Bella Figura Mafaldine gold earrings

Bella Figura by Christine Sadler

Bella Figura is an Italian phrase that means to live life to the highest level. The literal translation "beautiful figure" is much more than a person's appearance. It is an ethos of trying to make life as beautiful as possible for you and those around you. 

These earrings are completely handmade in Christine's workshop in Ayr. The are incredibly difficult to photograph because of how the light reflects off the surface so it is recommended to watch the video to get a better understanding of the shape of these unique earrings. The square sheet of 9ct yellow gold has been domed, one edge concave and the opposite convex. This form is inspired by mafaldine pasta which has a rippled edge. 

Why was Christine inspired to make jewellery based on pasta? She was looking for something humble that connected people. During her research she discovered that the shapes and forms of pasta were often invented by women and that the beauty and skill that went into creating these shapes were often overlooked. Several modern designers such as Phillipe Starck have been so intrigued by the complexity of the challenge that they have spent years perfecting their own unique shape of pasta and architect George L Legendre dedicated an entire book to the mathematics of the intricate and beautiful forms.

Historically, the creative endeavours of women were not praised as highly as they should have been because they produced things that were useful and had a purpose such as clothing and blankets and food. Christine felt that she could draw attention to the beauty of their work by rendering the shapes in precious metals forcing people to really look at how incredible the everyday things around them are.

You can read more about the inspiration behind the Bella Figura collection in our Jewellery Academy