The suffix -esque means “in the style or manner of”. Thus, Thistlesque is in the style or manner of a thistle. Thistlesque’s inspiration is derived from botanical sketches by Eugene Grasset and Ernst Haeckel, contemporaries, born mid nineteenth century. Haeckel’s background was one of science and biology while Grasset was a professor of decorative arts, excelling in prints.

​

Thistlesque has a three-dimensional cone with a large zircon stone bezeled at the center with picots. The cone is embellished with Japanese demis for the impression of bracts. A layer of pointed sepals using peyote mimics the sharp prickles in the thistle. A secondary layer using herringbone forms the pointed leaves. Both layers interlace the bottom of the cone, creating the flower-like form. The pointed leaves feature dangling fine chain to provide movement and visual interest. The band is a rigid curved cuff formed with dimensional peyote and terminating in herringbone end caps. The clasp is a button and loop closure.