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Fathers Day just got better for your POPS!

Gone are the days of giving POPS the good old faithful Biltong and Beer for Fathers Day. I think we speak on behalf of all South African dads when we say Woolies we get it, but let’s think out of the box! We decided to do just that and created the most incredible gift on the planet in this 5-in-1 clip. We wanted to create something multi-functional to allow our beloved dads the option to mix it up a little. We will break it down for you to get a better idea behind our COOL Father’s Day gift.  Money clip The money clip is the easiest trick and most effective clip to keep your loose notes in one spot. If your pops is anything like ours a clip is hugely beneficial to stop ‘misplacing’ the change. Bookmark Everyone needs a bookmark to know exactly where you last left off in your Wilbur Smith or David Grisham book, There is nothing worse than paging to and from because you cannot remember the last words you read. Super easy and efficient to slip onto those pages. Key Chain Looking for the perfect charm for your set of house or car keys? Look no further these unique 5 in 1 clips are the perfect accessory for any set of keys you have lying around. Tie holder Nothing worse than having a tie that will not stay in one place and gets in the way of you performing your everyday activities or tasks. Why not use our 5 in 1 clip to neatly tuck it into place for you?  Cuff link We love using this 5 in 1 clip as a cuff link, why have 1 when you can have 2? Mix it up and have two different cuff links to be the COOL Dad or the serious Dad? Whatever tickles your fancy we think these would make any outfit stand out.  What is so lovely about these 5 in 1 clips, is their ability to adapt to any situation that seems most appropriate for you or your Dad at that moment. Spoil your pops this Father’s Day and we will gift you free Chocolates too! If you would like to design something unique for you or your pops we would love to design something special. Please pop us a message or email and we would gladly assist. Have the best Father’s Day and thank you dad for everything you are!  Love from the Penchant Design team.

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June 16, 2022

Fathers Day just got better for your POPS!

Gone are the days of giving POPS the good old faithful Biltong and Beer for Fathers Day. I think we speak on behalf of all South African dads when we say Woolies we get it, but let’s think out of the box! We decided to do just that and created the most incredible gift on the planet in this 5-in-1 clip. We wanted to create something multi-functional to allow our beloved dads the option to mix it up a little. We will break it down for you to get a better idea behind our COOL Father’s Day gift.  Money clip The money clip is the easiest trick and most effective clip to keep your loose notes in one spot. If your pops is anything like ours a clip is hugely beneficial to stop ‘misplacing’ the change. Bookmark Everyone needs a bookmark to know exactly where you last left off in your Wilbur Smith or David Grisham book, There is nothing worse than paging to and from because you cannot remember the last words you read. Super easy and efficient to slip onto those pages. Key Chain Looking for the perfect charm for your set of house or car keys? Look no further these unique 5 in 1 clips are the perfect accessory for any set of keys you have lying around. Tie holder Nothing worse than having a tie that will not stay in one place and gets in the way of you performing your everyday activities or tasks. Why not use our 5 in 1 clip to neatly tuck it into place for you?  Cuff link We love using this 5 in 1 clip as a cuff link, why have 1 when you can have 2? Mix it up and have two different cuff links to be the COOL Dad or the serious Dad? Whatever tickles your fancy we think these would make any outfit stand out.  What is so lovely about these 5 in 1 clips, is their ability to adapt to any situation that seems most appropriate for you or your Dad at that moment. Spoil your pops this Father’s Day and we will gift you free Chocolates too! If you would like to design something unique for you or your pops we would love to design something special. Please pop us a message or email and we would gladly assist. Have the best Father’s Day and thank you dad for everything you are!  Love from the Penchant Design team.

