style
autumn gems
Photograph courtesy Marike Herselman
For more information, visit: https://www.debeersgroup.com/sustainability-and-ethics/building-forever-2030-goals
watch releases for 2023… so far
16
Homegrown Local brands that should be on your radar
20 22
Bon voyage Tips for travelling with jewellery
What’s your jewellery IQ? Jewellery quiz time
Exquisite & engaging Engagement ring trends
Dynamic duo Gert-Johan Coetzee and American Swiss’s collaboration
Glitz and glam
The hottest red carpet jewellery from this year’s award season
The jewellery report JZA hits the streets
Editor-in-Chief Adri Viviers adri@isikhova.co.za
Editor-at-Large Smitha Sadanandan
Creative Director Joanne Brook joanne@isikhova.co.za
Wordsmiths
Africa - Khwezi Makeba Europe - Imer Koorb
Pictures Editor Amahle Jali
Copy Editor Anne Phillips
BUSINESS
Managing Director Imraan Mahomed imraan@isikhova.co.za
Director: Brand Strategy Jenny Justus jenny@isikhova.co.za
Operations Director Thuli Majola thuli@isikhova.co.za
GLOBAL MEDIA ALLIANCE PARTNERS
Asia Pacific Region
Solitaire Magazine Anton Javier, Deputy Editor Gynn Lee, Business Manager www.solitairemagazine.com
United Kingdom
CoNNect Agency, UK www.theagencyconnect.com
Jewellery Council of South Africa
Lorna Lloyd, CEO
Membership enquiries: admin@jewellery.org.za
Tel: +27 11 484 5528 / Fax: 086 504 95212 The Hamlet, 27 Ridge Road, Parktown, Johannesburg.
JZA – Your Jewellery Magazine is independently published by Isikhova Media (Pty) Ltd and is part of the SA Jewellery Brands Portfolio 10th Floor, Metal Box, 25 Owl Street, Milpark, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
Telephone +27 11 883 4627 www.isikhova.co.za
Subscriptions & General Enquiries jza@isikhova.co.za
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the owners, the publisher, contributors or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither JZA – Your Jewellery Magazine, the owners, the Editor-in-Chief, the publisher, media alliance partners nor any of its endorsed organisations or contributors can be held responsible for any omissions or errors; or for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise therefrom. The same applies to all advertising. JZA –Your Jewellery Magazine © 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. savvy thinkers smart doers together people
Sixteen years ago, I started writing for JZA’s sister publication, SA Jewellery News. I didn’t really know anything about diamonds, jewellery or watches. I was a small-town girl with an office in Sandton, Johannesburg. All I knew was that I really liked writing, I had completed my journalism degree… and I needed a job.
I started as a journalist and asked my editor a lot of questions. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the industry and have always been fortunate to be surrounded by people willing to share their knowledge.
I worked as a journalist from 2007-2011, when I was offered
the position of editor. I was elated. Writing for SA Jewellery News was, and still is, exciting, interesting and truly fulfilling.
Three years ago when JZA Editor-in-Chief Jason Aarons invited me to write for JZA as a contributing editor, I was unsure. I love and know the world of gems, jewellery and watches, but writing for a trade publication has become my “comfort zone”.
I hesitantly agreed and after the excitement of my first byline in such a beautiful and sophisticated consumer retail magazine, I wanted to ensure that each article was better than the last.
As I now move into this new position as JZA Editor-in-Chief,
I'm again excited – and a little nervous. I hope to fill the enormous shoes Jason has left behind.
I'm grateful for the three years during which I had the privilege of working alongside him and learning from him and the entire JZA team. I hope to expand my knowledge and to continue bringing JZA readers the latest and most glamorous jewellery trends and news from SA and abroad.
◀ Flower power Even though summer is over, the floral motif continues to add a lovely focal point to any look.
▼ More pearlcore Pearls have been reigning on the jewellery scene for quite some time and the trend isn't out of steam just yet!
Adri Viviers
▶ Off the cuff
When it comes to bracelets this autumn, more is more and bigger is better.
Think icy sherbet… a sumptuous glass of orange juice… stunning autumn leaves… a vivid sunset. Orange is huge on Mother Nature’s palette, especially when it comes to gemstones. Steal her style!
Orange gemstones stand out and shine, adding zest to any wardrobe. They’ve graced fashions for centuries and are always on trend. Consider some orangey-hued gemstones: sapphires, garnets, fire opals, topaz and citrines. Where do they come from? What makes them special? What do they cost? Let’s look at a few outrageous oranges and find out more about these gemstones from the experts at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost authority in gemmology.
