Kirsten Goss is one of life’s passionate people. From Parma ham and pink Prosecco, to the complexities of South African politics, or how art and objects express our identities, Kirsten has a joie de vivre of note. Throwing out conventional jewellery clichés without compromising on quality and value, she firmly believes jewellery speaks volumes about a person’s identity. With a degree in jewellery design and gemmology from the University of Stellenbosch, Kirsten is rigorous in her approach to design, sourcing and production. Her true passion lies in the combinations of stones and metals. “I find extreme beauty in the simple, conceptual and almost post-modern pieces; whilst at the same time being attracted to heavily embellished, over the top styles oozing with romance.” Kirsten’s passion and brand vision do not overwhelm her own style mantra – “it is all in the detail”…
 

1. Diamonds or Pearls? Typically, I’d steer clear of them both. However, if you thrust me an obscenely gigantic and rare specimen, I’d do either. Call me spoilt.
2. Leather or lace? I refuse. I would no sooner part with my vintage, two-tone Hermes filo or cutesy Catherine Deane lace dress than swallow a swarm of bees.
3. One thing we would never guess about you? I was a passionate flamenco dancer.
4. What inspires you? Designers that don’t sell out by doing diffusion ranges in ordinary department stores.
5. Your seasonal “must- have”? Janet Colin’s Baby Juliana (in petrol blue) handbag. www.janetcollin.com
6. Favourite City? Impossible. But if I was held over a barrel, I’d say NYC for its million-mile-an-hour sensory overload.
7. A book you would recommend? Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin. Now that is determination in the face of adversity. Inspirational and enlightening stuff.
8. Most treasured piece of jewellery? My golden sapphire and organic yellow gold engagement and wedding rings.
9. Favourite item of clothing? A Marianne Fassler frock made for Cape Town fashion week one year that is a heavenly conglomeration of tie-dyed tulle, sari fabric and sequinned shwe-shwe. Petrol blues, golds, greens with hot raspberry highlights.
10. A “pearl of wisdom”? Never take a no from someone who isn’t authorised to say yes in the first place!

The answers to the questions remain true to those being interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the personal views and beliefs of the Editor