Austy Lee’s John Dory brooch captures the iridescent soul of the ocean
A sculptural fish carved from Australian opal and set in 18K gold, this brooch from the Rainbow Prism Collection transforms a humble coastal predator into a jewelled celebration of colour and light.
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The John Dory from Rainbow River brooch holds the sea in the palm of your hand. Austy Lee has rendered this small, laterally compressed coastal fish in carved Australian opal, letting the stone’s natural play of light become the creature’s shimmering flesh. The opal shifts from pale cream and milky white to veins of mint green and turquoise, the iridescent play that moves across the body as you turn it.
Set in 18K yellow gold, the brooch is articulated with meticulous precision. Mother of pearl and abalone shell form the delicate fins that fan from the body in precise striations, edged in blue sapphires that catch like the ocean itself. White topaz and fancy colour diamonds punctuate the composition, while black onyx defines shadow and depth. A single eye, bright and watchful, reminds us of the John Dory’s hunting gift: that forward facing gaze that gives it binocular vision and the predator’s unflinching focus.
This is one piece from the Rainbow Prism Collection, where Austy Lee explores the intersection of natural form and carved colour. The brooch speaks not of fantastical invention but of a maker’s deep observation: how light moves through translucent stone, how gold can frame rather than dominate, how the geometry of a small wild thing can sustain scrutiny at close range.
The brooch is a one of a kind jewel, handmade and singular. To enquire or commission similar works, visit Austy Lee directly through the designer’s studio.
Imagery courtesy of Austy Lee (@austy_lee).