Last month I was invited to visit IYOS Jewellers in Gardens, Cape Town. I did not need much encouragement – as you know I have a bit of a soft spot for glittery bits! [Read more…]
Shimansky Christmas Gift Guide
I was recently invited on a tour of the stunning Shimansky Showroom and Diamond Muesum in the Clock Tower, in the V&A Waterfront. I felt like a wide-eyed kid at Christmas! To be surrounded by such beauty and perfection, was somewhat of a surreal experience…
The Shimansky brand owes its success to founder, designer and creator, Yair Shimansky. After embarking on a career in the jewellery industry in Japan as a young man, Yair started his own business selling jewellery at a Durban market. He then went on to open his first store in 1994.
In just two decades, the brand has expanded to include several jewellery stores located throughout South Africa. Shimansky has their own jewellery design and manufacturing workshop, a diamond cutting and polishing factory. You will also find Cape Town’s only dedicated Diamond Museum, based in the Clock Tower Precinct, at the Waterfront.
As well as finding out about the history of diamonds and discovering more about the Shimansky journey, I had the opportunity of viewing some of the most exquisite pieces of jewellery! After my first hand experience and as part of my Holiday Gift Guide, I thought I would share a few of Yair Shimansky handpicked gift ideas.
Shimansky Christmas Gift Guide
Below you will find a gorgeous selection of the world’s most desired gemstones, Diamonds and Tanzanite. Not only the birthstone of December, Tanzanite is also the perfect Festive Season gift as it is 1000 times rarer than diamonds – making this the gift that will undoubtedly be remembered. Nothing can create more happiness—and bring you closer to the girl in your life—than the perfect gift, given in the perfect way.
Dancing Diamond Heart Pendant
Dancing Diamond heart pendant set with a round brilliant cut diamond in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R3,995.
Dancing Tanzanite Pendant
Dancing Tanzanite heart pendant set with a round tanzanite in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R3,995
My Girl Cross Pendant in White Gold
My Girl diamond 0.54tcw cross pendant set in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R12,995
My Girl Cross Pendant in Rose Gold
My Girl diamond 1.10tcw cross pendant set in rose gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R19,995.
My Girl Lucky 8 Pendant in White Gold
My Girl diamond 0.80tcw Lucky 8 circle pendant set in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R19,995.
My Girl Lucky 8 Pendant in Rose Gold
My Girl diamond 0.80tcw Lucky 8 circle pendant set in rose gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R19,995.
My Girl Microset Halo Earrings
My Girl diamond and microset halo earrings 0.70tcw set in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R29,995
My Girl Three Stone Drop Earrings
My Girl diamond drop earrings 1.00tcw set in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R29,995
My Girl Diamond Microset Halo Ring in White Gold
My Girl diamond and microset halo ring 0.53tcw set in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R29,995
My Girl Diamond Microset Halo Ring in Rose Gold
My Girl diamond and microset halo ring 0.53tcw set in rose gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R29,995
My Girl Diamond Diagonal Microset Halo Ring
My Girl diamond and microset halo ring 0.50tcw set in white gold. Recommended Retail Price: starting from R27,995.
I hope you have been inspired by these stunning pieces of jewellery and are dropping big hints with you loved ones! Perhaps share the link with them to help them get inspired!
Details and Location:
For any queries or to book a tour of the Diamond Museum, please email [email protected] or call +27 (0)21 421 2488. ADDRESS: Level 1, The Clock Tower, Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Kirsten Goss Get Personal
Kirsten Goss recently launched her new Get Personal range of jewellery in Cape Town. Unfortunately much to my disappointment I was ill and could not make the launch! I did however, to my delight, still receive a gorgeous personalised Rose Gold #GetPersonal necklace!
Kirsten Goss Get Personal
As you know I am a huge Kirsten Goss fan and I think #GetPersonal is the perfect addition, to her already amazing jewellery range! The Kirsten Goss Get Personal collection was created to highlight the artisanal nature of Kirsten Goss jewellery, a trait, which has become synonymous with the brand.
