Fluid Crystal™
a shape-shifting gemstone
Composition
The main component of all Fluid Crystals™ is Murano Glass, with an added secret ingredient. Also known as "soft glass", this incredible material has fascinated generations throughout history, with the earliest use dating back to thousands of years ago.
Down at a molecular level it is a gemstone which can be melted and reshaped in the heat, sharing the same basic component as quartz - Silica - and employing various mineral oxides to achieve different tones - the same substances giving color to natural gemstones.
Each Fluid Crystal is born in our studio, shaped freehand in the flame from the technique of lamp working. Andy carries out the whole process.
«Fluidity, glossiness, transparency, colors; I now realize I've been looking for this for my entire life without realizing it. Glass naturally embodies what I'm trying to capture within my silver pieces. »
Andy Lee Curti - Casa Corvi’s founder and designer
Shapeshifter
Along with a secret ingredient, Murano Glass turns to Fluid Crystal™ when it is meticulously shaped into new forms designed to integrate and complete more complex jewelry creations, not as simply as a cut gemstone could do, but as part of the piece of jewelry itself, taking volumes, shape, size and color into consideration, along with the overall composition and, most importantly, the unique energetic content injected and stored within its structure.
This millenary material offers an unmatched liquid shine and unlimited color combinations, collapsing limitation of almost all kinds with its ability to shape-shift within the flame. This is how we are able to "craft" the perfect crystal for each creation, seeing incredible specimens, often of extravagant carat weight, come to life before our eyes.
Each fluid crystal is one of a kind and non repeatable, and only a few specimens are born each year. Rarity is part of their essence.
Heritage
Native to Northern Italy, specifically to the area under the Venetian influence, Andy Lee Curti adopted the art of lamp working as a natural tool to integrate in his creative work. Setting the traditional shapes and aesthetic aside, Curti adopted the techniques and symbols of the Venetian art, turning his work with Murano Glass into a future-forward evolution of his artistic and cultural heritage.
A bold statement
CASA CORVI decided not to include newly mined natural gemstones in its creations. This may come forward as an unusual choice in an industry which heavily relies on stones to enrich and increase the desirability of its creations. As much as natural gemstones exert their charm on us as well, due to ethical and environmental reasons, we came to this difficult but straight-forward choice.
The gemstone supply chain, from mining to cut stone, is very long and foggy, often hiding human and environmental exploitation beneath the shine, including degrading mining condition, child labor and ecosystems disruption. We are aware that every material comes with a cost, but in this particular industry even a small demand decrease can make a big impact due to the rarity of gems and the extensive research to extract just one specimen. We do not want to be a part of the problem, rather the beginning of a solution, realizing that man-made alternatives can enhance our creative expression once we stop considering them a limitation; realizing that real rarity stems from creativity and skill rather than systemic exploitation.
on a side note
All the silver used in our pieces comes from precious metal recycling plants based and regulated in the EU, collecting silver scraps form bigger industries.
Check our Sustainability page to discover more.
Fluid Crystal™ Scarabs