Have you ever wanted something so much that even thinking about it hurt?
About 5 years ago I stumbled upon an image on pinterest of a piece of jewellery that took my breath away. I immediately saved it to my phone and started looking for someone, anyone who would be willing to make it for me. I knew that having this particular piece made the way I wanted it to be would be a huge moment in my life and spent the next four years emailing, calling, messaging and talking to just about anyone who I thought would have the skill and the means to make it for me.
After years of head shakes, laughs and answers going ‘Yes but it will be R4500 to make’, I gave up and pushed the thought to the back of my head hoping that the longing for it would somehow disappear. Then last month I was on my way to work in Cavendish Square and walked past a few market stalls that were exhibiting their things. I ignored countless jewellery stands and made my way to the lift when, from the corner of my eye I saw Karien sitting behind her table. I smiled and walked away thinking that I am not even going to bother to ask and be disappointed but then, just as I was about to step onto the escalator, something in me made me spin my heels around and walk tentatively up to her with the horrid ‘What if?” ringing in my ears. I explained what I wanted and almost fainted when she said with bubbling enthusiasm that yes, indeed she could make it. She handed me her card, I emailed her the picture and 3 weeks later I was meeting up with her to get my piece.
I cannot even describe the overwhelming emotion I felt when she handed me the little box with my prize in it. I could hardly open it and, after an encouraging smile from her, I mustered up the courage to physically come face to face with something that has always just been a vision, a dream and a faraway need.
As much as I would love to share this with the world, I feel that I simply cannot. I have been waiting for 4 years for this little piece of sterling silver made the way I wanted it and, 2 weeks later am still completely overwhelmed by it. I do not at all know what it was that made me speak to only Karien that day and I am so utterly amazed at how things work out the moment you think of giving up but, I do hope that you all can bask in my joy and understand where I am coming from. I don’t want to share what it is because I am so protective over it and so selfish and I will admit that. Instead though, I thought I would share a little bit more about the wonderfully talented Karien who honestly, helped me not only get a little bit of closure, but also filled me up with so much joy in a single moment that I felt my heart would simply burst.
If you are looking for someone to make you a custom piece of jewellery then I cannot recommend her enough, I promise you will be more than happy with the finished product and like me, perhaps even shed a tear or two.
Karien studied her BA in Fine Art (Jewellery and Metal Technique) at Stellenbosch University in 2012, after which she completed a further 3 months intensive contemporary jewellery course in Florance Italy at Alchamia Contemporary Jewellery School. It is clear that she is absolutely passionate about jewellery design as she takes meticulous care to ensure that all her clients get exactly what they want. Just by looking at her work, one can note that she draws her inspiration from nature while the conceptual theme of dereliction combined with nature’s beauty, organic forms and simplicity portrays through her hand crafted silver jewellery that ensures a perfect and unique piece time and time again.
As a child traveling and living an expat life with my parents, I have encountered many various cultures and religions. Inspiration from Africa and Asia’s culture shines throughout my work as well as my love and respect for nature.
KVL designs specialises in sterling silver hand crafted jewelry and exclusive contemporary jewellery pieces that are sure to make your heart skip a beat.
Find her on Facebook here and click here to view her website
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Fatima