Naleen Jewellery
Being driven and having a passion for nature and art, the decision was made to create and design jewellery in keeping with my passion.
I was born in Pretoria and grew up on a farm in De Wildt. Having too many interests and choices in pursuing a career in art I chose to work at Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch after I matriculated in 2011. Whilst working at Delaire, coincidently owned by the largest diamond jeweller in the world, allowed me to observe a plethora of career options and I decided to do a 4-year Jewellery Design course at Stellenbosch University.
I suffered from anxiety and depression. It resulted in me repeating my 3rd year.
Believing, all the while that God had a purpose in using me through my studies. It fuelled my desire to fulfil His plan and kept me going. I successfully completed my degree in BA Visual Arts, Jewellery Design and Metal Techniques in 2018.
During my student years my dad encouraged me to think of 3 business propositions that I would like to pursue. Being driven and having a passion for nature and art, the decision was made to create and design jewellery in keeping with my passion. Designing, being creative, marketing and selling my works is a pure joy.
In January 2019, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. This prompted me to put my business on hold to take care of her. Moving to De Wildt in December 2019 allowed me to care for my mother. All the while striving to find a balance between my career and caring for my mother. This time, I was able to set up my studio.
In February 2020, my mother had a successful operation to treat her illness. When Covid struck and lockdown was instituted my father encouraged me to design jewellery in the Free State where my boyfriend stayed. I used this opportunity to shift my focus from my mother to my dreams of running a successful business.
Returning to De Wildt, allowed me to produce a collection of designs, which ultimately portrayed my mission to honour God through my work. Using organic material in nature as my components is a true inspiration.
Careful sorting, treating, casting, folding of precious metal and finishing off pieces is a time-consuming process. Seeds, flowers, and other organic material collected by me are reworked into exquisite one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces.
I also create custom designs, source stones, engrave and do plating. Priding myself on making quality timeless pieces that can be worn by anyone for any occasion, leads to much satisfaction. Seeing people happy when receiving and wearing their pieces is my goal.
Motivational Bible verses, music and the support of people close to me allows me to set and achieve my goals.
My work is available on my website naleenjewellery.com. I am looking forward to creating an exquisite piece designed to perfectly capture your unique vision!
Contact me via @naleenjewellery on Instagram or Facebook or email naleenjewellery@gmail.com
By Naleen Venter