Ashleigh McCulloch's Monastery Jewellery Blends Punk and Asceticism

Monastery Jewellery, a handmade brand founded by Ashleigh McCulloch, operates out of studios in both Johannesburg and Amsterdam. Her creations blend ancient, mythical designs with a punk aesthetic, employing lost-wax casting alongside traditional metalsmithing techniques in materials such as sterling silver, gold, and bronze. Each distinctive piece is crafted to "speak loudly in the quiet," characterized by their weight, unusual forms, and resonant clinks. Influenced by asceticism and hermeticism, her work honors discipline and devotion amidst contemporary turmoil. Collections feature signet rings inspired by Roman designs with jade, Victorian key necklaces, and bold cuffs, all made to order using recycled metals, typically taking up to four weeks.