Modotti Necklace

Modotti Necklace

Hand-made, in Italy.

Weight – circa 185g

Circumference – circa 80cm

Italian resin. Galvanized silver lobster clasp. Free from nickel and lead. 

To remember and honour the identities of the women that inspire us and whose stories we wish to celebrate, we have named each piece of jewellery after a female pioneer at the forefront of Italian history.

Named after the artist Tina Modotti, this necklace pays honour to its talented and courageous namesake.

Few women unite the vocations of actress, model, photographer and communist revolutionary leader under one hat, however Tina Modotti was exactly that. In 1913 at the tender age of 16, she left Italy for the United States to pursue an acting career, before training in photography after meeting the renowned American photographer Edward Weston. Together with Weston she moved to Mexico City in 1923 to open a photography studio. Modotti quickly gravitated toward the capital's bohemian scene, and joined the cultural and political elite of the Mexican avant-garde, which included none other than Frida Kahlo, Lupe Marín and Diego Rivera. She became the photographer of choice for the blossoming Mexican mural movement, documenting the works of its leading artists. Modotti not only was a pioneer of modernist photography in Mexico, but also became a Communist revolutionary harnessing her images as tool for advancing the cause of the Mexican proletariat. Her photographs attest to her unrestrained and at times turbulent life, as unmarried Italian woman at the heart of the political upheavals in Mexico City, unwavering activist of the socialist cause and female artist.

Each Pietrasanta piece is lovingly hand-made in Milan, and crafted using the highest quality materials sourced from Italy. Each item comes in a soft white velvet pouch, and a branded presentation box so that you can safely store your new jewellery.

All Pietrasanta jewellery is completely hypoallergenic – it’s free from lead, copper and nickel, so that you can wear it all day long without any issues.

The jewellery may be: plated in gold; silver 925, galvanized gold or galvanized silver – we would recommend the following steps to ensure your items are not damaged and stay clean. The wiring, clasps and studs may tarnish naturally over time. Tarnishing occurs naturally and to avoid this you may use a lint-free cloth to clean the metals parts of your jewellery. Similarly, as certain parts may bend under pressure, we suggest that the items be stored and transported in rigid boxes to avoid any external pressure compromising the item. If the jewellery does not ‘fall’ as expected, remember not to press down on the item, but try to gently align the pieces to their intended state.