Design afficianados are counting down the days until the annual Sanlam Handmade Contemporary (SHmC) Fair kicks off at Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg.
Taking place from October 12 to 14, the theme of the 2018 fair is 'A Return to Making' — shining a spotlight on artisans who turn raw materials into meaningful products. In the spirit of this theme, Tinsel Gallery, which is headlining the jewellery pavilion at this year's event, collaborated with a host of creatives on a collection of unique earrings.
Some of these creatives tell us more about their jewellery designs and why handcrafted design deserves to be celebrated.
MICHAEL CHANDLER, ARTIST
I am an artist, product and space designer as well as curator of a small gallery and shop in Cape Town.
I was lucky enough to be approached by the team at the SHmC Fair after working on a project called Again & Again, where I hand drew a 600cm-long illustration. I think this proved my love for hand-made pieces and was my ticket into the show.
I believe passionately in handmade work and craft and so to have this platform, where I can share my designs with others, is a huge deal. The exposure can only be a positive thing for everyone.
To me something is sacred if hands have been involved in its manufacture. Every human is unique; the result of long and complex histories which ultimately inform the decisions that a craftsperson makes when crafting something by hand. This is incredible and should be celebrated over mechanised production methods.
When the chance presented itself to design earrings for Tinsel, in a fan-like design, it seemed obvious to channel my love for seashells. When I need to get away from my crazy, manic life, you can find me on a Sunday morning, listening to opera on my iPhone, beach-combing along Cape Town's beautiful shores. A little pearl on the lower half of the earrings adds a touch of glamour and romance.
I'm looking forward to the SHmC Fair because every year a new wave of talent emerges which I find exciting and invigorating. I'm excited to see the new little fish swimming in the big pond.
CASSANDRA TWALA, SHmC FAIR CURATOR
I am the curator of this year's SHmC Fair. My role at Artlogic is a mix of curation, creative directing, project management, as well as building and nurturing relationships. I would safely say I'm a jack of all trades.
A fair like this requires being tuned in to the local design, food and wine industries by trying new restaurants, meeting designers and being invested in what local brands are doing. Curating content from the continent requires research and connecting with the right people. We collaborate with a curator who is well versed in the African design landscape.
When choosing exhibitors, I look for brands that have something significant or meaningful to say. The fair has reached a point where it is not enough to just be good, you have to stand out.
Handmade craft means acting meaningfully. Far beyond the luxury of possessing something that has been crafted by human hands, I believe hand making brings us closer to ourselves.
I didn't overthink the design process for the earrings I made. I'm a fan of chunky accessories, paired with understated looks. I'm also drawn to the intensity of red, which to me is the focal point of the earrings.
I'm excited about the new layout of this year's fair. We've put in a lot of effort to craft new experiences and spaces. In line with our theme 'A Return to Making', we've introduced a Makers Corner, which has workshops available to the public, including ring making, weaving and ceramics.
MANINI RAMPOLA, INTERIOR DESIGNER
I'd like to consider myself a product and interior designer. I design furniture that we make locally. I believe in craftsmanship, so in essence I'm a crafter of bespoke furniture pieces.
The SHmC fair is an integral part of one's career. It gives creatives an opportunity to express themselves and meet with potential clients. 
I launched my furniture range there in 2014 and it's crazy that a couple of years later I am curating a space, the Wine Village.
Handmade craft is becoming an important part of our being. It's important for me because it means I get to express my creativity and ideas through craft.
The earrings I designed were an exciting challenge and it took me a while to figure out what design to go with. They were inspired by a need for something different in SA.
I am looking forward to seeing what the vendors offer in interpretation of the theme of this year's fair. All the vendors were carefully selected to offer something different and unique. I go back to the fair every year because of the creativity, the energy and the vibe.
ERIC LOUBSER, JEWELLER
I've been a jeweller for about 10 years, and am co-owner of Studio Loubser and Tinsel Gallery.
SHmC is the only fair we get involved in as Tinsel Gallery. From the start, the high level of products drew us to be part of the fair and this year Tinsel gallery has been selected as a featured designer. SHmC is similar to our brand in that it's high-end, but with a casual feel. A like-minded fair will attract like-minded people.
Handmade craft to me is  an artistic expression. It means being able to see the maker in the process.
When it comes to jewellery, I've found that handmade jewellery is of a better quality and is generally longer lasting. There is a warmth, intelligence and artistic integrity to handmade products compared with cold, mindless mass- produced "stuff". You wouldn't expect a Michelin star chef to use two-minute noodles. 
The earrings I designed are based on scrunched-up paper - an everyday object made precious.
This year I'm looking forward to spending time in a relaxed, beautifully showcased environment with great food and wine and interesting people. Every year there seems to be new designers from all over Africa that I've not heard of, now I get the chance to see and meet them at SHmC. The diversity of people and products is what makes me come back every year...