Wearing a fungus on your finger probably sounds a little strange. But this isn’t the first time Moscow-based Jewellery Theatre has gone on a mushroom trip. “We have already created ‘mushroom’ rings where pearls were used for caps,” says designer Maxim Voznesensky. This one-of-a-kind 18k gold, diamond, sapphire, and tsavorite ring (price on request) is part of Jewellery Theatre’s new Fairytales collection, which draws on such mythological inspirations as a wish-granting goldfish, a monstrous three-headed dragon, and Russia’s glorious glowing firebird. Says Voznesensky, “The purpose of Fairytales is to embody precious pieces of jewelry with the character and mentality of primal Russia.” The red-and-white Amanita muscaria, he explains, “was known and appreciated for its medicinal characteristics in early times.” It was also known (and, we’re sure, appreciated) for its power to produce hallucinations.

FLASHY FUNGUS

“Although the Amanita is a toadstool,” admits Voznesensky, “its brightness and brilliance are impressive.” We’ll say: The shroom’s signature spotted scarlet caps and white stem comprise nearly 6 cts. of gems—149 diamonds and 507 red sapphires.

A VIEW TO A GILL

“The lower part of the shank is encrusted with tsavorites, to imitate the grass,” says Voznesensky. The heel of the ring, which is covered in diamonds, “represents a cut of stem,” he adds. “Even the reverse side of the cap has gills, and the stem has rings, as a real mushroom has.”

TAKING A STAND

“So that each of these precious jewelry ‘actors’ can be seen and heard by the public, they have been given the unique ability to stand on any surface,” explains Voznesensky of Jewellery Theatre’s special patented heel. “The rings take on the appearance and presence of monumental sculpture—self-contained works of the jeweler’s art.”