Peep into Katy Valentine’s workshop

Katy Valentine working her magic in her cozy workshop

We’d like to pretend we’re above snooping, but who are we kidding? We love it! So, when Katy Valentine agreed to give us a tour, after incessant pestering on our part, we certainly couldn’t turn down the offer – that would be plain rude. So, while she sat sketching out her next masterpiece, we grabbed our cup of Rooibos and cheekily poked about.

All of our favorite sparkles on display

Katy’s workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa doubles up as a showroom for her intricately handcrafted collections. Just like her jewelry, the space is tranquil and uplifting with beautiful soft touches dotted throughout. Striking indigenous protea flowers bloom in a vase, the aroma of ylang ylang fills the air and soothing music plays in the background, a contrasting respite from the vibrant ambience of the neighboring businesses.

A cross cultural workspace to inspire cross cultural jewelry

Surrounded by her favorite things, Katy says her workshop allows her to feel free to be herself, explore and create using materials with which she feels a connection. Materials just as tickling tassels and colorful Indian crystals that we could totally devour. It may not be a setting for some of our more devilish endeavors, but it’s definitely one that more than quenches our sparkle obsession and love of moderately priced, easy to wear African and Oriental inspired jewelry.