Pastizzi Jewellery Is Now A Thing And It Is As Gorgeous As You Could Ever Imagine
The Pastizzi Project is the baby of Kane Cali, local artist who turned our favourite snack to stone and a work of art at the same time. Pastizzi are to the Maltese islands what ambrosia was to the ancient Greeks. Adored by some, loved by many and eaten by all – just minus the ecstasy-euphoria.
When Kane had finished off his final batch of concrete pastizzi, he set out in search of something finer to craft and he’s back with the new concept of Pastizzi Jewellery.
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From its inception, The Pastizzi Project always aimed to act as a catalyst for further representation of the contemporary identity of the Maltese. Irkotta Pastizzi specifically were chosen for their easily-identifiable shaping, each layer loaded with satire and social commentary.
This year, Kane wanted to explore the idea of status symbols and their perceived wealths, the current reported ‘economic boom’ and the growing divide in class on our islands.
And what better way to do so than with adornment?
Kane is working with an Italian Goldsmith, Leonardo Nocenzi, who is currently based in Rabat and has lent his craft to Kane’s project by producing jewellery pieces in silver and gold and using precious stones.
Kane’s own skillset is being used with his background in casting crystal, where each Pastizzi jewel was once one a handmade pastizz that was then 3D-scanned, miniaturised and printed all to be realised in precious stone.
Kane is producing all the crystal gems in his Valletta studio where each piece is cast in a kiln reaching upwards of 800℃, ground down and hand polished to render each piece in a unique form.
The team are currently developing a simple and clean collection of bracelets, necklaces and earrings with it all set to launch this September. That said, they are already working with individuals wishing to customise their pieces with particular metals and precious stones.