The Gem Palace recently recreated the splendour of the glorious Byzantine jewellery in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A superb collection of jewellery has been designed using the original techniques of the Byzantine period.

Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, tourmalines, diamonds and moonstones are set in designs based on the magical pieces that have survived from the grand Roman Empire. Our contemporary adaptations emphasize the unique combinations of intense colour and refined metalwork of Byzantium, whose influence extended beyond the empire's borders into North Africa, Southern Europe, Syria and Slavic countries.

The heritage of Greek and Roman art can be found in the intricate and fine filigree wirework and granulation that the Gem Palace jewelers have used to create earrings and clasps.

Cabochon and irregularly formed precious and semiprecious stones, whose vivid colours dominate the 22 karat gold frames, are connected by beautifully wrought gold chains and closures. Gold torques are set with cylindrical emeralds, diamonds and tourmalines. In the Byzantine world, the protective properties of Christian images were thought to ward off evil and to bring good fortune. The Gem Palace, using pearls and stones set in 22 karat gold, has created crosses with fine repousse designs.