Fancy sapphire, a variety of the mineral corundum, features orange among many appealing hues. An especially alluring orangepink colour is called padparadscha, after the lotus blossom. GIA’s gem experts point out that this latter variety is very rare and ranges from pastels to more fiery shades. The best examples of authentic padparadscha sapphire usually command a premium price, often equal to their fine blue counterparts. Sri Lanka and East Africa are major sources of orange and padparadscha sapphire.
Spessartine garnet is perhaps the most eye-catching orangey gemstone around. It's highly prized for its bright orangey-yellow to yellowish-orange colour, with some of the best –and most sought-after – examples mined in southern California at the Little Three mine, near Ramona. High-quality
Gemstones are always on trend.
spessartine has more recently been mined in Namibia and Nigeria.
Mandarin garnet is a trade name for bright orange spessartine from Namibia. Although relatively inexpensive in small sizes, larger stones (which rarely exceed 10ct) can fetch significant prices. The rich colour of mandarin garnet makes it a favourite worldwide.
Fire opal is something of an anomaly in the opal family. Opals are usually
smoothly polished in a cabochon (domed) shape, mined in Australia, and are opaque (as opposed to translucent). Yet the intriguing fire opal occurs in a fabulous orange colour, cut in a faceted manner, mined in Mexico and is mostly translucent in betterquality facet grades. It’s also available at favourable prices in jewellery this season.
Topaz is another gemstone that occurs in various colours such as yellow, dark blue, pink, red and light green, but it truly shines in orange. Fine orange and “imperial topaz” (orange with a hint of red) are among the rarer colours of this stone and their higher prices reflect their scarcity. This unusual shade is mostly found in Brazil.
Citrine, a variety of the mineral quartz, can occur in an orange shade called Madeira, although it’s usually seen in one of its yellow coats. Mined mainly in Brazil, citrine is often found in larger sizes due to its affordable price and is widely available.
Amber is an organic gem. Organic gems are the products of living or once-living organisms and biological processes. Amber formed tens of millions of years ago, when sap from ancient trees hardened and fossilised. Amber is sometimes called “gold of the North”. Its warm lustre is featured in beads and pendants.
There’s no right or wrong when choosing an orange shade or a type of jewellery. Whether your passion is big earrings in citrine or topaz, a fire opal brooch, a mandarin garnet pendant, a sapphire centred in a ring or an amber beaded bracelet, orange could be this season’s best shade for you.
Deon Smith Jewellery has been featured in British Vogue twice, has participated in Milano Jewellery Week’s FaB Jewels exhibition in Italy and has now been invited to participate in the prestigious Florence Biennale.
Deon Smith Jewellery débuted in 2021 and is one of the jewellery labels that caught the eyes of the Florence Biennale fair executives. The South African jewellery brand has been invited to participate in the famed event in October this year.
JZA asked founder and designer Deon Smith about his jewellery brand and what makes it so distinctive.
For those not familiar with Deon Smith Jewellery, can you tell us what characterises the brand? I live in Cape Town, where I draw my inspiration from beautiful indigenous plants while walking on our majestic mountain slopes or through the veld. I’ve chosen to capture these inspiring and treasured plants in handcrafted pieces of wooden and silver jewellery.
I only use recycled silver and sustainably sourced indigenous woods to create my botanical jewellery.
By doing this, I’ve balanced my desire to immortalise this floral beauty with my passion to protect and conserve the environment in which it thrives for future generations. You're a qualified medical doctor who specialised in paediatrics for 25 years. After retiring, why did you decide to pursue jewellery design? In recent years I found myself inspired to design jewellery pieces for my wife and after having a piece I’d designed for her birthday made, a renowned local goldsmith and jewellery designer suggested that I design jewellery beyond just adding to my wife’s collection.
Where do you source the wood for your jewellery? All the wood I use is indigenous to SA. The timber supply company in Cape Town, from which I buy it, vouches for its timber being obtained only from sustainable South African sources.
What makes your jewellery personal to the wearer? When I designed the range of botanical jewellery, I felt it was important to include the client in the fun of the creative process. Clients get the opportunity to choose certain combinations of materials, which allows them to participate in creating a piece of jewellery that complements their personal style.
Do you have men’s jewellery pieces in your collection? I’ve designed a small lapel pin that sports a small gemstone and this can be worn with both formal and informal jackets, but the larger brooches are more suited to being worn on coats or jackets with lapels wide enough to accommodate their size.
