Hoja hoop earrings

Two plants live side by side in Shelter. Ivy, which climbs and twines, and the leaf, which is more common and more recognisable. The leaf's identity lies in its veining, very carefully worked and very symmetrical, with lines that recall a fingerprint. Something that grows and is born.

Here that leaf becomes a hoop: a very symmetrical circle that tends towards perfection. But it does not close completely, first to make the earring lighter and then to keep the proportions right. It is the easiest piece to wear in all of Shelter, and the one that looks least like a leaf until you look closely.

The leaf is cut, filed and has all its veining engraved while flat, like the rest of the collection. The difference comes afterwards: it has to be curved into a hoop without distorting the pattern of the veins on the outer face, which is the one you see. This is done by annealing the piece repeatedly so it can be turned.

It then receives its 24-carat gold plating in a matte finish. As with the long earrings, the veining has two slopes, and the light reflected by the plating makes the hoop seem to have two tones, one lighter and one slightly brighter.

They are made on Calle Alameda, in the Barrio de las Letras, in a workshop you are welcome to visit. If you come by, you will probably see the next pair being made.

Three and a half centimetres in diameter and four grams per pair: these are everyday hoops, the kind you put on and forget about. They look just as good with your hair down as up and, being matte gold with no colour, they go with anything.

The lacquer protects the plating from contact with skin and perfume. Keep them dry and stored separately, and avoid putting on fragrance while wearing them. With normal wear and this care, the gold plating lasts for years.