmalines, and amethysts, perched gracefully on gem-set titanium foliage. Beautiful and multifunctional, the butterflies are attached to a leafy cuff-bracelet. But when detached, one of the butterflies is split up into an exquisite pair of earrings as seen here, while the other butterfly can be worn as a brooch.
HAUTE JOAILLERIE EARRINGS, by CHOPARD
FLORAL TREASURE RING WITH DIAMONDS AND SAPPHIRES, by PALMIERO
MERVEILLES VOLANTS CUFF IN DIAMONDS, SAPPHIRES AND RUBIES, by STAURINO FRATELLI
BROOCH IN YELLOW GOLD WITH EMERALDS, TSAVORITES AND PERIDOTS, by HEMMERLE
TWO-BUTTERFLY RING, by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
For more than 100 years, Van Cleef & Arpels has drawn inspiration from the vitality of nature to instil its creations with poetry and enchantment. In 2001, the brand created the Two Butterfly collection, depicting ethereal couples. The asymmetry of the Two Butterfly between-the-finger ring embodies the impulse that drives flora and fauna during the season.
This article was originally published in Solitaire 90, The Colours Edition.