I’ve balanced my desire to immortalise this floral beauty with my passion to protect and conserve the environment in which it thrives for future generations.
Exciting things happen when art and the world of Swatch collide – and from the get-go, Swatch has found fresh ways to bring more art to people’s lives. Surrealist painter René Magritte is known for his dreamlike, imaginative aesthetic and evocative symbols (the bowler hat and pipes, to name a few). To mark the 125-year anniversary of the artist’s birth, two watches take his most famous paintings and translate them into wearable art for the wrist.
he year is young, but it’s already giving watch enthusiasts plenty to get excited
stylish way to stay connected and keep track of health and fitness data, vívomove Trend includes features like all-day stresstracking, sleep score, pre-loaded activities and more. You can also stay on the move longer with a battery life of up to five days in smartwatch mode and, when it's time to charge, users can now enjoy the convenience of wireless charging with most Qi-certified charging pads (not included).
Breitling’s launched an extremely limited-edition watch series and a new squad, dedicated to the unions and federations that make up Six Nations Rugby. The Guinness Six Nations kicked off on 4 February, marking Breitling’s second season as the official timing partner of Six Nations Rugby, the organisation known the world over for delivering rugby’s greatest championships, showcasing exhilarating men’s and women’s matches between its six competing unions: RFU (England), IRFU (Ireland), WRU (Wales), SRU (Scotland), FFR (France) and FIR (Italy). Each model sets itself apart with a dial that expresses the individual union’s colours and its logo positioned in the sub-dial at 9 o’clock, as well as on the sapphire crystal case-back.
▲ The best Apple Watch
Can’ t decide between the Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra or SE? pcmag.com tested them all and found the Ultra to be the most powerful. It’s also the priciest, but works hard to justify its cost. The Ultra has the largest and brightest screen of any Apple Watch. It uses a 49mm MIL-STD 810H-tested titanium case and an OLED display that puts out twice as much light (2 000 nits) as the Series 8 or SE. It includes an additional action button for custom functions and has a battery life of 36 hours (double that of the Series 8 and SE). The Ultra has all the same health features as the Series 8, but is also built for all types of adventure, from dives to hikes and more. When you’re on foot, it uses L1 and L5 GPS for better accuracy and has a built-in 86dB siren that’s audible from up to 183m away. For underwater treks, the watch has an EN13319 certification and a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor. It withstands recreational dives at depths of as much 40m and can function as a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app.
▶ Rolex defies the limits
Filmmaker and explorer James Cameron recently unveiled the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge. Inspired by the experimental watch that accompanied him on his historic 10 908m descent into the Mariana Trench on 26 March 2012, the Deepsea Challenge represents a new milestone in the world of Rolex divers’ watches. Guaranteed to be waterproof to a depth of 11 000m, crafted from RLX titanium and equipped with a helium escape valve and the Ringlock system, it’s capable of accompanying divers on open-water or submersible dives, as well as in hyperbaric chambers. It’s a watch designed to turn pressure into an ally in any situation and an invitation to further explore the mysteries of the deep.
Born and raised in Soweto, Sphelele (“Lele”) Nozipho Chikowi is the creator of Ntozinhle.
Ntozinhle Lifestyle is an African-inspired brand. What started off as one woman’s entrepreneurial dream has turned into a successful business with a central impetus of social development. It focuses on uplifting impoverished communities and employs 50 women of all ages from KwaNdebele, who create the detailed beadwork pieces. In addition, it employs a group of diligent young men from Vosloorus on Gauteng’s East Rand who do leather crafting.
If you’re searching for proudly homegrown brands to elevate your outfits in 2023, you’re in luck! Here’s our list of Southern African brands to add to your collection
Pichulik is an ethical jewellery and accessory atelier based in Cape Town. Rooted in Africa, but inspired by ancient cultures around the world, it seeks to impart sacred feminine wisdom through its designs.
Each piece is a talisman, handcrafted from unexpected organic materials into distinctive forms which exemplify stories of brave women and celebrate empowering feminine narratives. Each collection captures a different chapter in a heroine’s journey. The distinguishing components of any Pichulik jewellery piece are locally produced and repurposed rope, embellished with a variety of unique cast and found exotic materials.
Raimondo believes in creating jewels that can be passed down from generation to generation. Its classic pieces celebrate unique and personal moments in life and convey elevated everyday elegance.
Raimondo loves the unexpected, which is why its One of a Kind range features unusual stone cuts and compositions, as well as delicate execution. These jewels are made with materials so rare and unusual that no more than one of each design can be created.
