KATANNUTA DIAMONDS X CHOCOLOZA
BESPOKE DIAMOND JEWELLERY MEETS HANDMADE LUXURY CHOCOLATE IN SOUTH AFRICA
A collaboration between a bespoke diamond jewellery brand and a handmade luxury chocolate company might at first glance not be the most obvious. But for two South African women entrepreneurs who are passionate about luxury and a bespoke approach to their businesses, it’s a creative match made in heaven. Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds and Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza, have just launched an exciting new collaboration, and its all on the theme of chocolate.
On the evening of 20 June, enthusiastic chocolate and diamond lovers gathered at the Chocoloza chocolate studio at the trendy 44 Stanley in Johannesburg for a unique VIP Chocolate and Diamond Launch, organised by bespoke diamond jewellery brand, Katannuta Diamonds in collaboration with Chocoloza. Speaking about this unique event, Katannuta Diamonds founder, Clare Appleyard said: “Whilst everybody is familiar with white, or colourless diamonds, fewer people know of coloured diamonds or how they form. Diamonds are the purest gemstone on earth, made solely of Carbon atoms, but the presence of atomic impurities in the crystal structure will give rise to different colours. Uniquely, brown (or “Chocolate”) diamonds form by a totally different process, one that involves a structural rearrangement of the carbon atoms.”
Diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle, under conditions of extremely high temperatures and pressures. Under these extreme temperatures, the carbon atoms can become mobile and may become “dislocated” from their neighbouring atoms, an effect known as “plastic deformation”. These defects in the crystal lattice of the diamond affect the way the electrons absorb light, giving rise to rich, velvety brown coloured diamonds. Mined predominantly in Australia and South Africa, these brown diamonds have been given names as diverse as “Chocolate”, “Cognac” and “Champagne”, terms that are far better suited to the sumptuousness of these gems. Available in a range of colours from light to dark browns, the richer the colour, the more expensive the diamond will be.”
The lattice re-arrangement that leads to the formation of these gorgeous Chocolate diamonds is not far removed from the process of tempering chocolate, in which the crystal structure of the cocoa butter is manipulated, a process mastered by Vicki Bain of Chocoloza. After discovering Chocoloza through Lionesses of Africa, Clare recognized that their gorgeous chocolates formed the perfect backdrop for photographs of Chocolate diamond jewellery, and an inspired collaboration was born. Chocoloza has developed two unique chocolates for Katannuta Diamonds and all future Katannuta Diamond clients will be gifted with a box of these chocolates. Katannuta Diamonds showcased its new Chocolate & Cognac diamond jewellery at this special collaborative launch event, with designs inspired by the rich palettes of Chocoloza’s chocolate masterpieces.
“Just as our Chocolate Diamond jewellery is a luxury item designed uniquely for each individual, so too are Chocoloza’s luxury chocolates individually hand-made, so a collaboration between the two brands was almost inevitable”, says Katannuta Diamonds co-founder Clare Appleyard. “The Chocoloza ladies have a similar commitment to excellence and with a similar client base to ours, we look forward to driving our brands forward together.”
About Katannuta Diamonds
Katannuta Diamonds is an independent jewellery design and manufacturing company, formed in 2007 by Clare Appleyard and based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is an online jewellery store specializing in the design and manufacture of diamond rings, engagement rings, wedding rings and most diamond jewellery, all manufactured to order. Additionally, the company has large supplies of loose gemstones such as tanzanite, rubies, sapphires and other precious and semi-precious gems. Katannuta Diamonds works closely with its clients to ensure that they receive exceptional service and the company’s wholesale approach yields savings of up to 50% on equivalent retail items of jewellery. Katannuta Diamonds is uniquely partnered with one of the largest and oldest South African diamond suppliers, well known for their quality supply of loose diamonds to leading jewellery retail stores as well as the Duty Free stores at South Africa’s international airports. As such, Katannuta Diamonds has access to one of the largest inventories of loose diamonds in South Africa, allowing it to offer its valued clients significant savings.
Website www.katannutadiamonds.co.za
About Chocoloza
Chocoloza is winning fans with its pralines which are handmade with pure Belgian chocolate, the best South African ingredients and a serious dose of passion and craftsmanship. What makes the chocolates Belgian is more than just the chocolate, it’s also how it’s done. Chocoloza continues the tradition of Belgian chocolates, and combines it with the best that South Africa has to offer. The country has the best fruits and nuts in the world and what better way to combine them than in chocolate? The Chocoloza team, led by founder and passionate chocolatier Vicki Bain, hand-make all the chocolates right where you can see them and the workshop is part of the shop which is nestled under the trees at 44 Stanley, the beautifully restored precinct at 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark in Johannesburg.
Website www.chocoloza.co.za
Read their startup stories
Clare Appleyard, a South African geologist turned entrepreneur creating diamond jewellery for those special life moments
Who doesn't love diamonds? These fascinating precious stones that are infused with so many stories, memories, dreams on the part of the owners and wearers. For Clare Appleyard, her love for and extensive technical knowledge of the diamond industry led her to launch her own business, Katannuta Diamon
Vicki Bain, a South African chocolatier taking the country by storm with her unique brand of Belgian chocolates with a truly African twist
For all true chocolate lovers out there who are constantly on the search for the purest of taste sensations and the highest quality ingredients, there is a new, proudly African brand that is getting people talking. Chocoloza , the brainchild of entrepreneur and passionate chocolatier, Vicki Bain, c
Event photo gallery
Image Credits: Photographer, Nira Sklair - Read Nira's startup story
