Gemstone: natural amethyst
Weight: 20,54 ct
Measurements: 20,0 x 20,0 x 11,8 mm
Color: purple
Clarity: eye-clean
Cut: round, “Trencadis” faceting design, precision faceting quality, design and cut by Egor Gavrilenko
Enhancements: none
Origin: Brazil
Gemological report by Egor Gavrilenko included, see sample report here.
For any questions please contact me by email, I’ll be happy to assist!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8pCyGEHT_Mw?rel=0
The idea of this cut was born as a result of a collaboration between Egor Gavrilenko and Chesco Días, in search of gems with special cuts for Chesco’s “Barcelona” jewelry collection. The faceting design combines polished facets and frosted edges on the crown of the gem. The facets have irregular shapes, resembling the broken tiles used in this mosaic technique. When the gem is seen in motion, the polished facets change their color and shine, imitating the polychromatic effect of mosaics made with trencadis.
Trencadís is a mosaic technique that involves using broken ceramic tiles, glass, and other materials to create intricate, colorful surfaces. This method was famously pioneered and extensively applied by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in his architectural masterpieces throughout Barcelona. Unlike traditional mosaic techniques that use uniform tiles, trencadís repurposes discarded or broken materials, embracing irregular shapes and vibrant hues to form dynamic and organic designs.
Gaudí’s use of trencadís is most prominently seen in Park Güell, where benches, walls, and sculptures are adorned with intricate, shimmering patterns. The serpentine bench, one of the park’s most iconic features, showcases an elaborate combination of broken ceramics that create a lively, undulating visual effect. The colorful, reflective surfaces of trencadís mosaics bring an element of playfulness and vibrancy, harmonizing with the park’s natural surroundings.
This technique is also evident in Casa Batlló, where Gaudí applied trencadís to the building’s facade, producing an organic, almost fluid aesthetic. The mosaic surface, combined with the building’s skeletal balconies and undulating forms, makes the structure appear as though it is alive. Gaudí’s use of color and irregular ceramic fragments in Casa Batlló enhances the dreamlike quality of his design, reinforcing his departure from rigid architectural norms.
Another significant example of trencadís can be found in Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. The rooftop chimneys and ventilation towers feature this mosaic technique, transforming functional elements into surreal sculptures. Gaudí’s vision was to blur the line between structure and decoration, and trencadís played a crucial role in achieving this effect. The broken ceramic pieces catch the light differently throughout the day, giving the surfaces a constantly changing appearance.
The Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s most ambitious and ongoing project, also features trencadís elements in various sections, particularly in the pinnacles of the Nativity and Passion facades. These shimmering mosaics add texture and a celestial quality to the basilica, further integrating Gaudí’s naturalistic approach to architecture.
Beyond its artistic appeal, trencadís symbolizes innovation and sustainability. By transforming broken materials into new decorative elements, Gaudí demonstrated a resourceful approach to design. His use of discarded ceramic and glass pieces was not only an artistic choice but also a practical one, reducing waste and embracing an early form of upcycling. This method exemplifies Gaudí’s philosophy of working with nature rather than against it.
Today, trencadís remains an influential technique in contemporary architecture and design. Many artists and architects draw inspiration from Gaudí’s pioneering use of the method, applying it in public spaces, urban art, and private residences worldwide. The enduring appeal of trencadís lies in its ability to transform everyday materials into stunning works of art, celebrating both creativity and sustainability.
