Gifts that Glitter
Finding a beautiful object that matches the unique qualities of that special person in your life can be difficult, but this year there is no need for it to become a lengthy and fruitless search. We approached some of our favourite local jewellery designers and asked them to give us their recommendations for gifts made from unique, rare and naturally dazzling materials. Because we know that the only thing more gratifying than receiving the perfect gift, is giving one.
Jenna Clifford
Jenna Clifford recommends any piece from her Mr. & Mrs. Collection, which includes designer rings, earrings, pendants and leather bracelets for him or for her. The inspiration behind this collection is the symbolic meaning of the rose, an element which resonates in many of Jenna Clifford’s designs. “From an esoteric perspective, we can look at the rose as a symbol of balance. The beauty of the rose expresses promise, new beginnings, hope and love,” explains Jenna.
Each piece in the collection is crafted from solid white gold and embellished with diamonds and other precious stones.
For more information and to locate your nearest Jenna Clifford store, visit www.jennaclifford.com.
JOYA
Vicky Fenner, head designer at JOYA, recommends their sterling silver neon friendship bracelets, which are made in a variety of bright and beautiful colours. Vicky explains that these bracelets make an ideal gift for friends or siblings, “as they symbolise friendship”. “They are summery, trendy and can be worn with anything. You can also stack them up, either with more of the neon set or with any other JOYA bracelets.”
The bracelets retail at R320 each, and are available from www.joya.co.za or from Merchant’s on Long in Long Street Cape Town.
African Urchin
The designers at African Urchin recommend their Silver African Urchin pendant with Blue Topaz. Sculpted by nature, no two African Urchins are the same. The designers at African Urchin seek to transform delicate sea urchin shells into wearable pieces of jewellery. They are plated in a variety of precious metals to prolong their form.
“This African Urchin is a piece to treasure and a reminder of the summer holidays. Set with a blue topaz, it represents a clear summer’s day, a swim, a long balmy night. If you can’t get to an azure ocean, this will take you there. With its connection to beach and sea, African Urchin coincides with holidays by the seaside, summer nights and the glamour of the festive season,” explains Grant Hattingh, Creative Director of African Urchin.
The recommended retail price for this piece is R1,820,00. For more information and to locate stockists, visit www.africanurchin.com.
Philippa Green
Philippa Green recommends one of her once off, hand engraved perspex bangles as the ideal gift for someone special. Philippa is best known for her perspex cuffs to which she attaches sterling silver strips, semi-precious stones, rubber and beads. She spends hours sourcing beautiful found objects and then incorporating them into her cuffs or rings. “I spend a lot of time sewing words and intricate patterns onto individual pieces,” she says. “They make great gifts as specific words, names or excerpts of poetry can be sewn onto a bangle if desired.” Each silver strip on her bangles is unique in its engravings and placed by Philippa herself.
For more information on where to find these beautiful pieces, visit www.philippagreen.com.
Uwe Koetter
Johan Louw, award winning designer and co-director of Uwe Koetter Jewellers, recommends a black and white diamond pendant set in 18 carat white gold which he designed himself. Johan explains that a carbonado or “black diamond” is a natural polycrystalline diamond found only in the Central African Republic and Brazil. Its natural colour is black or dark grey, and it is more porous than white diamonds. “Over the last couple of years black diamonds have become increasingly fashionable,” says Johan. “The main difference between black and white diamonds is that black diamonds don’t sparkle, because of their black colour. They absorb light rather than refract it, making this a singular piece for a unique and special person in your life.”
This piece is priced at R29,540,00. For more information on Uwe Koetter products and availability, visit www.uwekoetter.co.za.
Story by Nicola Weir
