We caught up with FreeRange Jewels’ design consultant Jodie Figg to talk jewellery, wildlife and the move to a new store!
What makes FreeRange Jewels so unique?
freeRange Jewels combines the classic elements of fine jewellery with the freedom of original design. Using only precious materials in unusual combinations, we hand-make our jewels with character and spirit to the highest quality. We do not conform to what is perceived as acceptable design practice, keeping us open to growth in all aspects. freeRange has its own workshop with skilled craftsmen and decades of experience, which removes any possible limitations to what can be designed and created.
FreeRange Jewels’ workshop produces hand-finished pieces – what’s the secret behind the astounding attention to detail?
This would be due to the owner and designer of freeRange JEWELS, Marelé Moolman. She manages the workshop; designs are thoroughly thought through and pieces analysed during and after production. This hands-on approach ensures that pieces designed for freeRange and our clients are the best of their original inspired ideas, with function, detail, beauty and quality.
We love that you’ve done a couple of collections, namely African Honey Bee and Riverine Rabbit, in support of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Why is the preservation of SA’s wildlife so dear to the heart of FreeRange Jewels?
We are great lovers of animals and wildlife and are all too aware of the impact we have on our environment! We have created pieces to encourage an awareness to tread lightly on our planet. There will be continuous support from freeRange Jewels, donating a proceed percentage to an appropriate campaign.
FreeRange Jewels has been growing since 2007. Are there any special stories about creating a unique piece for a client?
Absolutely! Due to our open-minded nature, we are regularly approached with very creative requests. On the sentimental side we have combined family heirlooms collected over five generations into a single neckpiece and have cast components of a vintage wristwatch into resin as a pendant. We are often in tears with clients who are overcome with emotion when collecting these types of creations.
On the romantic front we have laminated hair strands between perspex and have transferred a toddler’s first drawing on to a pendant. Pieces created as a surprise are a personal favourite and here we have gone to great lengths to find out preferences and finger sizes without letting the cat out of the bag.
The FreeRange Jewels concept studio will be relocating come the 1st of July. Tell us more about this exciting move…
It is so exciting as it signifies the growth and development our brand has gone through over the past years. Our new studio will be situated on Somerset Square in Green Point, adjacent to the workshop. We will be actualising a dream space to consult with clients while offering our ever-growing collection of freeRange JEWELS to the public to admire and purchase. More attention will be paid to our ecommerce offering as well as our amazing stockists (current and new).
Photography Courtesy