Hoja cuff bracelet

Two plants live side by side within Shelter. The ivy, which climbs and twines, and the leaf, which is more familiar and more recognisable.

The leaf's identity lies in the detail: the veining, carefully drawn and beautifully symmetrical. Those fine lines leave a mark reminiscent of a fingerprint, and that is the metaphor. Something that grows and is born, that takes shape little by little until it becomes something in its own right.

On the cuff, the leaf sits where it shows at its best: open, lying flat on the wrist, at the height people look at when you talk with your hands.

The leaf is cut, filed, polished and its full veining engraved, just like the rest of Shelter. It is then plated in 24-carat gold with a matte gold finish.

The fine work is in the veining: it is what gives character to a shape that, without it, would be just another leaf.

It is made on Calle Alameda, in the Barrio de las Letras, in a workshop you are welcome to visit. If you drop by, you'll most likely see the next one taking shape.

It is a piece with real presence and a very clean design, so it works on its own. It looks lovely with short sleeves, peeking out from under a shirt cuff, or worn over a close-fitting jumper sleeve. Being matte gold with no colour, it goes with anything, and it pairs with the ring, earrings and necklace featuring the same leaf.

The lacquer protects the plating from contact with skin and perfume. Keep it dry and stored on its own, and avoid putting on scent while you're wearing it. With everyday wear and this little bit of care, the gold plating will last for years.