It’s nearly the end of May, so I have one last chance to celebrate emerald, birthstone of the month. And do I believe I’ve found the most epic creation to do so.

These earrings by Lydia Courteille serve much more than to simply spotlight emerald, though they do that exceptionally well. Trapiche emeralds hover like glass orbs, the top and bottom anchors of this fantastical pair. They’re impressive, worthy of their own picture completely, but those familiar with Lydia Courteille’s work know the designer couldn’t possibly stop there.

It’s the rainbow road, paved in tsavorites, sapphires, amethysts, rubies, and diamonds, connecting the opposing trapiche planets, which makes each earring feel so timely. We just talked about how important a symbol rainbows are right now, and they’re gloriously depicted—if a little abstract—here. And what’s more, they seem to sprout life: Sparkling gemstone-accented flowers bloom at each rainbow’s end, huddled around the hexagonal trapiche islands, bathing them in further beauty.

At the top of each earring, a playful spider seems giddy to take a ride, securing one of the most beautiful homes around for itself. It’s the sort of scene that feels like spring: an awakening after the dead of winter or—a most desirable outcome at the moment—a raucous reemergence after a period of hibernation.

I so appreciate examples like this one because they show the true power of jewelry design. How it can inspire, soothe, enthuse. Imagine having these in your very own jewelry box to greet you—what a visual adventure. And there’d be no question of what to wear to each and every Zoom meeting, that’s for sure.

Top: Nuevo Mundo earrings in 18k white gold with trapiche emeralds, tsavorites, amethysts, 7.43 cts. t.w. fancy sapphires, 2.57 cts. t.w. rubies, 0.22 ct. t.w. black diamonds, and 0.62 ct. t.w. diamonds, €48,000 ($52,310)

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor