Jewellery: Ida Elsje, Fine Artist Turned Jewelry Designer

Ida Elsje [South Africa]

I was just browsing africhic.com when I came across some beautifully carved rings and floral-inspired earrings by fine artist turned jewellery designer Ida Elsje. Specialising in bespoke handmade platinum and diamond engagement rings, Ida works from a studio and shop in CapeTown, South Africa, and is one of the country’s leading contemporary jewellery designers. Ida sees her fine jewellery as ‘miniature wearable sculpture’ and established her eponymous label almost a decade ago inspired by her fine art background, the metals she enjoyed working with, and her love of sculpture.

Ida’s work is an organic mix of vintage, romance, unexpected patterns, colour, and intricate carvings; and contrasts like bold unique shapes combined with filigree work, as seen in her oversized earrings, result in a delicate look. Catering to both men and women her engagement and wedding rings are not your typical classic cuts; but instead are highly individualised and expressive using precious metals, gold silver, and platinum set with diamonds and other precious stones.

[Image credits: top, Spring / Summer 2011 via Pop Ya Collar;
bottom, Hand engraved ring with Italian Mosaic Detailing – Ida Elsje]

In addition to creating one-off necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and brooches; Ida also designs and makes avant-garde creations for shows, and for her clients within the entertainment industries and in the process has become a familiar presence on the catwalks of CapeTown Fashion Week, usually creating unique collections to complement the clothing of the designers she teams up with.