Karin Rae Matthee’s love for jewellery began at Stellenbosch University, where she studied a BA fine Art (jewellery and metal techniques) and in 2008 completed a semester at the Pforzheim Hochschule in Germany.
After this, drawing inspiration from her diverse South African and German familial heritage, she launched Dear Rae in 2010. Matthee's passion for empowering and employing local South Africans has been a driving force in the business.
Each Dear Rae piece is designed and made by Matthee and her handpicked manufacturers at her Cape Town based studio.
The Katy Valentine Collection stems from a mixture of Katy’s African heritage and the colours of India, resulting in unique pieces, which can be worn every day. Each ring, necklace, bracelet or set of earrings tells a story about the blending of diverse cultures and makers.
Antique trade beads from West Africa and gemstones from Jaipur are complemented by simple lines and translated into brass and sterling silver, with gold-plated finishes.
Each ring, necklace, bracelet or set of earrings tells a story about the blending of diverse cultures and makers.
Got a holiday away or business trip coming up? Learn everything you need to know about travelling with jewellery and keeping your precious stones safe
For most leisure travel, the simple rule is: don’t take anything you’re going to worry about losing. It’s best to leave items of great monetary or sentimental value at home, unless they’re a key part of an outfit you’re planning for a special event.
Now to deciding what to take: perhaps you’ve laid out all your necklaces and bracelets on your bed — and they’re already getting tangled. How will they ever make it to your destination tangle-free, clean and organised?
JourneyLeather haOn The Go
Here are our six tips:
A jewellery roll organiser makes travelling with jewellery simple. These organisers are affordable and allow you to pack all your items into separate compartments so that nothing gets tangled together. If you’re trying to figure out how to pack jewellery in a carry-on, the roll organiser is a great option because it won’t take up much space.
If your jewellery’s low-maintenance, use a soft pouch. This can be an easy DIY project: just get some fabric and tie it up with a bit of rope, or even a shoelace. However, you can also purchase an affordable jewellery pouch online.
A small jewellery box is a smart purchase for travelling because it provides both organisation and protection for your valuable items. This is one of the best solutions for packing jewellery for air travel because it has holes for earrings and inserts for bigger jewellery. It makes transporting your jewellery simple as well, thanks to its zipper seal.
With a seven-day pill case, you can plan which accessories to wear each day ahead of time. Pill cases are small, strong and enable you to be ultra-organised.
Buttons are a great way to keep earrings organised. Insert each pair into a button and keep them together to prevent loss. You can combine this button trick with other organisers, such as the pill case, jewellery box or jewellery roll. Using buttons for your earrings will be very helpful in keeping each small stud with its match.
Straws can be ideal for necklaces, since they prevent tangling by allowing you to insert half a necklace into each straw. The firm plastic or paper line will keep it in place.
1. Inspired by the real-life Hope Diamond, what's the name of the fictional blue diamond necklace worn by Kate Winslet’s character in the movie Titanic?
A. Heart of the Ocean
B. Graff Pink
C. Tiffany Diamond
D. Oppenheimer Blue
Do you love jewellery as much as we do? What’s your jewellery knowledge? Find out by taking this quiz!
2. According to Hemming Jewellers, Dana Dane's 1987 rap Nightmare dropped the first use of what popular term for jewellery?
A. Bejewelled
B. Bijouterie
C. Bling
D. Bauble
4. In May 2021, the world's largest jewellerymaker declared that it would no longer use mined diamonds in its products. What was the name of the company?
Tiffany & Co
Cartier
Pandora Chopard
3. It's the name of a gemstone associated with the month of July, the title of a song by British band Kaizer Chiefs and the name of a programming language for developers. What is it?
A. Ruby
B. Sapphire
C. Diamond
D. Emerald
5. There are typically four gemstones that are considered “precious”: diamonds, rubies, sapphires and which fourth stone?
A. Emeralds
B. Pearls
C. Tanzanites
D. Opals
6. Which of these diamond cuts is a square shape?
A. Princess cut
B. Brilliant cut
C. Marquise cut
D. Baguette cut
9. What’s the name of the ring design that features only one diamond or gemstone?
A. Halo
B. Eternity ring
C. Trilogy
D. Solitaire
13. What did Prince Harry pay for his wife Meghan’s cushion diamond engagement ring?
7. Diamonds can be graded according to the four Cs: colour, cut, carat and _____?
A. Certification
B. Clarity
C. Consciousness
D. Cost
10. Which stone is often mistaken for a diamond?
A. Cubic zirconia
B. Clear quartz
C. Moissanite
D. Agate
A. US$350 000
B. US$1 million
C. US$98 000
D. US$125 000
14. When you first have your ears pierced, what type of earring is used?
A. Barbell
B. Stud
C. Huggie
D. Dangle
11. Which area of the body is the least painful to have pierced?
A. Earlobe
B. Navel
C. Nostril
D. Eyebrow
15. After diamond, which gemstone is the hardest?
A. Emerald
B. Sapphire
C. Aquamarine
8. Tanzanite is a blue and violet mineral found exclusively in which East African country known for its vast wilderness areas in places like the Kilimanjaro National Park?
