Just in time for summer, Faaiza Omar recently revealed her jewellery collaboration with Charles Greig Jewellers. The launch was held at Christopher Greig’s Beechwood Gardens in Johannesburg, where the property was in full bloom.
“Inspired by Beechwood Gardens and the spring blossom, bumble bees, dragonflies and butterflies, typical of an October day, we’ve created a collection of jewellery of varying price points. The collection highlights our favourite gemstone and colour, emerald, enhanced by unusual, fancy-cut diamonds,” said internationally renowned jeweller Greig.
Known for her sophisticated confectionery creations, this is Omar’s first foray into jewellery design.
“There was a need for a local standout, luxury collaboration. There hasn’t been one in South Africa for a while and I saw a gap in the market for exclusive pieces,” she said. “After months of planning we are ready to launch. Now is the perfect time as we head into the summer season under level one, with social calendars filling up with events and special occasions.”
Omar presented a design concept to Greig for expert input on the creative execution of the pieces the jewellers would manufacture. Collections by House of Graff, Cartier and Charles Greig Jewellers inspired Omar’s designs. Charles Greig Jewellers embodies five generations of specialists who have been dedicated to designing, manufacturing and sourcing jewellery, as well as supplying fine watches in SA, for more than a century, so they felt like the perfect partner.
“My partner, Svetla Stevens, has headed up the Charles Greig workshop operation of master goldsmiths and setters for well over 20 years,” said Greig. “Faaiza Omar, with her flair for beauty and luxurious design, has enjoyed a creative synergy with Svetla for many years, experiencing the high standard of goldsmithing, coupled with my design input. Ultimately, this is a collaborative effort and we’re very happy with the outcome.”
Omar used rose and yellow gold as the base metals to hold her carefully selected gems, of which emeralds are her favourite. “The colour represents new beginnings and in this case, new partnerships,” she said. Look out for the emerald and diamond ear cuff. The setting of the trillion-cut diamonds and cushion-cut emeralds resembles a glittering, leafy vine climbing up the ear once fastened in place. “I’m obsessed with earrings. If I don’t have earrings on, I really do feel bare.”
What comes first when she dresses, the clothing or the jewellery? “Usually I decide on the jewellery and then the clothes. And I’ll often design a dress around a piece of jewellery I want to wear, like earrings or a neck piece if it’s for an event. I love designing dresses. If I want to wear emerald earrings, I might include beading or handwork in a similar shade on the dress.”
Commenting on jewellery in general, Omar thinks stacked bracelets are “amazing”, but otherwise prefers an understated look. “If you are wearing a big earring piece, you definitely don’t need to wear a huge necklace as well. I think minimalist is best, as it allows the jewels to tell their own story and really shine. We have designed our high-jewellery pieces for the collection in this way — alluring, for those who like to convey a sense of exclusivity and mystery.”
The 40-piece collection features earrings, an ear cuff range, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and rings, and it’s available at Charles Greig Hyde Park.
To book an appointment click here.
Or visit the websites or Instagram pages of Omar or Charles Grieg.
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