Chris de Beer on designing jewellery with a cultural inspiration

Durban designer Chris de Beer is interested in designing jewellery that reflects the culturally rich aspects of Zulu heritage. At Design Indaba Conference 2006 the award-winning jewellery designer speaks about his jewellery-making processes.

After discovering crafters and traders who create Izimbadada, traditional Zulu shoes made from old car tyres, De Beer started making bangles, necklaces and keyrings using this material, as well as promotional products for Absolut Vodka. He also works with other unusual materials such as number plates. On the other end of the spectrum, De Beer designs jewellery using more traditional items such as beads, to reflect traditional Zulu colours and patterns.