A little about me and my work ...
Hi, Im Elze. Jewellery designer, maker, believer, wife and mother.
I live in Windhoek with my gentle giant husband, two busy boys, our little princess and Mimi, a wild wire haired fox terrier. Taking care of my family is my greatest joy! Making jewellery and running my business is an absolute privilege. I am thankful for the opportunity to be creative and to meet new people. I love the task, and challenge, of creating a space where we can all live, work and grow together as a family.
Finding the balance between work and family. Serving others. Living in a way that is mindful of our planets’ future. Being a light in the world. Making it a better place. These are just a few core values that act as a compass and guide in the way I live every day and approach my work.
My days are filled with making and moulding. Making. Making meals, making jewels, making a home and making time to see the beauty in the simple moments. Moulding. Moulding little people to become kind adults who make a difference in the world. And some days, just for me. Moulding clay into little treasures that bring me joy.
I am constantly inspired by my family and surroundings. The beauty and authenticity of nature. The seasons changing. The small details all around, that we often overlook. The slow processes of crafting and making. Being present in the simple everyday rhythms. The abundance of creativity to be found in others. The Karoo spaces I grew up with in South Africa. The Namibian landscapes and skies I now call home. These images, surroundings and memories inspire my stories, told in my work.
Each unique piece and design are inspired by a different story. Never completed, always being written. I like to think, that my jewellery is a reflection on a story to be treasured and worn by you to become a part of your own beautiful story.
"She wears kindness like a crown"
- Atticus
Jewellery Care
These precious one of a kind crafted jewellery pieces are finished by hand, using various design and manufacturing processes, ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Each unique piece is designed with great care and made using age old hand tools or modern CAD programs, 3D printing and casting processes. I take great care in selecting quality materials and dedicating time to each piece. Jewellery that is loved and worn regularly will begin to show signs of wear and tear. Scratches, marks and tarnish are inevitable. I like to think that these form part of the unique character of a loved piece and tells a story of places visited and days spent well. Practical jewellery care tips - Try to avoid spraying perfume directly onto jewellery pieces. - Remove rings when putting on body lotions. - Remove rings when lifting heavy objects or doing exercise. - When not worn keep jewellery in fabric pouches. - Jewellery can be cleaned at home using warm water, sunlight soap and an old soft toothbrush. This helps remove dirt that builds up over time. - With time you may begin to notice discoloration on the surface of your jewellery. This is a natural oxidation reaction of the metal with the environment. A jewellery cleaning liquid can be used to remove tarnish. - White gold jewellery pieces that are Rhodium Plated can be replated by a jeweler. - Claw settings should be checked from time to time by a jeweler to ensure the stone is still held securely by the setting. - I would advise that jewellery be polished and cleaned from time to time by a jeweller.
Sustainability
I find myself constantly torn between the desire to make beautiful things and sustainability. I don’t want to just add to the excess amount of ‘stuff’ we have in our lives. Sustainable manufacturing practices, developed design processes and conserving our natural world as best we can in the process, are very important considerations when it come to my work. I am making no claims to being completely sustainable, environmentally friendly or getting it right on any of those fronts. I do however believe that each of us needs to take responsibility for the work that we do. The resources we use. The positive difference we make in the world and the example we set to those around us. Every day is a new opportunity to make better decisions and small changes in the way we live daily, in order to enjoy our beautiful planet for longer and to leave the world a better place for our children. Small things I do to make a difference: - I try to keep my packaging recyclable. - I try to keep my studio chemicals and processes environmentally friendly as far as possible. - I like to encourage clients to bring in old materials that we can upcycle like stones, pearls and precious metals. - I don’t do mass production. - I only stock a small range of jewellery and restock once sold out - I order materials only once an order has been placed for a commission piece. - I aim to create quality pieces that are timeless. The idea is to create something that can last a lifetime and can be passed down to the next generation to treasure. - I work only with materials that to my knowledge are ethically sourced. - I collect all my off cuts and metal filings and regularly send them in for refining. - I encourage a minimalist approach to buying jewellery. “Buy less, love and wear more!”. Invest in quality crafted pieces that you love and will wear regularly. - I try to avoid fashion trends.
Bringing in old gold:
I like to work with old pieces that are no longer being worn, and find a solution for a client to create something they will be able to wear
and enjoy.
Depending on the quality of the metal there are various steps that will follow. The metal can be melted down in studio by me and used to create new pieces. Alternatively if the metal cannot be used, the carat/colour differs or there is not enough for a complete piece, a trade in option is available.
"Every day is a new opportunity to make better decisions and small changes in the way we live daily, in order to enjoy our beautiful planet for longer and to leave the world a better place for our children." - Elze
Design & Manufacturing process
I work in sterling silver, gold and brass. I stock a small collection of handmade jewellery pieces crafted by me in Namibia. You are welcome to have a look through the online catalogue. I also offer you the opportunity to have a custom piece designed and made. I enjoy working with clients and designing a jewellery piece with a specific person in mind. A piece they will love and wear often! You are welcome to book an appointment with me and we can discuss your ideas and turn them into a beautifully crafted piece. Depending on the design of the piece, I make use of different manufacturing processes. Jewellery pieces are made either by hand at my bench or using CAD (computer aided design) programs, 3D printing and casting processes. Please keep in mind that all jewellery is beautifully crafted and finished by hand, so orders can take a few weeks. I unfortunately can only take on a limited amount of commission work due to the fact that I am a one woman show. You are welcome to contact me via elzeigelaar@gmail.com to set up an appointment or get more information.
Sizing Guide
Ring sizes:
I use the British sizing method which means your ring size is a letter. Rings can usually be resized but ideally you want to have the size right first time around!
The best way to get the perfect ring fit is to have your ring size measured in a
jewellery store.
