Multiple-strand necklace with lapis lazuli, carnelian, almond-shaped, briolette-cut citrines, and yellow gold, made to order.
Multiple-strand necklace with lapis lazuli, carnelian, almond-shaped, briolette-cut citrines, and yellow gold, made to order.
Image: Charles Greig

Beads have undoubtedly made a comeback, adding a dose of energy, lightness, and optimism to fashion. We’re not talking just any beaded jewellery, however — our eyes are focused on the highly customised pieces crafted from gemstones that are carefully selected to create beautiful, wearable works of art. For these pieces, you need to know that the stones are authentic and high quality.

Nine-strand necklace with citrine, amethyst, acid-green quartz, peridot, prasiolite, turquoise, and carnelian, R35 000.
Nine-strand necklace with citrine, amethyst, acid-green quartz, peridot, prasiolite, turquoise, and carnelian, R35 000.
Image: Charles Greig
Double-row necklace with prasiolite, rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, smoky and lemon quartz, and rose gold, made to order.
Double-row necklace with prasiolite, rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, smoky and lemon quartz, and rose gold, made to order.
Image: Charles Greig

Gerald Leuchtenberger of Charles Greig travels the world in search of unique and quality gemstones, the mix of which ultimately determines the piece. “We source our beads from different places. Most recently, I travelled to India where there are families that specialise in specific gems. Each gem is hand-polished, so there is no uniformity in the beads — that is the beauty of these necklaces.”

For a necklace such as the 40-strand one, it takes about three weeks to hand-thread the specially sourced silk strands through the beads. By adding a knot between each bead, the necklace is able to move and drape softly like a scarf — another exceptional skill that shows off the depth and complexity of the stones. 

Forty-strand necklace with cognac, black, and yellow diamonds, facetted black spinel, smoky quartz, citrine, and yellow gold, R130 000.
Forty-strand necklace with cognac, black, and yellow diamonds, facetted black spinel, smoky quartz, citrine, and yellow gold, R130 000.
Image: Charles Greig

 From the 2021/2022 edition of Wanted Watches, Jewellery and Luxury.

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