Hagia Sofia ring on sale on 28 April 2010 at Christies Dubai

Lot Notes

Sevan Bicakci is one of the most renowned and admired jewellers in Turkey. His introduction to the world of jewellery started at the early age of 12 at his master Hovsep Catak’s workshop. After working in the Grand Bazaar for more than 15 years, he finally launched his first individual collection in 2002. His inspiration is a celebration of the history of Istanbul and his work requires extremely meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece is unique and hand-assembled taking from a few months to a year to produce. Often named the ‘Lord of the Rings’, his work has attracted the attention of collectors throughout the world and has adorned the hands of many famous Hollywood movie stars.

This unusual ring, which took four months to produce and which enlisted the services of a goldsmith, a sculptor, a painter and a diamond setter, focuses on, a reverse intaglio back painted citrine. This is a process where the stone is hollowed out from the reverse and then carved inside the stone to create an image, the citrine is then painted inside, thus giving the striking effect of the gemstone encapsulating a miniature work of art. In this particular case it is the former church “Hagia Sophia” in Istanbul. This famous building has had a colourful history. From the year 360 until 1463 it served as the cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261 when it was the Cathedral of the Latin Empire. The building was then a Mosque from 1463 until 1935 when it opened as a museum. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and was the largest Cathedral in the world until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520. It also inspired future architects of Istanbul, resulting in horizons dominated by minarets and cupolas.

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