Supplier Sport Light; Phatsima Jewellery Designs

From the moment a man decides to propose to his future wife, to when they make an everlasting commitment in front of their friends and family on their wedding day, a ring is usually at the center of this joyous occasion. Traditionally a symbol of eternity, a ring has no beginning and no end therefore signifies infinity.

Today i am  chatting  with Nontando Molefe, the founder and creative brain behind Phatsima Jewellery Designs, to learn more about what it takes to create awe inspiring jewellery. Besides being super excited about this interview  i am thrilled that Phatsima will be sharing a 10% off  Voucher with our readers. 

      Your Wedding Expert: Tell us a little bit more about Phatsima Jewellery Designs

Nontando Molefe:   Phatsima Jewellery Designs is a company which specializes in high end custom made jewellery.

1     YWE:  When was it established?

NM: The vision of Phatsima has been alive for many years but the company started trading in 2009.

2    YWE: Do you have a formal training in  Jewellery designs and creation, if so tell us more about it?

NM: Yes I do. I have a National Diploma in Jewellery design and manufacturing from the University of Johannesburg. I am currently doing a Post Graduate course of Advanced Jewellery Designing through the Jewellery Council and Damlin.

1     YWE: What influences your designs and from where do you draw your inspiration?

NM: I draw inspiration from everything around me which catches my attention such as nature, culture, current trends and I also love ornate patterns. My main inspiration is from my clients. It is amazing how each person is different and each client always takes me to a different place and I absolutely love that! All Phatsima clients have a unique piece of jewellery which has their own personal touch.

2    YWE: What is a typical design process like at Phatsima, when designing engagement and wedding rings for a couple? Take us through the process, from the first correspondence with a couple to the finished custom piece

       NM:  

•      The process begins with a phone call. I speak to the client about what they are looking for.
• ·    I then send them an email of different wedding ring designs for them to choose from and we schedule a meeting. Some clients already know what they want and there is no need to send them new designs.
•      During the meeting we finalise the designs, the gem stones sizes and the quality they would like, ring sizing as well as the budget.
•       I then send a quotation of their final ideal rings within 4 working days depending on how rare the diamond is. If the ring is a completely new concept I send sketches of the design with the quotation.
•           Once the client is happy with their choice and the price I then require a 50% deposit to start the manufacturing process.
•       Week 1 of the manufacturing process:  Depending on the complexity of the design I send the client a 3D design of how the ring will look and I only proceed once given a go head from the client. The 3D design shows you exactly how the final product will look. We then print and    manufacture the jewellery and order the required diamonds
•       Week 2: The client is given an update of the manufacturing process
•       Week 3: The client is given the day in which the jewellery piece will be ready and we prepare    for collection.
•        The balance is then settled before the rings are collected or delivered to the client.

1     YWE: How long does it take to design and create a custom piece?

      NM: The design process takes 1 week and the manufacturing process takes 3 weeks.

2    YWE: What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

NM: My high lights have been designing jewellery for well established companies such Anglo Gold and the African Coin Mint company. This year I was one of the top 5 jewellery designers in the country for The Jewellex Africa Show stopper Jewellery Design Competition. 

1     YWE: What are the latest trends in jewellery for brides?

NM: Halo rings are currently a huge trend. A Halo ring is a ring with a centre stone and small diamonds surrounding the stone. This design can be done with your favourite diamond cut for the centre. Ladies love this style because it makes the main ring stand out. Brides are also not afraid of colour and making a statement with their ring these days. One can have a Sapphire, Centrine or Emerald cut centre stone with white diamonds surrounding gem stone. This style can be done with a thin band encrusted with diamonds or one can have a unique design on the band which will make them stand out from the rest.

2    YWE: What has been your most popular piece of jewellery with couples in 2015?

NM: A halo ring in platinum with diamonds has been the most popular piece for the ladies and a platinum ring for the gents. 

1     YWE: What advice would you give a couple looking to have their wedding rings custom made?

NM: Having a ring custom made is the best decision you can ever make for yourself because of the following reasons:

1. You will be wearing your ring every day for the rest of your life. It is important to get a ring that you will love and not one that will make you think of ways to change it every time you look at it.
2.  A custom made ring is made to fit your finger perfectly. This is great especially for ladies rings because a ring that has been sized more than 2 sizes up or down makes the setting more fragile and there is a high chance of your diamonds falling off in the near future.
3. You have the opportunity of designing something you love and you don’t have to settle for what is available.
4.  And you can control your budget!

YWE: What is your advice on wedding ring care to ensure that shine and quality are retained?

Please take good care of your jewellery even the platinum jewellery. Yes platinum is the harder wearing and strongest of all the precious metals BUT that does not mean you should be hard on your jewellery piece, it will get damaged!! Avoid doing hard labour with your rings such as gardening and moving heavy furniture because the pressure can damage your ring.

Gem stones and diamonds can look a bit milky after some time; this is just oil and chemical build up. To remove it pour boiling water in a cup with 2 drops of sunlight dish washing liquid. Put your jewellery in the hot soap water for about 3 minutes then take your ring and clean it with an old tooth brush. Rinse and dry your jewellery with clean dry tissue.

If you have more than 4 pieces of precious jewellery, Sterling silver included, I advise that you purchase a jewellery cleaning solution which we sell for R150.

Depending on the acidity of your body white gold rings change colour after some time, they have a light yellow colour showing. This means that you have to take your ring for a service and it will be Rhodium plaited. We do this service for R350 per ring.  With Platinum this does not happen. Your ring stays white forever.

To see more of  Nontando's gorgeous jewellery. visit  Phatsima Jewellery Designs  Here, and below is  that 10% Voucher