Kim Dyason, fine jeweller, goldsmith, mentor and entrepreneur is the owner of Studio 39 Jewellery Design in Kloof and founder of Jewellers by Design. One of her greatest achievements says Kim is being in business for 29 years as of July 2023, which has been a huge milestone to reach.

Kim was only 15 years old when she was offered a job in a jewellery store during the December school holidays. She said that she grabbed the opportunity, and as she loved the experience, she worked there every school holiday and every Saturday. On matriculating, she was offered an apprenticeship at the bench by the shop owner who was a qualified goldsmith and hand engraver.

Having mentored many people through nearly 30 years of owing her own business and seeing some of them go on and open their own businesses is another of her achievements. Kim has one staff member who has been with her almost 20 years.

Kim’s passion is engaging with clients and designing bespoke, unique pieces that are timeless, wearable works of art. From the initial consult, through the design journey to proudly presenting the completed heirloom piece that evokes fabulous reactions, she is very hands on, and loves dealing with her clients one on one. Nothing gets lost in translation, the passion Kim’s clients have for their design is received as an energy that cannot be translated down a production line. She is part of every step in the process, leaving nothing to chance. She added that when she is designing for clients, she likes to get a feel for who they are.

Kim explained, “Great love is poured into every piece, and I understand the sentimental meaning behind every piece. I want to create something that’s going to be meaningful for you. It’s not about me. I want to see smiles on people’s faces when they put on their piece of jewellery. I sell happiness. It’s so special.”

Many of her clients are now firm friends and are based all around the globe. A family jeweller is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity these days. It involves so much more than just trust.

“I am part of every milestone and memorable moment in their lives, I get to help make dreams a reality and capture special moments in what becomes a treasured heirloom to future generations. A great honour I now have is that so many of my clients’ children and grandchildren are now starting their own memorable journeys, which I will be part of.”

The Studio 39 Jewellery Design can also remodel old jewellery or produce a new item using their clients’ stones.

Inspiration in Nature
Kim explains that for her design work she looks for inspiration in her love of nature. “I love nature. I get a lot of inspiration from nature and natural gemstones. I find that if I’m designing for myself the stone tells me what it wants to be.”

Recently selected as one of KZN’s Top Business Women for 2023, she designed a beautiful gold pendant to wear for the gala event. As you will always find fresh orchids displayed in Kim’s shop, this spectacular pendant was based on the indigenous orchid Aerangis mystacidii, which is found in KZN. Kim used some licence to make the orchid larger than life. This elaborate pendant is a prime example of what Kim and her goldsmiths can produce.

Currently, Kim is collaborating with people who aren’t jewellery designers but have creative concept ideas. She added that working with them to create jewellery that they can go on and make an income from is ‘absolutely divine’. “My daughter is a zoologist, her range is Pangolin inspired, so she can give back to her community, donate to wildlife and create employment. There’s just so many ways you can give back and be creative at the same time.”

Jewellers by Design
One of the challenges from earlier days, Kim would say was that jewellery manufacture was very much a man’s world when she started. She found that nobody wanted to share trade secrets or help with any information, not even amongst themselves. “And I don’t agree with that way of thinking”.

During Covid lockdown, and having time to reflect and strategise, Kim decided that living by design and not default was her aim and wanted to give back. Jewellers by Design provides an environment that empowers aspiring jewellers and designers to achieve their goal of owning their own business, while working in a nurturing environment incorporating experienced leaders in the jewellery industry.

This new branch will concentrate on mentoring other up and coming designers and jewellers from all walks of life regardless of race, creed and background. Experience, skill and empathy play a huge role in mentoring the newcomers. “I believe small businesses that employ locals are the backbone of the economy. Small businesses should stand together and see where they can work collaboratively, combining skills and experience to uplift the communities around us and in so doing creating jobs and improving lives,” Kim concluded.