FINGERPRINTS OF GOD

Trapiche © Photo E. Billie Hughes / Lotus Gemology

The microscopic world of each gemstone is an intriguing work of art; each with its unique colour and shape, which is deeply fascinating.

Mother Nature is an enchanting artisan, gifting gemstones a sumptuous beauty and aesthetic inner qualities at the same time. The microscopic world of each gemstone is an intriguing work of art; each with its unique colour and shape, which is deeply fascinating.

L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific unveils the “Discover the Gemstones, Ruby & Sapphire” exhibition, featuring photomicrographic images taken by gemologist and award-winning photographer Billie Hughes, inviting visitors to explore the microscopic depths and be dazzled by the inner and secret life of gemstones. Through taking a closer look at the natural birthmarks – “inclusions” of these minerals, let us experience the extraordinary aesthetics and genius of this natural artisan.

Sapphire Mountain © Photo E. Billie Hughes – Lotus Gemology

Billie Hughes is a gemologist at Lotus Gemology laboratory, as well as an award-winning photographer.

At the edge of the universe, you will find the “Sapphire Mountain”. Like a terraced mountain, this large negative crystal rises in the center, piercing the sky on a ladder to heaven. How I wish I could sit on top of this ladder and overlook the magnificent terraced fields, admiring a sweeping view from atop.

Seeing “Blue Bell Blossoms” in a dark starry sky as if an endless sea of blue blooming with a suffocating beauty. Let the past be gone with the wind, and I shall turn into a string of wind chimes, ringing in a silent night sky.

“Written in Stone” is a wordless love letter to myself, recording the bittersweetness of growing up. Without a single word, I can still feel the weight of this letter. It is inevitable to have seen the cruelty of growing up, others may not understand the challenges that you juggled, but it does not matter as a diary of your life is written for yourself only, trying to take someone else’s perspective does not seem to help.

Life is a kaleidoscope in “Technicolour”, an ever-changing world that transforms with every turn, creating an explosion of colour at times or a bleak of darkness out of the blue. It is hard to predict the next scene, just like you can never predict the future. Let us seize the day and cherish every moment in life.

This distinctive artistic journey brings visitors to enter a mysterious realm of reverie, discovering unknown landscapes and see gemstones like never before. No wonder Edward J. Gubelin once referred these sublime internal spheres in gemstones as “Fingerprints of God”.

Discover the Gemstones, Ruby & Sapphire
Date: From now until September 30, 2020
Venue: L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts
Address: Unit 510A, L5, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, Hong Kong

Vol. 13