The Artificial Lens: Where Art, Technology, and Jewellery Design Converge
Step into a world where art meets technology at The Artificial Lens, an extraordinary exhibition by the Creative Jewellery and Metal Design Division at Stellenbosch University. This showcase of undergraduate talent delves into the profound impact of social media and artificial intelligence on our daily lives, expressed through the intricate artistry of jewellery design. Celebrating Talent and Innovation Each year group brings its unique perspective and technique to this compelling theme: 1st-Year Students:Embracing the organic textures of nature, first-years used cuttlefish casting to create forms rich in texture and depth. Their work evokes the raw essence of materiality while hinting at the digital fingerprints that shape our realities. 2nd-Year Students:Through fold forming, second-years manipulated metal into intricate, flowing designs. Their creations reflect the complex layers of our interactions with technology, transforming flat surfaces into dynamic, multi-dimensional works. 3rd-Year Students:Adding vibrant hues and precise details, third-years explored vitreous enamel. Their pieces are a colourful representation of how artificial influences can enhance, distort, or redefine the natural world. 4th-Year Students:The final-year students pushed the boundaries of traditional jewellery-making by experimenting with mould making and resin casting. Their innovative designs showcase the potential of blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques to mirror the fluidity and adaptability of the digital age. Industry Support and Collaboration This exhibition is more than an artistic showcase—it is the culmination of a year’s worth of learning, creativity, and exploration. The event not only celebrates the students’ growth and achievements but also fosters collaboration between academia and industry. Representing Cape Precious Metals, Malcolm, Charmaine, and Jenny attended as one of the Jewellery Department’s preferred suppliers. We proudly sponsored silver for various prizes handed out during the evening, underscoring the importance of industry support in nurturing emerging talent. Together, these works form a collective investigation into the intersection of art, technology, and daily life. The Artificial Lens invites viewers to reflect on the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence and social media and how they shape our perceptions and experiences. This exhibition is a dialogue—a space to explore how technology and creativity intertwine to redefine the boundaries of jewellery and design. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of artists and designers shaping the future of their craft.
News Nugget – December 2024
News Nugget – November 2024
Namibia Networking Event Recap
In October, Cape Precious Metals proudly hosted our annual networking event, designed exclusively for our clients in Namibia. This year’s gathering, held at Arebbusch Travel Lodge, aimed to bring together industry professionals to build valuable connections and share insights in an engaging, relaxed setting away from the usual office environment. Networking events like these are central to our vision at CPM. Each event we organize is unique in its setup and activities, yet they all share a common goal: to foster professional relationships that drive growth and innovation within the jewellery industry. We’re passionate about creating opportunities where jewellers, suppliers, and experts can gather to exchange ideas and build connections that last. Representing CPM at the event was Charmaine Rossouw, joined by one of our directors, Malcolm Jenner, who also oversees our marketing efforts and manages our KwaZulu-Natal branch. Our esteemed partners contributed greatly to the day’s success. Cape Tools & Jewellery Suppliers, Jewellers’ Network, and Spectrometer Technologies showcased a range of tools, solutions, and innovations, sparking engaging conversations and practical learning opportunities. One of the highlights of the day was a series of live demonstrations and tool displays. Attendees had the chance to observe new tools in action, ask questions directly to the experts, and delve into discussions on trending industry topics. These hands-on sessions allowed participants to gain practical insights and exchange ideas, enhancing their professional skills and knowledge. Throughout the day, the steady flow of attendees underscored the demand for such gatherings. The venue room buzzed with energy from 10 am to 3 pm, as jewellers and industry specialists connected, shared experiences, and discussed the future of the jewellery market in Namibia and beyond. To ensure you don’t miss out on our upcoming events, we encourage you to join our mailing list for the latest updates and event announcements. Reach out to Malcolm Jenner at malcolm@cpmdbn.co.za, or if you prefer, share your cellphone number to receive notifications via WhatsApp. At Cape Precious Metals, we look forward to continuing to create opportunities that bring our industry closer together.
How to Store Jewellery: Expert Tips for Lasting Beauty and Protection
Proper jewellery storage is essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of your cherished pieces. Whether you have a small collection or an array of treasured items, following best practices for storing jewellery will keep each piece safe, organized, and ready to shine whenever you choose to wear it. Here, we’ll explore expert advice on jewellery storage, from cleaning to organizing, so you can enjoy your collection for years to come. 1. Clean Your Jewellery Regularly Before storing your jewellery, make sure it’s clean. Regular cleaning helps maintain the shine and luster of each piece and prevents grime buildup. Here’s a quick guide to cleaning: If you have valuable or delicate jewellery, consider professional cleaning to ensure proper care. Regular maintenance will keep your pieces radiant and ready to wear. 2. Separate and Organise by Type Avoid piling jewellery to prevent tangling and scratching. Separating pieces based on type—such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings—makes it easier to find what you need while protecting each item. Use a jewellery box with compartments or soft cloth pouches to organize and store each piece individually. This will reduce the chance of accidental scratching and make it easy to locate the perfect accessory for any occasion. 3. Use Jewellery Trays or Boxes Jewellery trays and boxes with dividers and soft linings offer ideal storage solutions. These trays keep your pieces organized while protecting them from scratches and minimizing exposure to air and humidity. Jewellery boxes are also easy to transport and offer added protection for travel or daily storage. They add a touch of elegance to your dressing area while keeping your jewellery safe and ready to wear. 4. Avoid Plastic Containers Plastic containers may seem convenient, but they can damage jewellery by causing scratches, especially if the plastic is hard. Additionally, plastic does not protect against humidity, which can lead to tarnishing, especially for metals like silver. Opt for storage solutions with soft linings or cloth pouches to better safeguard your collection. 5. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips Anti-tarnish strips are an excellent addition to jewellery storage, particularly for silver pieces prone to tarnishing. These small, specially treated strips neutralize substances that cause tarnish and help protect your jewellery’s shine and luster. Place these strips in your jewellery box or storage tray to maintain a tarnish-free environment and keep your pieces looking pristine. 6. Minimise Air Exposure Air exposure can cause metals like silver and copper to tarnish over time. For extra protection, store your jewellery in airtight containers or use anti-tarnish materials to limit exposure. This will help preserve the original appearance of your pieces and ensure they’re always in their best condition. 7. Schedule Regular Check-Ups Regularly inspect your jewellery to check for signs of wear, loose settings, or potential damage. Routine check-ups allow you to identify issues early on, preventing further damage and costly repairs. During these check-ups, clean each piece and ensure your storage setup provides optimal protection. 8. Document and Insure Your Collection Create an inventory of your jewellery collection by documenting each piece with descriptions, photographs, appraisals, and certificates. Not only does this help keep track of your items, but it also assists in identifying pieces if they’re ever lost or stolen. For valuable items, consider professional appraisals and appropriate insurance coverage to protect against theft, damage, or loss. 9. Avoid Stacking or Piling Jewellery Avoid piling jewellery together to prevent scratching, tangling, and potential breakage. Store each item separately, either in a compartment or a soft pouch, to maintain its shine and avoid unwanted wear. Keeping items organized in this way will save you time detangling and ensure each piece is ready to wear. By following these tips, you can enjoy your jewellery collection in pristine condition for years to come. Proper storage and regular care will keep each piece as beautiful as the day you got it, ready to accompany you on any occasion.