DISCOVERING THE ART OF TEA
A jewellery maker’s journey.
I've always been passionate about teas. In fact, I often tell people it's the main reason I decided to move to London more than 10 years ago.
My love for tea intertwines seamlessly with my interest for history, traditions, and craftsmanship.
Tea, with its long and intricate history, mirrors the meticulous artistry found in jewellery making. From its harvesting to its preparation, tea involves skilled hands and a deep appreciation for the craft.
Moreover, drinking a cup of tea is more than just a routine, it’s a mindful, meditative act that we can all indulge in multiple times a day.
It serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, unwind, and quiet our thoughts: a sentiment that resonates deeply with my approach to jewellery design and making and admiration for slow fashion.
Interestingly, some teas are as rare and precious as jewels, with their vibrant colours reminiscent of the natural hues of gemstones.
This parallel between the world of tea and jewellery never fails to captivate me, because even if the two worlds sound so distant they are indeed very similar.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by my good friend Martina @thevenitianpantry , in which I took part in a Matcha Ceremony led by the tea guru Sally Gurteen from Avantcha Tea.
During the gathering, Sally shared her wealth of knowledge on teas, revealing that all teas originate from the same plant: Camellia Sinensis.
There are six main types of teas: white, green, yellow, oolong, black, and pu-erh. In addition to this, many non-tea plants are used to make herbal infusions.
What makes a particular type of tea is the processing. The key difference between the different kinds of tea is the oxidation level. Oxidation happens when the leaves are bruised, and the exposed juices react with the oxygen in the air.
The highlight of the gathering was, undoubtedly, the traditional Matcha Tea Ceremony. Matcha, a Japanese green tea, is meticulously crafted from leaves that are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. The quality of Matcha depends on the expertise of the farmer, the steaming method employed, and the precision of the milling process.
As Sally demonstrated the art of making Matcha, I couldn't help but marvel at the traditional tools used in the process: the Chawan Bowl and the Chasen Whisk, each designed to coax the Matcha into a delicate, frothy consistency. Another similarity to jewellery making that amazed me; in both cases the tools used are exactly the same ones used 600 year ago.
Intrigued by the variety of Avantcha teas presented by Sally, I made a selection my favourites to enjoy in different moments the day. These are teas that inspire me and I hope they will inspire you too.
WHITE TEA
Jasmine Silver Needle - Carefully handpicked young buds, scented five times with fragrant jasmine flowers. Sweet and subtle, perfect for afternoon or early evening.
GREEN TEA
Matcha Iri Genmaicha - Traditional genmaicha flavours with a high proportion of roasted rice, blended with buttery matcha. Rich in toasted, umami flavours. Contains higher levels of caffeine and antioxidants, ideal in the mornings.
OOLONG
Milk Oolong - Chin Chin oolong leaf infused with vanilla extracts. Exquisite aromas of cream and caramel. Best enjoyed after a meal.
BLACK TEA
Velvet Salted Caramel - Black tea base with shards of velvety salted caramel, natural spices like fennel seeds, aniseed, and black peppercorns, along with roasted apple pieces. Smooth, sweet, and full-bodied. Perfect for a decadent afternoon tea.
PU-ERH
Vanilla Pu Erh - Blend of sweet vanilla and earthy Pu Erh. Exceptionally decadent and aids digestion.
HERBAL
Afterlunch - Made with melissa, licorice root, chamomile, rosemary, peppermint leaves, and natural vanilla. A herbal wellness tisane designed to aid digestion and promote relaxation after meals.
In conclusion, my journey into the world of tea has been nothing short of enchanting. Just as every piece of jewellery tells a story, each cup of tea holds a narrative of tradition, craftsmanship, and mindfulness.
If you appreciate the finer things in life, be it handmade jewellery or a perfectly brewed cup of tea, I invite you to slow down and enjoy their beauty and aromas from time to time.