The riches of nature and art
From beaded and bejewelled, to colourful and quirky, from inspired and innovative, to traditional and trendy. If its wearable art or a match to your personality, something subdued and subtle or wild, wicked and wacky, we have rounded up a group of talented jewellery designers to inspire your Heritage Month shopping
ANNEMARIE van Wyk, co-founder and creative director of Jade, spoke to us about her label.
Tell us about your design style. What makes your collections unique in the industry?
I think my design style can best be described as “bold”.
My pieces are wearable art, my canvas gemstones, pearls, brass, copper and glass combined to create something so over the top and different that it is perfection in its own way.
Each piece is different and unique and specifically designed to be noticed. You do not choose to wear a Jade design, a Jade design chooses you. It will speak to you, but you need to listen.
The designs cannot be replicated, the style and technique yes, but not the materials used. Gemstones have a life of their own, they have soul and personality.
The pieces can be cousins but never twins and this is the reason why Jade is unique,
What type of person do you create your jewellery for in mind?
Growing up, I would get home from school every day and put the video tape of Dirty Dancing on and watch the whole movie. I must have seen it a few hundred times. I design and create for every woman who lives according to Patrick Swayze’s words “no one puts Baby in the corner”. In my mind I see the woman who walks into a room and dominates, who makes a statement, who is confident no matter her size or age, who is effortlessly beautiful and who refuses to be put in the corner.
I am designing both for the woman who embodies this sentiment as well as those of us who wish we could be that woman.
As a designer, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Confident strong, independent women (and men) who are sure of themselves and their style.
I have a love for people, meeting new ones and spending time with ones who are special to me.
What are some of the upcoming trends in the jewellery design industry that have caught your eye?
Natural is very in, sea shells especially and wild shapes of pearls. Ankle bracelets are also making a comeback.
I do try and stay away from trends and prefer to design pieces that stand the test of time. Of course we are inspired and shaped by the world around us and I am sure it influences me but I don’t ever do research into trends when I am designing.
◆ Shop JADE at www.jade-sa.co.za