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Lots of love! Raj and Clara
Merquén Necklace
Chile Collection
Inspiration: Merquén spice
Materials: Darkened metal, smoked-red gemstones
Craft Detail: Fine grain texture, oval cabochons
Region: Araucanía Region
Dish Profile: Savory, smoky, spicy
Inspiration
This necklace is inspired by merquén, a traditional Chilean spice made from smoked and dried chili peppers, coriander seeds, and salt. Merquén is known for its deep red color, fine granular texture, and smoky heat. These characteristics informed the jewellery design: smoked-red gemstones reflect the chili’s color, darkened metal mirrors the roasting process, and subtle surface texture references the spice’s ground form. Merquén is traditionally produced by sun-drying and smoking peppers before grinding, a process that informed the layered and textured material choices.
Discovery
Raj and Clara encountered merquén at a local market stall in southern Chile where vendors sold freshly ground spice by weight. Clara noted the consistency of the grind and its color variations, while Raj focused on how the spice was stored in shallow trays, revealing its granular surface. These observations were translated into jewellery through grain-like metal texturing and the selection of gemstones with natural internal variation, based on sketches and material tests.
Travel Diary
While in Araucanía, Raj and Clara noticed that some households prepare merquén in small batches using stone mortars rather than electric grinders. Raj later referenced similar tool marks when refining the necklace’s surface texture.
Where we find our Jewellery inspiration
Click to discover our unique jewellery pieces! Inspired by food and craftsmenship all over the world.