The Art Nouveau movement is a major inspirational motif for Da’oud. It was an art movement during the later decades of the 19th century. A classic late-Victorian motif, it casted off the rigid designs of the earlier Neo-Gothic movement. Smooth lines and sudden curves, almost like trailing smoke, was its defining feature. Nature themes, with plants and flowers, were a popular things to be represented in this art form.

     A rediscovered interest in Egyptian and Celtic art were also nurtured during this period, motifs you can clearly see in Da’oud’s style. Many of his rings are inspired by the art of the greats like Mucha, Klimt, Beardsley, and Larche. He is particularly drawn to inspiration from Art Nouveau jewelers like Aucoc and Lalique.

     The Art Deco movement in the early 20th century quickly replaced the Art Nouveau movement of the late Victorian era. The swirling lines and flowing motifs were replaced by inspiration from the mad-made world, with sharp edges and angular designs.

      Da’oud’s individual style still comes forth in his Art Deco inspired pieces. He found inspiration from vintage furniture and the old Movie Palaces from his native southern California.

      This period was also saw the rise of the use of Platinum, a metal with which Da’oud also casts his pieces. The beginning of minimalism can be seen in this design movement, reflected in some of Da’oud’s simpler designs. Erotic designs are also a source of inspiration with wonderful images from the Ballet Russe and Erte influencing his designs in this collection.

     These knots encompass two parts which symbolize the maintenance of individuality in a relationship. The mandala is the dance of two who help each other to grow by being there to reflect as a mirror, the cords left free symbolize that individuality is not lost but enhanced by this union.

    The image of a knot has been found in places as ancient as the Indus Valley Civilization. It represents the intertwining of wisdom and compassion, the ever-cycling birth, death, and rebirth, and the wisdom of the Buddha.

     Da’oud’s interpretation shows two pieces dancing together to create a whole. They never fully connect, but the ends are left free to demonstrate the freedom of the individuals in this engaging dance.

      The symbol of eternity is a fitting theme for any wedding band. The subtle helix of the dancing knot strands weave around the rings and the ends are left free to demonstrate the freedom of the individuals in this engaging dance. The Knot is dancing in that it is fluid, not constricting but organic, alive and in motion, in tune with the forces of life, adaptable to new circumstances.

     The Lotus is a sacred flower among many cultures, ancient and modern. It lives in the water, and from the water it seems to be reborn. The Hindu Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati are depicted riding them, a source of truly divine beauty! The layered petals are said to represent the expanding soul, and Buddhist have high regard for the plant as well.

     The Ancient Egyptians also revered this plant, though today we know the Egyptians actually revered the water lily, mistaking it for the same type of plants. But both flowers symbolize the beauty of birth, rebirth and how we all come from water.

     In a modern sense, the Lotus is a wonderfully unique plant in that it has thermoregulation, meaning it can create heat, might like us, warm-blooded mammals! A truly magical flower.