Continue the journey
Discover behind-the-scenes moments on YouTube, listen to the sounds of Chile on Spotify, follow our travel anecdotes on Polarsteps, or explore visual inspirations on Pinterest. Each extension reveals another layer of the story behind this piece.
Lots of love! Raj and Clara
Curanto Earrings
Chile Collection
Inspiration: Curanto
Materials: Gold, matte stone, metal alloy
Craft Detail: Layered stone forms, steam-polished edges
Region: Chiloé Archipelago
Dish Profile: Savory, earthy, seafood-based
Inspiration
These earrings are inspired by curanto, a traditional Chilean dish prepared by layering seafood, meat, vegetables, and potatoes over heated stones in an earth oven. Curanto is defined by its stone layers, earthy tones, and the gentle steam that rises during cooking. These characteristics informed the jewellery design: matte, stone-like surfaces reference the heated rocks, layered oval forms echo the stacking method, and soft metallic edges reflect the moisture and steam interacting with stone surfaces. Curanto is typically prepared outdoors, covered with leaves and soil to retain heat, a process that emphasizes natural textures and gradual transformation.
Discovery
Raj and Clara encountered curanto during a coastal community cookout in the Chiloé Archipelago. They observed how hot stones are arranged in layers and how ingredients are placed between them to cook evenly. Clara focused on the cultural significance of the shared preparation, while Raj examined the contrast between rough stone surfaces and smoother, heat-polished areas. These observations were translated into jewellery through stacked forms, matte finishes, and controlled metallic highlights developed from sketches made on site.
Travel Diary
While staying in Chiloé, Raj noticed similar layered stone forms used in local dock constructions along the shoreline. Clara later connected these structures to the visual logic of curanto’s stacked cooking method, reinforcing the design direction.
Where we find our Jewellery inspiration
Click to discover our unique jewellery pieces! Inspired by food and craftsmenship all over the world.