A. Kenya
B. Uganda
C. Ethiopia
D. Tanzania
12. Which metal used as alloy in white gold causes an allergic reaction in some people?
A. Nickel
B. Cadmium
C. Magnesium
D. Cobalt
D. Amethyst
In 2023, we’re seeing a mixed trend in engagement ring styles. Dainty rings are still popular and will remain so as long as the gold price is high, but those who can afford them are leaning towards chunkier designs.
A single diamond which represents the uniqueness and longevity of love, mounted in an exciting setting on a plain band, will always be the ultimate engagement ring –especially for those with a traditional streak who prefer simplicity.
If a solitaire ring is your preference, the round brilliant cut is still the most popular. For those wanting something unusual, fancyshaped diamonds are a great option.
Toi et Moi – the twostone ring
Celebrities such as Megan Fox, Ariana Grande and Emily Ratajkowski recently received two-stone Toi et Moi (“You and I”) rings, combining two different gems with unusual shapes. These rings symbolise the coming together of two people with different personalities and needs. The beauty of a Toi et Moi
engagement ring lies in the symbolism of togetherness and the way the stones are positioned.
The three-stone (trilogy) ring
The trilogy ring has long been around and has seen a resurgence recently. For some, it represents the past, the present and the future, denoting the different stages of a couple’s journey together. For others, it symbolises the sacred triad of the Father, the Son and the Holy Trinity.
The beauty of a Toi et Moi engagement ring lies in the symbolism of togetherness and the way the stones are positioned.
Known for its exquisite tanzanite and diamond jewellery, Prins & Prins – one of Cape Town’s most established jewellers – tells us about this year’s engagement ring trends
Gender-neutral rings have finally become more readily available and simple, genderfluid designs are continuing to gain popularity. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner opted for this trend.
Coloured stones are more popular than ever. Modern couples prefer bold, bright gems to represent their love and often choose emeralds, morganites or sapphires as centre stones.
Stacked rings have grown in popularity. They allow you to be creative with shapes and combinations and will highlight your centre stone.
Antique engagement rings are highly soughtafter – but finding a oneof-a-kind heirloom piece in good condition is a challenge. No-one wants worn-down claws and loose stones that could fall out.
You can create a vintage look by using crafting techniques such as milgrain, hand-engraving, draping and filigree.
Oval-shaped diamonds have seen a recent boom in popularity. The soft oval shape lengthens the appearance of fingers, as it guides the eye along them.
The shape lends itself to Moi et Toi and trilogy rings.
Black diamond engagement rings are enjoying a surge in popularity as couples seek something different that’s also gentle on the budget.
We’re seeing rings with diamonds set in unusual places in the design, such as hidden halos below the girdle of the centre stone or within the claws holding it. The old idea of a diamond mounted inside the band – invisible when worn, as the precious secret of the wearer – is also making a return.
Leave no stone unturned
Diamond, precious and semi-precious gemstone and jewellery certification.
Award-winning South African fashion icon and designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee and jewellery powerhouse, American Swiss have collaborated to create an exclusive collection like no other
American Swiss commissioned Coetzee to design an element that would stand the test of time and symbolise the Love Generation – one that embraces diversity, inclusivity and transformation. Inspired by the African elephant, Coetzee adorned the jewellery with the American Swiss Love Knot, a design of two elephant trunks linked together in an embrace, representing strength, love and unity. He added the cowrie shell detail to bring these sophisticated pieces to a poetic finish.
According to Coetzee and American Swiss, jewellery is an expression of both self and love, so they wanted the designs to embody that and celebrate the South African aesthetic. This collection is a perfect amalgamation of moissanite, white gold, sterling silver and Coetzee’s elegant designs, consisting of stud earrings, rings and neckpieces. In a word, the collection is captivating.