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June 16, 2022

Green is not only the colour of a gemstone…

Our world and its longevity is based on balance.  Being involved in creating beauty through jewellery leaves us to always think carefully about the balance of nature and what our contribution to being kind to mother earth is.  As you can imagine, mining for gemstones and other raw materials, causes pollution and other trauma to the earth and our environment in general.  In the last number of years, the jewellery industry globally has embarked on ensuring that the kindest mining processes are being adhered to.  In fact, not only is there emphasis on making sure that gases which are by products form the mines are being lessened, but you will know the term blood diamonds – here there is a huge drive in making sure that gemstones are mined ethically.  GOING GREEN IS A DECISION  Penchant Fine Jewellery supports the international drive within the global jewellery community to ensure that sustainable and ethical mining methods are used.  We are continuously ensuring that we stay abreast of the latest technology that supports our Going Green campaign.  This helps us decide who we do business with too. In our continuous quest to be as environmentally friendly as possible, we constantly introduce different systems, packaging, consumables, and lifestyle items that align with our vision and mission as a business. As an independent jewellery business, we have realised that we can become more aware of being environmentally aware through the little things we do daily.  Some of these things you could also apply in your home should you wish to do so.  IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS  We’ve realised that by intentionally changing the little things in our day to day running of the business, we can practically ensure that going green is not just lip service.  In fact, going green has created an opportunity for us to support other small businesses – we only use ethically sourced cleaning and hand sanitiser products from a local business by the name of Mothers Love. We have found such an amazing product in the Faithful to Nature online store. The all-natural fibre dishwashing scrub pad. What we love about these sponges, are that apart from being the greenest and cleanest dishwashing sponge in the world, the fibre that breaks down and lands up in the sewage system is safe for the environment.  Even animals are safe should they chew on one of these accidentally. When the scrub is kaput, it can be thrown into your compost heap or Bokashi bin. It is worth making small changes to be able to sustain these changes in the long run.  LOOKING AHEAD: The great thing about going green is that it really is a journey.  You need to pick a place to start, make the changes, form the new habit, and then chose the next step in your journey.  There is still a lot in our journey that we want to share with you over the next few months.  Next on our list is the recycling bin system – if you have tips to share do let us know.  Going green is something we can participate in to create a healthier planet that we will all benefit from. For the love of our planet and its people, Jackie Hahn.

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May 26, 2022

The Glitz and Glam

It’s all about the glitz and the glam, the sparkle and the shine, the colour, cut and clarity.  The stone that declares love, their illustrious shine have inspired songwriters over the decades, and who cannot help but sing along when you hear “and diamonds are a girl’s best friend..” Some many fads come and go, however diamonds, have, despite it being around for millions of years, its popularity and demand continue to increase among the rich and famous. This stone is one of the most sought-after gemstones – so much so, that some of the world’s most famous diamonds are worn by royals and celebrities. We hope you all loved reading about the history and symbolic meaning of the Diamond gemstone. Did you find anything particularly fascinating? If yes, please share your thoughts with us below. Like them, or loathe them, the British royal family has exceptional taste when it comes to their jewellery.  Their diamond collection can only be called pristine.  Did you know that traditionally the British royal family pass down their family heirlooms from generation to generation, or members of the family will borrow pieces from the Queen? There is something special about diamonds that have been passed down from generation to generation and a lovely tradition to start if there aren’t pieces which have been handed down in your family.  I must admit though, that borrowing diamonds to family fills me with all kinds of anxiety 😊. Undoubtedly one of the most famous tiaras in history was worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day. The beautiful Cartier Halo Scroll Tiara is made up of 739-cut diamond and 149 baguette of diamonds surrounding it, was created in 1936 as a wedding gift to Elizabeth the Queen Mom.  For the wedding, this tiara was lent to Kate by the Queen. One of my all-time favourites must be the ‘Cambridge Lovers’ Knot Tiara’ famously worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day. This beautiful Tiara headpiece is made of Diamond and 19 hanging pearls all set in silver and gold. I love how elegantly these two gemstones work together. After Princess Diana and Charles got divorced, the Tiara was returned to the Queen. The Duchess of Cambridge loves to borrow this masterpiece on special occasions A famous South African celebrity well known in Hollywood, Charlize Theron stepped out at the 2014 Oscars in a 21-carat emerald-cut diamond necklace and diamond earrings. Her drop-dead gorgeous jewellery is valued at $15million dollars. The next famous look was previously seen on Audrey Hepburn when she promoted her movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. More recently Lady Gaga wore the iconic 128-carat yellow diamond necklace to the 2019 Oscars. Can we just all say WOW! Wait for it …… the most expensive jewel ever to grace Hollywood was not worn at the Oscars or on the red carpet, it was in fact worn by singer Carrie Underwood at the 2013 Grammy awards. The 381-carat diamond necklace costs a whopping $31 million dollars. I know these prices seem crazy and totally farfetched, but you too could be your very own Princess for an inch of the price. We have so many beautiful diamond pieces in our store that are calling your name. Stay Beautiful, Jackie Hahn & Penchant Design Team

