The Story of Michel – Where My Love for Jewellery Began

My love for jewellery began long before I ever realised it would become such a big part of my life. As a child in the 1980s, I would go with my grandmother to the bank where she kept her most treasured possessions in a safety deposit box. Inside was a dazzling antique diamond necklace that she wore only for the most special occasions.

I remember how we would giggle together as she lifted the lid, admiring the sparkle of her treasures. Those moments stayed with me — the excitement, the beauty, and the quiet sense of history that each piece carried. When my mother inherited those jewels, I knew that one day they would be passed down to me. It was never about their monetary value but about their story, the memories they held and the way they made you feel when you touched or wore them.

That is where my love for jewellery truly began.

The Creative Spark

When I was sixteen, I chose Art and Jewellery Design as one of my school subjects. I have always been what people call arty farty, a little eccentric, full of flair, and constantly creating something new. I discovered that jewellery design was not just about pretty things; it was about craftsmanship, patience, and passion.

A simple ring could take hours, sometimes days, of cutting, soldering, sanding, and polishing before it became a finished masterpiece. I grew to respect every jewellery designer who poured their heart into every detail.

After finishing school, I dreamed of becoming a jeweller or even a gemologist. But like many dreams of the early 2000s, practicality won over passion. My parents were ordinary working people who made sure we were cared for, but there was not extra money to chase creative dreams. So, I put my jewellery ambitions aside and entered the working world.

A New Chapter – Rediscovering the Spark

Fast forward to 2025 and my mother, newly retired but far from ready to slow down, decided to start making jewellery to keep her mind busy and maybe earn a little extra income. She began creating pieces and selling them at local markets.

When she first told me about it, I laughed and said, “Do not think you are roping me into those weekend markets, I already work one job.” Of course, I had no choice and was soon helping her behind the stall.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed it. The atmosphere was electric, filled with passionate, down-to-earth people from all walks of life, creatives, crafters, dreamers, and storytellers. I felt right at home. As we say in South Africa, local is lekker.

The markets reignited something deep inside me. I found myself sketching designs again, staying up late creating, and feeling alive with inspiration. My mum, always my biggest supporter, encouraged me every step of the way, even buying me materials to start designing my own pieces.

The Birth of Éclat LM

And just like that, Michel was back. My creativity raced ahead like a Formula One car. I designed our business cards, played with names alongside my mum, and before long, Éclat LM was born.

I began sourcing unique materials from Czech glass beads and freshwater pearls to semi-precious stones through friends overseas. Every piece I create is inspired by the beauty of craftsmanship, the joy of colour, and the emotion jewellery evokes.

But more than anything, I wanted to make jewellery that was affordable, beautiful, and meaningful, pieces that make people feel the same way I did as a child admiring my grandmother’s treasures.

The Heart Behind Every Piece

For me, jewellery is not just decoration; it is a connection, to a memory, to a feeling, to a story that becomes part of you. Every bracelet, necklace, and earring I design carries that same spirit. Whether you wear it for a special occasion or every day, I want you to feel confident, joyful, and uniquely you.

Because beauty is not only in the sparkle, it is in the story behind it.