Internationally acclaimed for his fashion creations and couture masterpieces for weddings, red-carpet events and auspicious occasions, Coetzee's had a glittering 12year career in the sector. He also has a bespoke client list, including the likes of Cardi B, Lizzo, Bonang Matheba, Mathew Knowles, Miss Universe, Kelly Rowland and talkshow queen Oprah Winfrey.
As a figure at the forefront of African fashion, Coetzee’s taken South African designs to the world by opening a showroom in Los Angeles, USA – a monumental achievement for a designer born and raised on a farm in North West province. He continues to expand his creativity and design borders through this American Swiss collaboration.
The Love Knot collection is now available in-store and online.
The collection is a perfect amalgamation of moissanite, white gold, sterling silver and Coetzee’s elegant designs, consisting of stud earrings, rings and neckpieces.
The couture gowns might grab most of the headlines during award season, but the glamorous array of jewellery on this year’s red carpet is also worth your attention. Here are some of the most spectacular jewellery moments.
JZA takes a look at the best red carpet jewellery worn at this year’s glamorous BAFTA, SAG, Golden Globe and Academy Award ceremonies.
Today I hit the streets with the question: “Do you own jewellery you wear every day and, if so, why?”
In this new column, jewellery enthusiast and blogger Erica Wentzel reports on SA’s latest jewellery trends. Consider this your quarterly crib sheet so that you don’t need to spend hours staring at people in malls to find what everyone’s obsessing over!
Floris instantly caught my eye sporting two wooden chains over delightfully pink scrubs. He wears them every day, never taking them off. He proudly made them himself and has developed a love of making jewellery, especially using wood and recyclable materials.
Mark wears his bracelets and gold chains even though he keeps them hidden beneath his uniform. For him, the items are confidenceboosters. There’s no significant value or memory attached to them, but he feels naked or incomplete without them.
Olivier,
Christine says her everyday jewellery item is a string of pearls she received from her husband. She insisted on pearls for her birthday many moons ago and says she has yet to find an outfit they don’t enhance perfectly. In her opinion, pearls are feminine, elegant and timeless and are ideal for anything from a formal suit to a simple T-shirt.
Pauline doesn’t have a particular everyday item, but wears specific jewellery every day. In her words: “Earrings, necklace and bangles –nothing more, nothing less.” She customises her jewellery to match her outfit and believes that quantity trumps quality.
a proud Muslim, wears a necklace every day which her mother gave her when she was still a young girl for protection and guidance.
If you're wanting to add some classic and timeless pieces to your jewellery collection, look no further than these upcoming jewellery brands
Middle Eastern brands Naraya, Eayni, La Marquise Jewellery, Obari, Opal Republic, Khayal and The Bleu Concept, as well as K&Co London and Manjrie, all offer signature designs that are sure to become staples in your jewellery
box. These brands showcase a range of styles that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Whether you prefer dainty and minimalistic pieces or bold and eye-catching designs, these brands have something for everyone.
Why is the world going crazy for these jewels? Well, in troubled times, they can be a source of solace and hope. Many also believe that crystals have spiritual properties.
In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in the potential remedial properties of natural earth elements like crystals. They’ve also become more normalised and mainstream, compared with a decade or two ago, when those subscribing to the healing powers of these stones were perceived as a tad off the radar.
Many use crystals stones to ward off negative energy, elevate their spirits and help them through transitional periods. Whether this is ascribed to superstition or the placebo effect, crystals
fall under the umbrella of mysticism. Many also use them for meditation, spas or yoga.
A number of A-listers swear by their healing properties. Adele has revealed that in the past, they have helped her overcome
Crystal jewellery has transcended fun summer accessories into its own fashion trend worn in bracelets, necklaces and pendants, earrings, rings and more, all year round▲ 9ct gold blue topaz dress ring. NWJ Takealot.com Swarovski ThomasSabo
her stage fright, while Simon Cowell insists that they cured his back pain. Victoria Beckham keeps black tourmaline, known for its protective properties, backstage at shows and model Miranda Kerr told The Cut that she’d always been drawn to rose quartz.
With so many magnificent crystal jewellery pieces available, how do you choose the right one for you?
Here are our top tips:
* Attraction: Are you attracted to the piece? Does it speak to your soul on a beautiful level? Follow your gut and let your inner knowing guide you.
* Goal: Are you buying a piece for its spiritual properties? Are you looking for love, health and well-being? You can choose crystal jewellery that aligns with your goals.
* Astrology: You could also opt for a piece that resonates with your zodiac sign.
The versatility and diversity of crystals mean there are infinite ways of wearing and using stones as jewellery pieces, so ditch your crystal ball and invest in them instead. They’re as good for your soul as they are for your style!