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April 27, 2022

Diamond History

The Diamond Birtshone is rich for many reasons, find out why! We are dripping in diamonds this month and we cannot wait to share how the glitz and glam birthstone came about many moons ago. This blog aims to share the history and traditions of this marvellous birthstone.  Who named the Birthstone of April as Diamond?  Did you know that diamonds’ key component is Carbon and under extreme heat and pressure it evolves into shiny stone? The name is derived from the Greek word ‘Adamas’ which directly translates to unconquerable. We will dive a little deeper into its meaning later on in the blog. We first would like to share more about its origin. When were diamonds discovered? The earliest diamond was found in India around the 4th Century BC. The youngest of these deposits was formed over 900 million years ago. These stones travelled a route known as the silk road that connects India and China.  Up until the 18th century, India was the main source of diamonds in the world. When their mines were depleted, the quest for diamonds began worldwide. Although there were small deposits found in Brazil it did not really qualify for the vast supply needed to meet the ever-growing demand. In 1866 a young 15 year old by the name of Erasmus Jacobs was exploring the banks of the orange river when he came across a rather large pebble. It turns out the pebble was in fact a 21.25-carat diamond. Turn the clock forward ever so slightly to 1871 a colossal 83-50 carat deposit was located in the shallow hill named Cloesberg Kopje. Thousands of diamond prospectors were interested in this region and its discoveries. These discoveries lead to the first large-scale mining operation known as the Kimberly Mine. With a fully operational mine, it is no surprise that the world’s supply and demand chain increased and thousands of people all over the world were interested in purchasing high valued Diamonds. Healing & relationship properties When diamonds were discovered they were the most sought after because of their ability to refract light and engrave metal. These gemstones were commonly worn as a form of protection against evil and during battle. Furthermore in the Dark ages diamonds were a form of medical aid and were thought to cure many illnesses and heal wounds.  Moreso, they are regarded as a symbol of love, romance and commitment. Owning to their original name of ‘Adamas’ a Greek-derived word meaning unconquerable. This symbolic meaning is a testimony to our own unwavering love and commitment to one another. No wonder everyone says diamonds are fit for a princess or a Queen.  A very well sought after gemstone such as the diamond is mostly celebrated on one 60th Wedding Anniversary. Spending 60 years of your life with a loved one stays true to the symbolic meaning of this gemstone. The pair is most definitely unconquerable.  We have this exquisite birthstone available for you to view in our store. We would love for you to come to visit and see our collections of loose stones on display, or have something unique made, just for you.   Stay Beautiful, Jackie Hahn & Penchant Fine Jewellery Team

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April 13, 2022

Penchant Fine Jewellery is Going Green…the sequel.

