Spikes and tenderness: indian painted rock earrings by hemmerle

Brown is a tricky color. Depending on the entourage, it can be incredibly chic or unbearably dull. Framed in black, it might look too heavy, framed in gold – too mainstream.

Instead, the designers of Hemmerle have surrounded earthy, Indian painted rocks with deep pink, turning these earrings into a dreamy and contemporary piece.

The reverse-set pavé is Hemmerle’s signature design. Rebellious and punkish, these gradient, spiky diamonds and umba sapphires, set in patinated copper and white gold, add a spicy, prickly sensation to the otherwise tranquil atmosphere of brown-and-pink cabochons.

To achieve this effect, the gems are set upside down. Thus, the whole idea of stone-setting makes a U-turn, making it a perfect fit for both avant-garde designers and rebellious wearers. “We draw inspiration from nature’s textures; from cacti and succulents to pineapples, durians and arbutus,” explained Christian Hemmerle. This technique adds unexpected angles, reflections, tones and brilliance to the traditional gems.

In these Hemmerle earrings, I see shadows of animals and trees in the evening savanna, caught in the warm pink of the sunset. What do you see?