Contact us for tailor made orders

Enjoy free shipping on local orders over R1500

Our Blog

Explore the rare CSARITE colour changing gemstone

Join Jackie on her Turkish adventure and exploration of the CSARITE mine This mine is home of the CSARITE gemstone, a gemstone which changes colour depending on the light source it is exposed to. Jackie Hahn, owner and lead designer of Penchant Fine Jewellery, has been invited to visit the mine in Turkey at one of the coastal towns called Bodrum. https://penchantdesign.com/ A photo collage of some Jackie’s adventures in Turkey. Where and what is the CSARITE mine Location, a single site, single mine gem in the rural countryside of the Mugla province of South West Turkey, roughly 25km from the small city of Milas, lies the only mine currently known to produce CSARITE®. Located in the westernmost part of the infamous Menderes Massif, the mine is positioned in one of the most continuously deforming areas of the world. At the peaks of the Ilbir mountains lies the world’s only CSARITE® mine more than 3000ft above sea level This, alongside its remote location continues to test modern engineering and technology. It is only because of perseverance and ceaseless cooperation with local communities that Milenyum continues to successfully extract this magnificent gemstone from the Turkish landscape. A New Gemstone for a New Generation Why is the CSARITE® so unique Found in only one place in the world, in a single mine in the rural Turkish mountains of the ancient region of Anatolia, CSARITE® is amongst the world’s rarest and most exquisite gemstones. With a rare and natural ability to shift colours under different light sources, CSARITE® ceaselessly transforms by day and night, indoors and out. Exhibiting a spectrum of natural colours from earthy pistachio and olive greens to golden campaign yellows, deep sunset gingers, and soft pinks and reds, CSARITE® is dynamic and expressive. Join us on this adventurous journey. We will be sharing stories and pics throughout.

Read More »
September 8, 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.

Read More »
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

Read More »
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

Read More »
April 13, 2022