As some of you may know or have read our previous ‘Going Green’ blogs we thought we would continue to highlight our efforts every month. It is extremely important that we as a small business operate ethnically and sustainability. The importance of Going Green! Therefore as part of our Going Green journey, our goal is to constantly introduce different  systems, packaging, consumables and lifestyle items that aligns with our vision and mission as a business. We believe it is imperative for all companies big and small to make the necessary changes to lower their plastic footprint. We are all well aware that our beautiful mother nature is suffering because of excesses single use plastics and other packaging. Here at Penchant Fine Jewellery we are taking the right steps to minimise the ongoing use of plastics and material where we can. How have we implemented these changes in our Jewellery business? We only use cleaning products and hand sanitiser that are ethically made, natural, eco-friendly and essential oils that pose no harm to nature. Our products are all from Mother’s Love, a stunning local business located in Cape Town. All their products are 100% non-toxic and non-allergenic. What I love about them is not only are their products amazing and non-harmful to the environment, they are infused with the most incredible essential oils. The essential oils smell divine and leave our shop smelling sensational. A huge bonus is that they are tough on stains. These products really works like a treat. Their products also include hand cream, handwash and dishwashing liquid.  They also have a multipurpose cleaner which we will start to use soon. What can you expect next? In May we will touch on our all natural fibre dishwashing scrubs.. The key to remember is small changes make a big difference! I encourage you to start somewhere. We would love to hear your thoughts on our Going Green blogs . Do you enjoy them or would you like to comment on what you are doing to help create a greener planet?. Please feel to follow my personal profile where I post about my zero waste efforts regularly  on instagram @helo_waste_ninja. For the love our planet and its people, Jackie Hahn.

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March 24, 2022

Did you know Aquamarine is the ‘Sea water’ gemstone?

Just like that, we have reached the 3rd month of the year! I don’t know if it’s just me or is time passing really fast? One second ago we were celebrating New Year and in a blink of an eye, we are in March.  Anyhow, I absolutely love March’s birthstone for so many reasons. Aquamarine is known as the gemstone of the ocean. I love the ocean and spend many days in the sun. One can only think happy thoughts of the ocean, whether it is the warm sunny days or the beautiful sunset evenings.  There is an interesting connection as to how the Aquamarine gemstone name was derived.  History & origin Derived from the latin word ‘aqua’ meaning water and ‘marina’ meaning the sea, a Roman fisherman called the gemstone ‘water of the sea’ for its crystal blue water located in the Mediterranean sea. The gemstone was used for protection, safe travels and luck when catching fish. Some stories go as far as saying Roman physicians used it to treat bloating and fluid retention aiding its healing properties. In more literal terms the Aquamarine gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but it is also located in parts of Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique.  Colour & Quality  Did you know Aquamarine is comprised of a mineral called Beryl? Beryl is an amazing mineral and is found in other gemstones too such as Emerald and Morganite. Which leads to its colour and quality. How can you be sure about the quality of the gemstone? Well, Aquamarine is mostly light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to deep blue and/or green colour. The larger the stone the deeper the colour is. If the stone is darker in colour that means it is more valuable too.  The best way to measure the quality of the gemstone if you are unsure is via a heating process. This method measures the ‘hue’ if a yellowy green is more prominent. However, a fine and natural gemstone that is untreated is more valuable. Aquamarine is more ‘clean’ meaning untouched and therefore have a higher clarity than most gemstones. Therefore the higher the clarity and colour the more valuable the stone is. Healing & relationship properties It is believed to be one of the strongest gemstones for clearing and activating the ‘throat Chakra’. As it stimulates energy from the heart through to the throat allowing one’s deepest heartfelt truth to be communicated.  I find this rather remarkable that gemstones have this amazing ability to help the human mind and body. If you need a gemstone to help you in any way, perhaps Aquamarine is the gemstone for you! Aquamarine is extremely powerful and soothing having a direct influence on relationships ensuring long and happy marriages. If you are looking for the perfect gemstone to gift your loved one. I can highly recommend Aquamarine for any milestone but more importantly for your 19th wedding anniversary.  We have this exquisite birthstone available for you to view in our store. We would love for you to come to visit and see our collections of loose stones on display, or have something unique made, just for you.   Stay Beautiful, Jackie Hahn & Penchant Design Team  

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March 9, 2022

February Birthstone, Amethyst, holds symbols of love and balance!