A number of A-listers swear by their healing properties.Scarab Jewellery Design Studio James jewellery
From stylish statement earrings from TOi Fine Jewelry and Noora Shawqi to vibrant rings and necklaces by TOKTAM, AILES, Stone Fine Jewelry and Claudia Mae, these eight jewellery brands offer unique and fun designs that are sure to stand out. Each piece is distinct, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the designers, such as Le Trezor's maze pendant and JGALA's twist on everyday essentials. These pieces are the perfect way to express your individuality and elevate your style.
Jewellery's always been a means of selfexpression and personal style – and the pieces featured here certainly don't disappoint.JGALA Noora Shawqi Claudia Mae AILES StoneFineJewelry TOKTAM Le Trezor TOi Fine Jewelry
Pamela Love’s Treccia
How better to accessorise than with Pamela Love’s Treccia fashion collection? The line, which has dropped on the designer’s e-commerce site, references braided motifs and is crafted in 14ct yellow gold-plated brass, as well as sterling silver. Braided statement collars and weighty cuffs in the Treccia line are paired with delicate necklaces and earrings, with serpents snaking their way across the chains. The collection includes chubby
WORDS BY SMITHA SADANANDAN
cuffs and slim bracelets, as well as ear cuffs, hoops, earrings, collars and lariats. Pearls or lapis lazuli beads and gems have been used to lend a subtle pop of colour to the demi-fine pieces, which are priced from $85-$590.
pamelalove.com
Freshwater pearls and diamonds are ready to be plucked from Mastolini’s garden of delights. This cultured pearl jeweller heralds spring in North America with sweet statements, reminding us of the power of new beginnings. The brand presents a plethora of pearl and diamond jewels infused with a fresh vibe to jump-start a renewed attitude. Sparked by diamond accents and crafted in 14ct yellow gold, the jewels reference marguerite, daisy and freesia. The homage to spring blossoms includes luminous freshwater pearl and diamond hoops, drops and studs with petal and flowerburst motif details.
mastoloni.com
Art historian-turned-jeweller Cece Fein Hughes’ newest line Lucky Star, featuring six rings, is a storied twist on a timeless style. The tactile rings transform into a tattooed canvas for her designs with hand-engraved symbols. Precious star-set stones add a vintage touch, while symbols of luck, love and magic create a personal totem.
As is central to this British fine jeweller’s aesthetic, each ring tells a story. Tattoo-inspired talismans – including an anchor, a bow, a horseshoe, a crescent moon, a snake and a rose – curl across the surface of the domed gypsy-style ring, weaving around precious accents rendered using blue and pink sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
cecejewellery.com
British bench jeweller Jessica de Lotz – whose work is dedicated to crest and wax seal motifs – has found significant success in collaborating since she launched her namesake brand. Her latest partnership is with HBO and Warner Brothers for House of the Dragon, following the Game of Thrones prequel. De Lots has created bespoke pieces featuring the dragon and seahorse crests representing the Houses of Targaryen and Velaryon.
“The specific details of the rings add a sense of the hierarchy between these regal characters, above and beyond their armour. The jewellery marks them individually as bearers of extreme power and status,” she says.
jessicadelotz.co.uk
Pearl-loving Greek designer Melanie Georgacopoulos has dreamed up her 18ct yellow gold twist necklace in peacock and white freshwater pearls. This one-of-a-kind necklace – showcased at Vitsoe as part of the Munich Jewellery Week exhibition, titled Sustained – explores movement and the notion of contrast through scale and colour.
“Dark peacock freshwater pearls, up to the largest size possible of 16mm, are juxtaposed with a strand of tiny white freshwater pearls at the smallest size of 3mm, which orbit around the larger pearl necklace. As you wear the necklace, the form changes,” says Georgacopoulos.
The smallest strand is cleverly secured to the larger one, allowing for flexibility and fluidity – the two strands dance, twisting and turning around each other as the wearer moves.
melaniegeorgacopoulos.com
This March, Valery Demure, founder of Objet d’Emotion, curated a selling exhibition of contemporary pearls. It featured designers using pearls in their work in an unconventional, innovative or irreverent way within the confines of art and fashion jewellery. “Pearls are my favourite gemstones, no question,” says Demure.
