Chantė CALITZ

As a child, I immersed myself in bygone eras, envisioning the weight and honour of wearing carved chest plates and golden crowns. As a jeweller, I strive to capture those feelings, rather than its mere aesthetics, with each adornment becoming an extension of the wearer’s spirit and being.

My final year collection embodies this thrill of uncovering legendary stories, inspired by my father's dream of becoming an archaeologist. The narrative collection reflects a tale inspired by Atlantis, illustrated through a fictitious timeline spanning five millennia.

The first era, Moroccan Migration, marks the origin of my story and features designs with square shapes and linear textures symbolising confinement and the allure of movement.

Psychedelic Exploration follows, signifying a pilgrimage, marked by landscapes, spirals and arches, reflecting the transformative power of nature and the psychedelic breakthrough they experienced.

The third era, Divine Balance, communicates their arrival to their final destination, the Azores island, marked by water-like motifs. It boasts a civilization with a strong foundation and hierarchy, embodying symmetry, harmony, and artistic appreciation.

The fourth era, Power & Pride, shifts to bulky designs, representing an external showcasing of their developing ego-driven power.

Lastly, Ego & Downfall, reveals weathered pieces, alluding to a divinely-intervened cataclysmic event and serving as a sombre reminder of greed's consequences, prompting reflection on our own relationships with peace and pride.

Each era communicates its people's environment and experiences through patterns, symbols, and textures, showcasing character evolution throughout my ancient story.