The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

London-based jewellery design studio Chalk fascinates Cristina Lloyd with its intriguing architectural, cultural and precious intricate pieces. by creating a mood board that encom- passes the narrative she is trying to portray with the collection. “It will contain colours, textures, model poses and clothes. We then try to execute this, sometimes we [go] in a different direction [but] I am always in awe with the outcome.” She is personally drawn to orange, green and blue hues, which she tends to use throughout the collections. “They are vibrant earth tones, which I think make people happy.” Chalk’s staple materials are walnut, acrylic and formica, which work harmo- niously. Malaika’s design goal is to continue designing for galleries. “We have designed collections for the Royal Opera House, Barbican and Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. I’d love to do a specific collection for the Tate or British Museum.” The harmonious blend of curved Barbican jewellery collection in vivid shades of gold, blue sapphire, energetic orange, and earthy green, with a hint of walnut, was inspired by the graceful shapes found in the renowned Barbican Architectural Complex in London. It captured the circular fountains, rows of charming balconies and repetitive squares of the window openings in the curved and balcony statement earrings, ser- rated balcony earrings, studs and mini studs, brooch and necklace. American architect Frank Lloyd- Wright’s architectural genius is visualised in Chalk’s Mayan collection, translating the vibrant energy of the iconic ‘Roaring Twenties’. Throughout the collection, minimalist outlines and striking colour-blocked pieces are created from rich walnut wood and the brand’s signature etched reflective gold acrylic. It uses precious metals, gemstones and enamelling to infuse the unique depth of colour found in tropical forests of the historic Mesoa- merican region in South America. The Mayan collection includes Aklla, Saya, Akna and Itzel Earrings in dragon fruit or jade; Litza Studs in orange, silver or teal; Bracelets in gold or silver and pink topaz; Hoops in gold or silver fuchsia, gold or silver emeralds, gold or silver tangerine, silver mint, gold peach, gold Persian jewel and Necklace in gold with citrine, pink topaz or green tourma- line. The Zulia and Zayana Earrings, Mya Necklace and Ennis Large Hoops would make a colourful and bold addition to your look. Align the stars with the Starry Night collection of gold, bronze, black and silver glitter jewellery. Inspired by Gaia, the Greek goddess of Earth and mother of all life, and the abundant nature of the universe, the Gaia Studs in gold, silver, silver & gold, and gold & silver are designed to make you shine. The Gaia Pendant is available in both versions of silver & gold and gold & silver, while the Rhea Necklace, based on the second largest moon of Saturn, looks delightful in gold and silver stone. Nalla means a successful person who achieves everything. The namesake Earrings in aqua, dusk, gold & silver, silver & gold, gold & tangerine or gold & seafoam and Necklace in sapphire or coral, aqua & gold is from the Lamu collection, which transports you to a tranquil world of grandeur coral walls, decorative architecture and magnif- icent sea views. The name is taken from the historic island of Lamu on the coast of East Africa, the oldest and most well-preserved Swahili set- tlement in the region. Other pieces in this collection include Kamaria (bright like the moon) Ear- rings and Ring in dusk or regency green, Kamaria Necklace in regency green, Uzuri (beauty) Earrings in dusk or regency green and Jua (the sun bringing light and warmth) Hoops in sapphire, coral, silver & gold. The Mawu Tassel Earrings in gold, green & orange, gold, green, orange & navy, and gold & pink from the Carnival collection, inspired by Malaika’s herit- age, encapsulate the vibrancy, joy and playfulness of this magical occasion. The Carnival collection also has the Mawu Ring in orange or teal. Mawu Earrings in orange or gold, Mawu Necklace in indigo, Oshun Earrings in gold, Oshun Stud Earrings in blue or gold, Onile Earrings in teal or orange. Onile Necklace in blue, Kinnara Studs in blue, teal, green, pink, orange, or yellow, Nyota Mobile Earrings in teal, Chandra Stud Earrings in blue or gold, and Chandra Earrings in gold & silver. Other collections are The Last Walk To The River, The Broadway, Arco- Scarpa, The Revival, Resilience and Pitzhanger. For something precious, the Cres- cent and Swoop Earrings in gold or silver, Layered Chandelier, Layered Ring, Riser Ring and Open Arco Ring in silver inspired by Carlo Scar- pa’s works and the layered forms in the cast concrete details inside La Tomba Brion, would brighten your evening. Also attractive are the Open Semi and Double Semi Circle Rings, available in 18-carat yellow gold or sterling silver, that curve seamlessly around the finger. The Triple Arc Ear- rings in silver or gold would also look fantastic. Chalk jewellery is available online. www.thechalkhouse.com bitejewellery