Rosh Mahtani, founder and creative director of jewellery brand Alighieri

This is something that Rosh Mahtani, founder and creative director of jewellery brand Alighieri, leans into. Her pieces, carved first in wax and then cast in recycled gold

Rosh Mahtani, founder and creative director of jewellery brand Alighieri, is no stranger to the tale of strength in adversity. Her pieces, which are first carved in wax and then cast in recycled gold, silver and bronze, are crafted in tribute to Dante Alighieri’s writings – specifically about the times when courage is needed.

“I have always been drawn to antique medallions from Roman times, and this inspired the very first medallion I created – Il Leone – for strength and courage. I love them because they feel like they’ve been dug up from the ground, from times gone by,” says Mahtani.

Il Leone medallion is still Alighieri’s bestselling piece – one Mahtani has called the “North Star” of her brand as the ultimate expression of this search for courage.

“I created the Leone medallion as a reminder to myself to be strong in moments of self-doubt. It was one of the first pieces I made, in 2014. The textured medallion is inspired by the moment when Dante Alighieri finds himself in the selva oscura (dark wood) of the Inferno, confronted by a terrifying lion. Dante crumbles and has an existential crisis when his mentor and friend, Virgil, suddenly appears to reassure him and give him confidence. It is a turning point, where fear turns to self-belief,” she explains.