The Kirsten Goss Get Personal pieces are hand stamped, adding character and texture to the otherwise minimalist style. The pieces include bangles, necklaces and pendants in sterling silver, gold vermeil and rose-gold and rings in 18kt gold. These are available to order online and in stores.
I have been looking for a Rose Gold necklace for a while now, so this beautiful piece could not have arrived at a more perfect moment! It is really pretty and a great talking point when I am out and about {at least people won’t have trouble remembering my name!}.
I think the Kirsten Goss Get Personal pieces are great as gifts, particularly if you are looking for something fun and funky but still memorable. Who wouldn’t want to receive something, which is this gorgeous??!!
#GetPersonal also creates the opportunity for clients to have their existing pieces personalised, should the surface permit. You can take the items you would like personalised into the Kirsten Goss stores, in either Cape Town, Durban or Jozi.
Kirsten Goss Get Personal will extend to the exquisite Diamond Condition collection, later in 2015, using 18kt gold rings. These can be worn individually, or for a more dramatic effect, a number of stackable rings can be stamped with separate names.
Thank you Kirsten Goss for my stunning #GetPersonal necklace – I will treasure it forever!
#GetPersonal will be available to order in-store and online. For more information, visit the Kirsten Goss Website or call (011) 447 2234 (Jozi) or (021) 424 3453 (Cape Town) or (031) 303 1101 (Durban).
Disclosure Ranking:2
My Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015
Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015
I am definitely not a slave to trends or high fashion but I do like to keep my eye on exactly what is current or trending, for any given season.
As well as clothing and shoes, jewellery and accessories, form a very important part of fashion trends and can take a so-so outfit to the next level! My taste in jewellery and accessories has definitely become a bit more paired down over the past few years – the whole less is more approach. I like having a few key pieces which I mix and match with various outfits.
I thought I would share a few of My Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015 with you.
Stackable Rings ~ This is definitely a trend, which I think can go wrong, if you over do it! I love the trend but be careful not to go overboard – in my opinion rings on every finger can look a bit OTT. Also put some thought into which rings you pair together. I also think it is a great idea, to have some sort of theme running through the look. In other words, perhaps stick to one metal but change up the style and texture of the rings you are stacking together.
I love these stacking rings above which are from WHY Jewellery. They are all gold but the shape and texture is different. It can also be fun to include a ring with a stone or stones in it, for a bit of added colour.
Get the look: WHY Heart Stack Ring R600, WHY Colour Stack Ring – Citrine R700, WHY Twist Stack Ring R500.
Gemstones ~ This is probably one of my favourite trends at the moment! I really have enjoyed my ring from WHY Jewellery, which you can see above. The gemstone is a Smokey Quartz and is set in white gold. I have wanted a coloured gemstone for ages and am so happy to finally own one! I think gemstones are a great way to add a bit of colour and interest to your look. If you get the setting right, I think it is a piece of jewellery, which can be timeless.
A few gemstones I love for the season ahead are – Citrine{yellow to golden colour}, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite {rose pink to red and a member of the garnet family}and naturally the Smokey Quartz.
Get the look: WHY Oval Scallop Collection – Rhodolite Ring R1200, WHY Big Oval Scallop Collection – Topaz Chandelier Earrings R5500, Heart Gallery Collection Smokey Quartz Ring R2000.
Rose Gold ~ You will find rose gold splashed all over the catwalks and glossy mags – everything from clothing and shoes, to bags and jewellery. This seems to be trend, which is set to be around for a while. I have always loved rose gold jewellery and once upon a time owned a russian wedding band, with a rose gold band!
It has been great to see this gorgeous metal make a big comeback in both high end and costume jewellery. It is definitely one of my Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015 and I hope to add a few more rose gold pieces to my collection!
Get the look: Africa Collection Diamond Hammered Pendant and Chain R1500.
Vintage Inspired Jewellery ~ Think romance, intricately cut diamond rings, chandelier style earrings and layers of pearls! I love this trend and have even dusted off my wedding pearls to get in on the trend.
Vintage Inspired Jewellery is pretty and feminine. It can be a welcome change from the very hard linear lines, of some of the very popular jewellery trends around.
