Oligarchs, diamonds, princes

25 August 2016 - 09:09 By ARON HYMAN

South African black diamonds, Russian oligarchs and Saudi princes are among those vying for the Kirstenbosch Crown Jewels. The jewels - a 10-piece collection designed by top South African jewellers - were crafted to mark Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens' centenary.The bidding deadline is September 30, with a minimum bid of R15-million expected.Founder of the Kirstenbosch Environmental Education Appeal, Chris Reader, said the collection would be sold in its entirety so that it maintained its premium as a collection.Reader said the jewellers were given a list of floral species unique to the Cape to inspire them. The centrepiece is a tiara of platinum, diamonds, pink sapphires, pink tourmalines and tsavorites."There's never going to be another piece like this," said Rob Burton, owner of Platandia Jewellery Collection, the tiara's creators."It is based on the king protea and has 21 other floral species from the gardens carved into its platinum base. A lot of metal and time went into it. It's probably one of the most unusual pieces to be made in South Africa."The collection includes a black, blue and white diamond hairpiece based on the Table Mountain beauty butterfly, and a platinum enamelled pendant set with pavé diamonds."These are the crown jewels of the Cape floral kingdom, and Kirstenbosch is the royal palace," said Reader...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.