(Above
and centre) 18 ct yellow and white wheat chain with a 10 ct oval
faceted tanzanite
surrounded by 1.9 ct pave diamonds.
(Right) 5.5 ct oval faceted Tanzanite
ring set in white gold in a mill grain setting.
Today,
they are a magnet for international visitors and countless celebrities
who appreciate the design and fine craftsmanship of a company that has
integrated the spirit of Africa into choice pieces of jewellery that
reflect timeless fashion in platinum, gold, brilliant diamonds and
scintillating precious stones.
Johan
Louw, coveted designer and Director at Uwe Koetter, is particularly known,
together with Uwe, for their exquisite diamond engagement rings, a
speciality of the house. We asked Johan if he could chat to Showcook about
worldwide jewellery trends.
'I
have been in the industry for 20 years,' says Johan, 'and seen many trends come and go
from serious high quality to more fashionable designer jewellery. Years ago
the industry worked in a vacuum not co-ordinating with fashion. Now
contemporary jewellery has become an integral part of your
accessorizing, tending to change more frequently.
However,
there is more pressure
on the designers to create pieces that do not go out of
fashion as quickly, to produce timeless jewellery reflecting a more
personal style. At the same time it is important, that there is a vital
crossover with international trends. These two streams have to live
happily side by side.
'So,'
says Johan, 'the times are exciting and challenging. The mind and focus
of the jewellery designer has to be constantly aware of life trends and
fashion.'
(Above
left) Lustrous South
Sea pearl necklace. (Right) Pink kunzite set in 18 ct white gold with two
briolette
threaded on exquisite aquamarine
faceted beads.
(Bottom
left) 8 ct Tanzanite with 3.2 ct diamonds inspired by the Egyptian
scarab. (Right) 18 ct white gold ring with
1 ct diamonds matching 2 ct diamond bracelet set in 18 ct white gold.
Uwe Koetter