Transcript
|Transcript:
Lydia Courteille's sumptuous new TopKapi collection of jewels are inspired by the famous palace in Istanbul, and Sultan Suleiman the magnificence's love for his slave girl Roxelana.
Like all of Lydia Courteille's jewels, there is always an amazing story behind them. And this one transports us back to the opulence of the Ottoman Empire.
The intricate floral patterns of the famous 15th century Iznick tiles, that decorate the harem and palace of Topkapi are captured by Lydia, using tsavorites, sapphires, spinels, rubies and impressive white ethiopian opals, that summon the promise of the Orient, all set into black rhodium gold.
One of my favourite pieces has to be this tiara, with the red tulips of turkey and carnations. But best of all is Suleiman himself. Here he is, resplendent in his bejewelled tasseled turban, with his little red painted fingernails and he's gazing into his crystal ball. And we're not really sure what he's looking at, but all I can say is dream on Suleiman.