Get the look: WHY Bridal Collection Triology 9ct Gold and Diamond Ring R12000, WHY Pearl Stud R1200, Floral Collection Diamond Chandelier Earrings R1700.
These are my Favourite Jewellery Trends for 2015, do you have a favourite?
All items featured in “Get the Look” above can be found at the WHY Flagship store and workshop in the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village or shop online from the WHY Jewellery Website.
Contact Details: Metaxia Sterianos {Head Designer} tel: 021 4257770 or via email: [email protected]
Photo Credits: Real 1950s styled bride from Vintage Bride Mag, photographed by Feather and Stone, WHY Jewellery and Inspired Living {© FAR Photography}
Disclosure Ranking:3
Win a pair of Kirsten Goss Lucky Star Drop Earrings
Kirsten Goss
You may remember me mentioning recently how much I love jewellery! My taste as far as jewellery and accessories goes, has definitely changed over the years. I probably wear a lot less than I used – the whole less is more philosophy!
I do however firmly believe, that an outfit is not complete without accessories and that those accessories can make or break your outfit. It is also not always necessary be on trend. Being current is great but so is having your own unique sense of style.
One jewellery designer I adore, particularly because of her unique range of jewellery, is Kirsten Goss! I fell in love with a Kirsten Goss jewellery a few years ago. My loving hubby actually surprised me, with a Lifesaver a chain and pendant, a few Christmases back. I can honestly say, it is probably one of my most worn pieces of jewellery, well besides for my engagement ring.
I actually mentioned the Kirsten Goss Lifesaver Collection in my Birthday Wishlist post. What I love about the Lifesaver Collection, is once you have the basic chain, you can create so many different looks. All you need to do is add different colour or shaped pendants and voila you have a new look! Kirsten Goss also offers ready-made lifesaver combinations, if you have a hard timing deciding for your self.
As well as the Lifesaver Collection, Kirsten Goss has an array of gorgeous jewellery on offer. One of her latest collections launched at the end of last year is The Diamond Condition, which consists of 3 sub collections – #BANG, #LUCKY and #Strip. Rather than serious and classically interpreted designs, Kirsten has taken top grade, white diamonds and 18ct gold and presented them in a slightly ironic, playful way. Proving that jewellery does not always have to be taken too seriously and that diamonds are for everyone! In my opinion what sets Kirsten Goss apart is her exceptional design, uncompromising quality and a philosophy of value over volume.
To round off the month of love, I have decided to treat one lucky reader to a funky pair of Kirsten Goss earrings! Enter below and you can Win a pair of Kirsten Goss Lucky Star Drop Earrings, in Sterling Silver, valued at R1,300!
To enter please follow the simple steps below and use the Rafflecopter form to complete your entry:
- Show your love for Kirsten Goss and Inspired Living SA on Facebook.
- Answer this question: Which is your favourite Kirsten Goss Jewellery Collection?
- Share the competition on Twitter: Win a funky pair of @KirstenGossLon Lucky Star Drop Earrings from @Inspired_lifeSA
- Please ensure you read the *Terms & Conditions below carefully, to ensure you comply with all the entry criteria.
*Terms & Conditions:
By entering this competition you automatically accept all the Terms and Conditions laid out below.
- Entries are open from 27th February 2015 until the 11th March 2015 the winner will be announced on the 12th March 2015!
- You must complete all the steps as stipulated above: Leave a Comment, Like and/or Share on Facebook and/0r Tweet about the competition.
- To ensure that your entry is processed correctly (please use a valid email address). Your details will only be used to validate your entry and inform you, if you are selected as a winner.
- This competition is only open to South African residents and to readers who have not won a competition on Inspired Living SA in the past 6 months.
- Entries will be considered incomplete and thus disqualified if the entrant does not provide all requested information. Entry information will not be shared with any third party without the entrant’s prior knowledge and consent. The prize will go to the first name selected at random after the closing date.
- The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
- By “Liking” you enter and agree that this promotion is in no way associated with, administered by, or endorsed by Facebook; and acknowledge a complete release of Facebook by your participation.