S.T. Dupont looked for creative inspiration from the works of the 19th century, and selected the St. Michel fountain built by the Haussmann family in the French Second Empire in 1860 as a design blueprint and developed into a new limited edition. The Fountain of Saint-Michel is the last large-scale hand-crafted fountain in Paris. It is composed of four different colors of marble combined to form a spectacular rose-colored column, surrounded by Archangel Michael and a dragon-shaped bronze statue, becoming one of the spiritual symbols of Paris. Inspired by such great works, S.T. Dupont artisans who uphold ancient craftsmanship combined unique and exquisite craftsmanship with rare Russian gems to create a series of lucky stone lighters that symbolize good luck.
For as long as there have been stories and tales, talismans have always been a part of people’s lives, believed to protect and bestow supernatural powers. For these people, carrying a talisman all the time strengthened their energies and bought them victory. From ancient Egyptians to Romans to Medieval times, these symbolic stones have been desired and sought after by many.
The “Russian mosaic” method of cutting malachite, lapis lazuli and jasper into small strips appeared in the 1780s. It was only developed in 1820, when qualified craftsmen appeared in Saint Petersburg. At that time, the royal factories of Peterhof and Ekaterinbourg played an important role in the work of this stone.
These precious gems have been used in the decoration of European royal palaces since the 19th century, and were even presented to Napoleon by Alexander I, as a symbol of peace for signing the Treaty of Tilsit (these presents are in Versailles, in the Palace of the Trianon).
Inspired by the good virtues and geometric lines and also as a tribute to emperors, S.T. Dupont decided to use one of its unique know-how in carving these stones to create the “Talisman” lighters.
The rare gemstones, each have fascinating meanings: Lapis lazuli is regarded by many people around the world as the stone of friendship and truth. The blue stone is said to encourage harmony in relationships and help its wearer to be authentic and give his or her opinion openly.
According to legend, lapis lazuli strengthens career fortune and attracts wealth, also known as gold stone. Kalahari jade helps inspire creativity and promote inner peace and harmony.
Malachite stone is also known as “Malachi stone” because the stone surface has many dark green+light patterns that blend together like the tail of a magpie. Malachite is a detoxifying crystal that cleanses the body both physically and mentally.
S.T. Dupont was inspired by these spectacular hues to transform their iconic Ligne 2 Lighters into true talismans, incorporating precious stones at the very heart of the lighters: Blue Lapis-Lazuli/016244, Green Malachite/016241, Yellow Kalahari Jasper/016245 and Red Mookaite Jasper.
This “Talisman” or “Heart of Stone” S.T. Dupont “Haute Creation” Limited Collection is specially made by the famous French artist Frédéric Krill.
A work was done entirely by hand using techniques of jewelry making and gemstone carving art. Each lighter body of the Lucky Stone series is polished with gold or rose gold, and is perfectly inlaid on both sides of the body by lapis lazuli, Kalahari jade and Green Malachite, full of mysterious power.
Launch 2013
Each Limited to 1,872 pieces worldwide
Lapis Lazuli
Malachite
Kalahari Jasper
