Where It All Began
My love for jewellery began long before I ever realised it would become such a big part of my life. As a child in the 1980s, I would go with my grandmother to the bank where she kept her most treasured possessions in a safety deposit box. Inside was a dazzling antique diamond necklace that she wore only for the most special occasions.
I remember how we would giggle together as she lifted the lid, admiring the sparkle of her treasures. Those moments stayed with me: the excitement, the beauty, and the quiet sense of history that each piece carried. It was never about monetary value, but about the story, the memories, and the way they made you feel when you touched or wore them.
That is where my love for jewellery truly began.
The Creative Spark
When I was sixteen, I chose Art and Jewellery Design as one of my school subjects. I have always been what people call arty farty: a little eccentric, full of flair, and constantly creating something new.
I discovered that jewellery design was not just about pretty things; it was about craftsmanship, patience, and passion. A simple ring could take hours, sometimes days, of cutting, soldering, sanding, and polishing before it became a finished masterpiece.
I grew to respect every jewellery designer who poured their heart into every detail. After finishing school, I dreamed of becoming a jeweller or even a gemologist. But like many dreams of the early 2000s, practicality won over passion. So I put my jewellery ambitions aside and entered the working world.
Rediscovering the Spark
Fast forward to 2025 and my mother, newly retired but far from ready to slow down, decided to start making jewellery to keep her mind busy. She began creating pieces and selling them at local markets.
When she first told me about it, I laughed and said, "Do not think you are roping me into those weekend markets, I already work one job." Of course, I had no choice and was soon helping her behind the stall.
What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed it. The atmosphere was electric, filled with passionate, down-to-earth people from all walks of life: creatives, crafters, dreamers, and storytellers. As we say in South Africa, local is lekker. The markets reignited something deep inside me. My mum, always my biggest supporter, encouraged me every step of the way.
The Birth of Michel Gem Studio
And just like that, Michel was back. My creativity raced ahead like a Formula One car. I designed our business cards, played with names alongside my mum, and before long, Michel Gem Studio was born.
I began sourcing unique materials, from Czech glass beads and freshwater pearls to semi-precious stones through friends overseas. Every piece is inspired by craftsmanship, colour, and the emotion jewellery evokes.
But more than anything, I wanted to make jewellery that was affordable, beautiful, and meaningful: pieces that make people feel the same way I did as a child admiring my grandmother's treasures.