How are we two months into the year already? February always feels like a ‘reality check’ in the year, where time has flown from Christmas and you’re in the full swing of things. Although, it is also the month of love and a gentle reminder to take things slowly, enjoying time with loved ones.  Consequently, the February birthstone, Amethyst, is said to be found in royal family collections across Asia and Africa and is given as a royal present for the ‘king or queen’ of your heart. The beautiful purple variety of quartz holds deep purple hues and can be cut into many shapes and sizes. Amethyst, was found in large deposits in Russia in the 19th Century, before being established in Brazil. Today, the most important sources of Amethyst are in Africa and South America.  The meaning behind the purple stone: The name Amethyst was seemingly derived from the Greek word, amethystos, meaning, ‘a remedy against drunkenness.’ Due to its wine-like colour, early Greek mythology associated the gem with Bacchus, the God of wine, and it was seen as a symbol of soberness. The stone was also believed to keep those wearing it, clear-headed and quick-witted in battle and business affairs. On the other hand, Europeans thought of Amethyst as a stone that calmed passionate lovers. In various other cultures, the birthstone was thought to be associated with peace, balance and courage, whilst also having the ability to cure insomnia and relieve pain.  The gem has traditionally been given as a sixth wedding anniversary gift, as a symbol charm and Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst ring in the shape of the love God, Cupid.   How to best care for the stone:   The stone is on the softer side, which means its scratch resistance is similar to that of a Tanzanite but very affordable to replace if and when necessary. One should be careful of dropping or knocking the stone as it may splinter or crack easily. You may clean the stone with an ultra-sonic cleaner, whilst steam cleaning is not recommended. The safest option to clean the stone is with jewellery cleaner or a soft brush with a mild soap.  Wanting to improve the colour of your gem? Heat treatment is the most common technique to improve the colour of the natural Amethyst. This can make dark Amethyst lighter and more attractive, and remove any unwanted brownish inclusions. Although, be careful, as some may turn yellow after heat treatment. Excessive heat can change the colour entirely too, be cautious not to wear it in hot weather too often and be careful not to damage the pointed corners and sharp edges.  We have this exquisite birthstone available for you to view in our store. We would love for you to come to visit and see our collections of loose stones on display or have something unique made, just for you.   This is also a friendly reminder that we are environmentally conscious about what we sell. We now practice recycling entirely in our business operations, by responsibly sourcing all our metals, materials and gemstones, as well as aligning our company with De Beers Forevermark Diamonds who give back to our communities and the environment in numerous different ways.  We hope to see you in-store soon to purchase one of our beautiful gems.  Stay Beautiful, Jackie Hahn & Penchant Design Team

