On Mettle

Once in a while,
I stumble upon a fairy tale.
As with all such tales,
this begins once upon a time...

Once upon a time there were two princesses of the fashion world. Although their kingdoms were far apart, they were close friends. One lived in a northern land of haute couture; it was as famous for defining 'vogue' as it was for its mouth-watering croissants. The other lived in an open land stretched out under a magnificent southern sky. It was a treasure chest filled with captivating semi-precious stones and valuable metals.

The princesses enjoyed visiting each other's realms. On one such occasion, the princess from the southern lands wore an exquisite piece of jewellery. It was a bracelet crafted out of silver, and shimmered with vivacity. The princess from the north greatly admired the piece. Although she was meant to depart in three days time, she requested that a similar piece be created for her to wear. The crafters set to work immediately and speedily gathered the necessarily materials. They then worked with much care to create a special piece of jewellery just for the visiting princess.

They worked tirelessly and the project was completed just in time. The northern princess returned to her realm, adorned with a unique and magical creation, crafted just for her. When she was back home she noticed that the jewellery garnered a lot of attention. Strangers commented on the magnificence of the piece, and were captivated by its charming character. There was something enchanting about the jewellery and the silver seemed to have a life of its own. The admirers mentioned that they too would enjoy wearing a piece of magic...

The two princesses discussed this. They had both experienced the charm of the jewellery, and they couldn't resist the idea of sharing their creations. They set out to ensure that any one's who heart desired this jewellery could find a piece especially for them. Now anyone who appreciates the art of these gorgeous pieces may find themselves living happily ever after…

And that is the story of two friends: Vonne based in Cullinan, South Africa and Aurore Besson, based in Paris, France. It is the tale of how their creations are catching the eye of the niche, high fashion industry.

"I have always been a silver person," explains Vonne. "I'm not a silversmith and I'm not a designer; I'm a creator of silver jewellery." She speaks passionately, her hands swirl about and a collection of bangles jingle up and down her arm. "I understand and feel silver" she runs the tips of her fingers across the tips of her thumbs, as if the ideas she shares are tangible. "All our pieces are handcrafted – each item has its own feel and flow". There is a rawness, an energy to pieces that are created in this manner. They are not cast imitations formed by a common mould; the lack of restrictions leaves scope for unique features.

Vonne and Aurore's creations have found a place in a niche, high-end market. The jewellery finds its way into the hands of international designers such as Dries Von Noten and onto the shelves of boutiques such as Dover Street Market. "These are objects of style and passion. Objet d'art," says Vonne. The pieces reflect a feel of fashion, but they are timeless and their appeal extends beyond the end of a season. The pieces are also designed to reflect the spirit of the wearer.

"We want people to have an emotional connection with a piece," explains Vonne. Each person's understanding of a piece will be unique as different people have different interpretations. Vonne wants the pieces to eventually become an extension of the person wearing it. "When someone says to me 'I bought this piece and I simply can't it off! It's a part of me.' I can't tell you what that means to me." It is interesting to note that the first piece sold (at Dover Street Market) was sold to a South African woman. Vonne looks at me and asks, "Have you ever tried to explain the African sky to a foreigner? What makes it beautiful?" She smiles, "It just is."

I ask who she'd like to see wearing her creations. "I love people and want them all to have a cuff of their own," she smiles while subconsciously playing with her own silver bracelet. "I would want everyone to own one. I'd be honoured if I saw Madonna wearing one." Lenny's Kravitz's name also comes up and I begin to form an understanding of the type of person these designs are for. It's definitely those with a keen sense of fashion; the leaders and definers of fashion. I wouldn't say the 'trendy' though, there's a timeless quality to the pieces. "Oh, Princess Charlotte," Vonne adds. "When she's holidaying on her yacht off the Sardinian I want to see our cuff on her wrist. I also love Sardinia. Oh, and she also loves horses, like me."

Extensive travel opportunities when Vonne was younger play an important role in inspiring her. "I was blessed to have travelled alone. I collected so many beautiful pieces; pieces that really spoke to me. I saw so much creativity while I was alone and had the space to see."

Vonne's style of creating comes from a sense for elements that work well together, and guiding a process of creation that finds the composite elements coming together to form a unique whole. "I know the soul of that thing," she elaborates. She remembers one of her first creations. While still at school she passed a shop and a salt and pepper cellar set caught her eye. They were made of a gorgeous power shell and shaped like a bishop's hat. She traces the form in the air with her hands. "I loved the shape. For me it is always about the shape. That is how I choose the stones we use". She bought the set and took them to a jeweller. She asked him to make them into earrings, following the shape.

Vonne works with designers based on a brief that comes through from a client. "It is exciting working with these designers. They really push you creatively." The semi precious stones that are used to adorn the silver are chosen for their shape and colour. The stones are individually selected and carefully matched together to enhance each piece of jewellery. "They are made with honesty and love and passion," explains Vonne. Only two or three items are worked on at a time.

After being so intimately involved with the jewellery, I wonder if she doesn't feel sad to see the pieces go. "We create pieces which are to be picked up, touched, felt and loved," she explains. "The fashion houses of the world are showing interest in the jewellery. The pieces are travelling to the iconic capitals of fashion: from London to Paris and Milan, to Tokyo. Vonne highlights one of the best things for her as being working with top names when it comes to the designers and the stores. They are an important driving force. "I am also so proud of a piece when it is finished. I enjoy seeing how this has evolved and I look forward to seeing where it is going."

The fairy tale, it would seem, has only just begun.