Rosh Mahtani Alighieri

Wanderlustre: Alighieri’s travel-inspired talismans

With a plethora of pieces influenced by art, literature, and globe-trotting adventures, cult British jewellery brand Alighieri designs stylish talismans for the modern traveller.

Breathing new life into the ancient art of lost-wax casting, founder and self-taught jeweller Rosh Mahtani hand-crafts modern heirlooms from recycled bronze, silver, and gold — and has recently been awarded an OBE for her services to Jewellery Design and Philanthropy. As its name suggests, legendary poet Dante Alighieri was a key inspiration behind the brand — Mahtani has sculpted a piece for every canto in The Divine Comedy. Cast, polished, assembled, and plated in London’s Hatton Garden, Alighieri’s creations offer a fresh take on the concept of a lucky or protective amulet, adding a touch of charm to any ensemble.

Tell us about your early memories of Zambia. What does this place mean to you?

I have so many magical memories of growing up in Zambia. There wasn’t much to do, so we really had to live in our imagination. I used to make paint out of leaves, collect stones and fragments to make my own necklaces, and play barefoot in the warm rain with my brother. It was pure innocence.

How have your travels inspired your craft?

My travels are a huge source of inspiration for my craft — I’ve always loved that every culture, since the beginning of time, has used jewellery as a means of dialogue. I’ve been endlessly inspired by the pieces I’ve seen and the people I’ve met, from African tribes, and Mexican craftspeople, to archaeologists in Pompeii. I always start each collection by going on a solo trip with my 35mm film camera, exploring the world through my own lens.

You’re packing for a summer holiday, which modern heirlooms are travelling with you?

I always pack the Leone Medallion for strength and courage, as well as the St Christopher Medallion, representing safe travels. My wardrobe is quite minimalist — think blue or white jeans and tanks — so I always take The Link of Wanderlust Belt and its matching camera strap to complete my uniform.

I actually feel most myself when I’m travelling — particularly by train, watching new horizons and landscapes emerge to the motion of the carriage.

Which hotels are on your wish list, and why?

To experience omotenashi hospitality, I would love to visit Hotel Gajoen Tokyo in the hip Meguro district. To completely switch off on a Greek island, I would choose Domes White Coast Milos and venture over to the moonlike Sarakiniko beach.

ROSH MAHTANI

“The question of identity — where am I from, where do I belong — drove me to create my own universe.”

Previous

This reimagined ryokan is Kyoto’s most stylish stay

Next

The art of travel with Hôtel Magique’s Milou Neelen

Latest stories

The ultimate Vilnius city guide

With a complicated political past (and present), Lithuania might not typically be top of mind when brainstorming a European getaway. But Vilnius, the country’s vibrant capital, is a burgeoning hub for culture with a vibrant international food scene. And the utterly walkable metropolis — just a short flight away from

Surfer stays and tropical hideaways: top boutique hotels for October

October is the ideal month to mix autumn cosiness with a dose of winter sun. Think an Australian surfer-chic stay on a working farm with crackling wood-burning fires, or a striking architectural gem on Mexico’s surf-kissed Mazunte coast. If it’s sun you’re chasing, island boltholes in the Caribbean await, while

Caribbean island-hopping in the Lesser Antilles: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda

There’s no rule that says your Caribbean escape has to be a one-island affair. Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda are close enough to link in a single trip — and different enough to keep every day feeling new. This Lesser Antilles itinerary links three Leeward Islands; Anguilla’s laid-back, barefoot glamour with

Susafa: the eco-friendly farmhouse to book in rural Sicily

Trade the crowds of Palermo for something quieter, slower, and more soulful in Sicily’s rugged interior. Susafa, a centuries-old farm turned sustainable hotel, offers a different kind of Sicilian escape. This isn’t the place you come to check off sights. Instead, your days unfold gently, lingering by the pool, strolling