The Crown Jewels of Kirstenbosch

Last week I attended the unveiling of the Kirstenbosch Crown Jewels Centenary Jewellery Collection… and I was left in awe.

‘Every kingdom should have its own crown jewels and Kirstenbosch – as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom – is no exception.’

Kirstenbosch is a magical place that I think fully deserves its own Crown Jewels. If you have ever visited the gardens, I’m sure you would agree.

Each piece is totally unique and will never be reproduced. The jewellery was inspired by the flora and fauna of Kirstenbosch and created by seven of South Africa’s leading awarding winning jewellers including Uwe Koetter, Platandia, Prins and Prins, Peter Gilder, Cari Mari, Vijay Shah and Kirti Jewellers.

All the pieces truly are exquisite.

 

The Crown Jewels will be auctioned off at the glittering finale of the Kirstenbosch Centenary celebrations and the funds will be used to boost environmental education programmes at all 9 botanical gardens across South Africa. These programmes aim to inspire and enable people to take responsibility for their environment.  Cue ‘I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.’ Corny, but true. But not only our children will benefit from these programmes; they are aimed at people from all walks of life. Education is key.

The auction will take place on 22 October 2014 at the Old Mutual Conference Centre, Kirstenbosch.

The jewellery can currently be viewed at the Cape Grace Hotel.

‘Bidders at the auction will have the chance of creating a legacy in the spirit of Cecil John Rhodes, who bequeathed the land Kirstenbosch occupies to the nation. His far-sighted investment in the preservation of our natural botanical heritage and education stands ready to be replicated at the eight lesser-known gardens through a combination of vision, experience, passion – and money.’

Come on Charlize… don’t you want to rock one of these beauts at the next red carpet event?

xoxo