creating a fine reality
Established 2018
Who we are
At Aarts Jewellery Studio we are passionate about innovative designing methods and precision artistry on the bench. We specialize in both custom designs as well as the manufacturing of uniquely crafted fine jewellery pieces. Being based in Bellville in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, we serve a wide variety of clients and no project is too big or too small for our workshop.
We are dedicated to design and produce each jewellery piece with outstanding quality. We pride ourselves in having high levels of attention to intricate detail in the aesthetic of every piece we produce. We also place a high premium on excellent customer service and carefully craft each piece of jewellery to fit the unique style and preference of the client. At Aarts Jewellery Studio every piece of jewellery that we produce truly tells its own unique story.
We are particularly fascinated by the combination of antique and modern contemporary styles of the ‘then and now’ – creating endless possibilities in our repertoire of designs. We also draw inspiration from our natural surroundings – fusing patterns, interesting shapes, earthy textures, and colours together.
The founder of Aarts Jewellery Studio, Andréa Raats, is not only passionate about her craft, but is also equally qualified in her field of study. Andréa studied at Stellenbosch University where she completed her BA degree in Visual Arts: Creative Jewellery Design and Metal Techniques. She also completed the Goldsmith Trade Test where after she obtained her Trade Certificate which was complemented by a two-year Graduate Programme.
Andréa refined her skillset as part of different teams in the jewellery industry for a number of years before bringing Aarts Jewellery Studio to life in 2018. Since then, she has made the jewellery dreams of numerous clients a reality with her one of a kind jewellery pieces.
WHAT WE DO
custom design
We are passionate about creating one of a kind jewellery pieces. Although bound by certain technical practicalities, we truly believe that the sky is the limit when it comes to making your jewellery dreams come true. If you can dream it, we can make it! We source gemstones of the highest quality for our clients, and we specialize in all precious metals – platinum, palladium, all gold alloys (yellow, rose and white) as well as sterling silver.
Remodeling
At Aarts Jewellery Studio, we believe that jewellery should be timeless and timely at the same time. Personal preferences change with seasons and styles and we find joy in recreating old pieces into something new and current. We breathe new life into old jewellery or family heirlooms to change it from ‘something old’ into ‘something new’ that can be passed on and appreciated by generations to come.
Refurbishing
Over time, even the best cared for pieces will be damaged by everyday wear. However, with a little bit of love and care we can restore the former glory of your treasured pieces. Whether it is just for a fresh polish, or for a more detailed inspection of what to be repaired or replaced, we encourage our customers to also trust us with the refurbishment of their everyday jewellery.
Engraving
So much time and effort are put into perfecting each piece of jewellery. Personalising it with an engraving will eternalise both the meaning and message of your precious jewellery.
design process
To allow for individual attention and prior preparation, consultations are by appointment only.
Andréa Raats will personally meet with each client to collaborate and discuss design ideas for their unique piece of jewellery. This allows the client to be involved in the concept designing process and ensures that each customer’s individual style preference is accurately captured from start to finish.
Styles may include, or be a combination of, the following:
Simplistic – (Classic/Modern/Sleek-lined)
Organic – (Floral/Asymmetrical/Artistic)
Antique – (Romantic Vintage Elements/Art Nouveau/Art Deco)
To ensure that our designs are aligned with both your wishes and your wallet, we encourage candid discussion regarding your budget to ensure a perfect fit. There are a multitude of facets that influence the cost of custom-made jewellery.
These facets include factors such as the complexity of the design; the type, quality and cut of gemstones that are sourced as well as the type of metal that is used. Therefore, we discuss budget early on in the process to ensure informed decisions.
Working on a specified budget can present certain challenges. This may often mean that compromises need to be made on the size of the gemstone or type of metal that is used to ensure that we operate within the boundaries of the budget. Among others, the scarcity, size and quality of gemstones will all have an influence on the price. Precious gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires and metal such as platinum and palladium as well as the 18ct alloys are all on the more expensive spectrum of the scale.
At Aarts Jewellery Studio, we have extensive experience and knowledge on all of these aspects and will gladly guide you to decide on the metals and gemstones that best fit your budget and personal preferences.
To ensure that your ring is the perfect fit, we prefer to do the measurements for ring sizes ourselves. Where this is not practically possible, we recommend that our clients visit a jewellery store in their area to measure their ring size. Also take into consideration that the time of day and season of the year can result in fingers being smaller or bigger than usual.
Please note that Aarts Jewellery Studio cannot be held liable for incorrect ring sizes that were not measured by us.
As part of our process, we offer three different concept design options for our clients to choose from that are best aligned with their specific style preference and budget.
Following the review of the three design options, the customer will make their final decision of the design that best suit their needs.
Following confirmation of their decision, a quotation is sent to the client and a 60%-70% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm acceptance of the quotation and initiate the manufacturing process.
We take great care in ensuring that our products meet the highest levels of excellence and accuracy. Therefore, the standard lead-time for the manufacturing process ranges between 3 to 4 weeks to ensure quality craftmanship.