ERIC LOUBSER

JEWELLER

I’ve been a jeweller for about 10 years, and am co-owner of Studio Loubser and Tinsel Gallery.

The earrings I designed are based on scrunched-up paper – an everyday object made precious.

Handmade craft to me is an artistic expression. It means being able to see the maker in the process. When it comes to jewellery, I’ve found that handmade jewellery is of a better quality and is generally longer lasting. There is a warmth, intelligence and artistic integrity to handmade products compared with cold, mindless mass- produced “stuff”. You wouldn’t expect a Michelin star chef to use two-minute noodles …

HMC is the only fair we get involved in as Tinsel Gallery. From the start, the high level of products drew us to be part of HMC and this year Tinsel gallery has been selected as a featured designer.

HMC is similar to our brand in that its high-end,

but with a casual feel. A like-minded fair will attract like-minded people.

This year I’m looking forward to spending time in

a relaxed, beautifully showcased environment with great food and wine and interesting people.

Every year there seems to be new designers from all

over Africa that I’ve not heard of, now I get the chance to see and meet them at HMC.

The diversity of people and products is what makes me come back every year.