Pearl Pleasure, which ran from 1-21 March, included avant-garde pieces by Melanie Georgacopoulos, who drilled, sliced and plated freshwater pearls. The exhibition also highlighted designs by Ambroise Degenève, who combined strong and almost brutalist textures with delicate pearls and Wilfredo Rosado, who sought out the finest artisan stone-cutters in Idar-Oberstein to carve initials and motifs such as a marijuana leaf, a heart and a Star of David in exceptional Australian South Sea pearls.
objetdemotion.com
About Smitha Sadanandan JZA's Editor-at-Large is Chicago-based Smitha – a freelance journalist specialising in the luxury industry. She tracks international trends in the jewellery-watches sector and provides an insightful perspective as an analyst. She contributes to the Financial Times, South China Morning Post, Prestige (HK), Vogue (India), Solitaire (Asia Pacific), Natural Diamond Council, The Adventurine and Solitaire International (GJEPC), among others.
Serpents have slid their way into many new jewellery collections for 2023, which is testament to our enduring fascination with this mysterious, ancient creature
Whether dangling seductively from the ear or neck or coiled around a wrist or finger, the snake is a motif that continues to intrigue both designers and jewellery-lovers. It speaks of seduction, power, danger, wisdom and erotic appeal.
Jewellery insider and JZA international correspondent Smitha Sadanandan charms us with a selection of new jewellery featuring the sinuous snake in all its gilded glory.
1. A – Heart of the Ocean
Though the piece is fictional, many fans wanted to believe it was real. The gem exemplified the powerful love story which transcended the tragedy that befell the ship on its maiden voyage.
2. C – Bling
The term arose as slang, but grew into a cultural mainstay. It describes eye-catching, usually sparkling paste jewellery that looks expensive.
3. A – Ruby
Ruby is distinguished by its bright red colour, which makes it the most famous red gemstone.
4. C – Pandora
For Pandora, laboratory-made diamonds are forever. Its decision to stop using mined diamonds
6. A – Princess cut
The princess cut features a straightsided rectangular outline with a brilliant-style facet arrangement
7. B – Clarity
Clarity measures the incidence of natural inclusions or imperfections found in a diamond.
8. D – Tanzania
From the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania comes tanzanite, a gemstone with only a single known source.
9. D – Solitaire
A diamond solitaire also refers to any piece of jewellery with a single diamond.
10. C – Moissanite
Moissanite gives diamonds a run for their money. It’s ranked 9,5 on the Mohs hardness scale and is becoming a popular substitute for those preferring to avoid the diamond trade.
11. A – Earlobe
◀ A solid 9ct rose gold ring containing a princess cut moissanite in a channel setting. Dear Rae
▲ Emerald slice and diamond stud earrings. Jack Friedman
5. A – Emeralds
In gemmology, these are among the only gemstones in the world that have earned the classification of “precious”.
While it’s impossible to have a piercing without some level of pain, the earlobe is the least sensitive place on the body to pierce.
12. A – Nickel
Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis – an itchy rash that appears where the skin touches a usually harmless substance.
13. A – US$350 000
The large diamond in the centre is surrounded by two diamonds from the late Princess Diana’s personal collection.
14. B – Stud
Once the ears have healed, other types of earrings can be worn.
15. B – Sapphire
Sapphire’s hardness makes it highly durable and desirable.
We hope you learnt something new! Let us know how you did by e-mailing: jza@isikhova.co.za.
Akapo Jewels
www.akapo.co.za
info@akapo.co.za
+27 (0)60 874 2370
Amanqi Consultancy
www.theamanqiconsultancy.com
manal@theamanqiedit.com
+971 54 410 7187
Bancroft – The Vintage Emporium
www.bancroftantiques.co.za
bancroftjhb@gmail.com
+27 (0)82 823 1492
De Beers Group
www.debeersgroup.com
Jackie Mapiloko
Snr Communications Manager
+27 (0)11 374 7000
Deon Smith Jewellery
www.deonsmithjewellery.com
deon@deonsmithjewellery.com
+27 (0)83 454 2161
EGL South Africa
www.egl.co.za
services@egl.co.za
+27 (0)11 334 4527
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
www.gia.edu
Contact us: +1 760 603 4000 –Global HQ
Impilo Collection
www.impilocollection.co.za
info@impilocollection.co.za
+27 (0)10 021 0441
Jewellery Council of South Africa
www.jewellery.org.za
admin@jewellery.org.za
+27 (0)11 484 5528
Karlien Designs
www.karliendesigns.co.za
karlien@karliendesigns.co.za
+27 (0)83 659 2607
Regal Jewellers
www.regaljewellers.co.za
zahirregal@gmail.com
083 629 2879 / +27 (0)11 838 4726
The Platinum Incubator
www.tpi.org.za
info@tpi.org.za
+27 (0)14 597 0736
