We caught up with Angela Yeung, who is the owner and mastermind behind Impilo Collection – a bespoke jewellery design company located in the heart of Joburg.
Angela’s professionalism and attention to detail really impressed us when we had a piece of jewellery designed and made there this year, and love that Impilo’s highly skilled and talented manufacturing jeweller will forge your unique design crafted with the finest Gold or Platinum precious metals, including your chosen gem stones.
Angela, how long have you been in the jewellery industry, and where did you passion for gems come from?
As a child, I always loved beautiful and colourful adornments. I’d wear elastic and plastic bangles around my wrists and dream of the day when I could create my own real diamond and gold jewellery.
What has been one of the most incredible or different pieces that you have ever designed/created?
My award winning piece in the AngloGold Ashanti gold jewellery design competition. My piece in the Celestial Original competition was an elaborate head piece entitled “Connect”. The handcrafted weight was almost 100 grams of yellow gold.
How is the service you offer at Impilo Collection different to other jewellers?
“Impilo” is an isiZulu word which menas “life”. I believe that every life story is unique and each visit to Impilo should be an equally unique life experience.
My jewellery pieces are a personal work of art – they don’t just tell a story, it tells your story.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to people who are thinking about creating their own jewellery?
Its design should be as unique as you are ! So adorn your life and express your special moments in it.
What piece of jewellery do you wear every day, no matter what?
A piece of my love – a row of yellow cushion diamonds set in classic yellow gold and platinum.
What is your favourite item of clothing in your cupboard right now, that you cannot live without?
A little black dress from Ted Baker (or perhaps the Audrey Hepburn skirt which says “ Nothing is impossible – which implies I’m possible!)
Books or movies – and why?
1000 places to see before you die, I’d love to travel around the world and am counting down how many more places to go before I reach 1000 !
Your favourite South African food or dish – and why?
Bobotie – a combination of sweet and savoury tastes!
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your career – and why?
I’m pleased you asked this question! It is my mentor – a goldsmith from Taiwan, he was very encouraging because he told me that I was very talented. The reason, he said, was because I understood the nature of aesthetics.
The best advice he gave me was to follow my passion with authenticity.
Find out more about the stunning range at Impilo Collection right here…