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February 25, 2022

It’s the month of celebrating LOVE…

Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day came about? For many, the 14th of February represents a day of celebrating love and giving to those that you love. However, have you ever wondered why we celebrate this date? Ironically, the origin of the holiday, Valentine’s Day is not a sweet romantic tale.  Although many a story has been brought about of how Valentine’s Day really began, it is believed that the day of love was named after the catholic priest, Saint Valentine, who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. At the time, many Romans were converting to Christianity but the Emperor, Claudius II was a pagan and believed that the Roman soldiers should be devoted solely to Rome.  Consequently, he brought about a law preventing anyone from marrying. Saint Valentine did not believe this to be right and began to hold secret Christian marriage ceremonies to marry the soldiers, as he strongly believed in the importance of love. Time passed and eventually, Valentine was caught out for his crimes against the Emperor. Whilst in prison, he began to care for his fellow inmates and one in particular, his jailor’s daughter, whom he fell in love with. This is where he wrote her his first ever love letter, on the 14th of February right before he was executed, and signed it with “from your Valentine.”  It wasn’t until years later, after Valentine’s death that the 14th of February was proclaimed, St Valentine’s Day and was the beginning of courtly love, a ritual of expressing love and admiration, usually in secret.  Some also say, the holiday took place in the famous Roman festival, Lupercalia, which was held in mid-February and celebrated the beginning of spring, fertility rites, and the pairing of women and men.  Years passed and it wasn’t until the late 1500s that printed cards and valentines’ gifts appeared, where Cupid, the Roman god of love, was used to depict the celebration of love and is still used as a symbol of this holiday to date.  That wasn’t exactly the story you were expecting, right?  If you are stuck for ideas on what to get a loved one, friend, or family member we have put some ideas together for you. 3 ideas for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day: A romantic picnic: There are so many beautiful spots in and around cape town with the most beautiful settings. Why not spoil your lover, friend, or family member with a romantic picnic at a wine farm. Some stunning locations that are offering picnics are Warrick Wine Farm, Overgaauw wine farm, and Diemersdal Wine Estate. A lovely hamper from Penchant Fine Jewellery:  We all know how much girls love jewellery, whether it’s over the top, big diamonds or minimalistic, girls love anything that will make their beauty shine. We are offering an amazing hamper to accompany your purchase. If you purchase any items of jewellery you will automatically receive 10% off and get a box of chocolates and flowers free.  Now, this sounds like a wonderful gift! After all, there is nothing that says ‘I love you’ as magically as a beautiful piece of jewellery! The perfect relaxation experience:  We all need to wind down and enjoy an extra bit of TLC. Now is the perfect time for a spa treatment, so why not bring the spa to you. A spa day with a massage kit and a bottle of wine sounds ideal. This is a great unisex gift idea for Valentine’s day. Netflorist has amazing kits on offer.   Don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is about showing love. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy the best thing on the shelf. Your loved ones might just appreciate spending some special quality time together. Either way, your lover or family will appreciate it more than you know.  Wishing you a month full of love! X  

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February 9, 2022

Penchant Fine Jewellery ‘Green’ Story Continued

Hello Everyone, I hope you have all set your personal, career and green goals for the year! If you haven’t, don’t worry it is only January so there is plenty of time! I am hoping our move towards being a sustainable company inspires you to take action and make the changes necessary within your own organisation.  Firstly, if you missed our introduction to Going Green blog and want to get the full story then here it is: https://penchantdesign.com/penchant-design-is-going-green/ So, to recap on what we have done so far:  We now recycle fully We responsibly source all our metals, materials, and gemstones We align ourselves with De Beers Forevermark Diamonds.  Like Gemfields they also give back to the communities where they do the mining, in terms of job creation, supporting women in the area to start their own businesses and for every hectare they mine, they give 5 hectares back to conservation. Now that’s serious goodness! For more on our association with De Beers Forevermark Diamonds click here: https://penchantdesign.com/about-us/ 4. We have sourced a bunch of new sustainable items from Mother’s Love Products for the Penchant store such as:  Hand sanitizer made from Sugarcane alcohol (still 70% ratio!) and with essential oils. Good for the hands and good for the environment.  Dishwashing liquid made with kind ingredients- you can lick your plate afterwards without rinsing it #JustKidding! It foams like a charm! Hand Cream with all the lovely kind ingredients Glass Cleaner another kind product and works like a bomb Dishwashing crochet cloth made with natural fibres that can go naturally back to nature where it came from without being harmful to all living and natural things. Or throw it in your compost! Packaging, carrier bags printed on paper that can be recycled and with 100% natural silk that can also go back to nature where it came from or composted.  Workshop job packet packaging printed on brown paper that is widely recycled and can also go in your compost. Other printing done on recyclable paper. We hope you will come give us a visit in our store soon: 62 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690 As always and a friendly reminder, you have the option of viewing all the beautiful jewellery we have on offer online: https://penchantdesign.com/collections/ Stay Beautiful,  Jackie and The Penchant Team 

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January 28, 2022