British jewellery brand Alighieri is a favourite of the fashion crowd [1], and now it's also a favourite of the crown. Founded by designer Rosh Mahtani in 2014, the homegrown brand is the first accessories label to win the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The award, previously given to Richard Quinn and Bethany Williams, will be presented to Rosh by a senior member of the royal family — most likely Kate Middleton [2] — on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design recognises "an emerging British fashion designer of womenswear, menswear, or accessories that shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and strong sustainable policies", explains the British Fashion Council [3].
Alighieri is truly one of a kind [4]. It's a conceptual jewellery brand that is inspired by Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy". Each piece from Rosh's collections is a sculptural reflection of how she interpreted Dante's works. The brands calls its designs "modern heirlooms", and rightly so, as every delicate piece of Alighieri's demi-fine jewellery corresponds to one of Dante's 100 poems.
Keep reading ahead for five of Alighieri's bestselling pieces.
Alighieri The Infernal Storm Earrings
Alighieri The Infernal Storm Earrings [6] (£350)
Alighieri Il Leone Medallion Necklace
Alighieri Il Leone Medallion Necklace [7] (£210)
Alighieri The Selva Oscura Choker [8] (£750)
Alighieri The Storyteller Cuff
Alighieri The Storyteller Cuff [9] (£640)
Alighieri Infernal Storm Necklace
Alighieri Infernal Storm Necklace [10] (£210)