Meraki Jewellery Design

meraki [may-rah-kee] (adj.): a word that modern Greeks use to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love  — putting “something of yourself” into your work.

Megan Keyser, owner and founder of Meraki, mindfully creates pieces of jewellery that each of us wish to adorn. We asked Megan some questions about her brand and this is what she had to say.

Can you give us a two-liner intro to you and your brand, Meraki Jewellery Design.

Hi hello, I'm Megan Keyser; owner, head designer, maker, administrator, packaging person and all round boss lady of Meraki Jewellery. 

I am a Cape Town-based designer who completed my degree in Jewellery Design and Manufacture at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. Meraki Jewellery Design was formed at the start of 2013.

In your opinion, what is so special about Meraki?

Each Meraki Jewellery Design piece is handcrafted using raw stones, sterling silver and recycled brass. Myself and my team create delicate, timeless pieces that draws inspiration from geometric forms, travels and an appreciation for well made objects and heirlooms. I think that this approach, as opposed to making pieces that are on merely trendy at the time, makes us special.

How would you describe Meraki’s Jewellery?

Meraki jewellery pieces range from playful to effortlessly elegant, always with a subtle, sophisticated edge. Each piece is designed to age with grace and serves as an affirmation of each wearer's personal style.

Every piece of jewellery is hand made with care and given special attention to detail, embracing natural imperfections of the hand at work and staying true to the beauty of the materials used. 

How do you and the team make the magic happen at Meraki?

There was a time when I used to make every single piece myself, but growth soon outgrew this model and so, to keep up with demand whilst maintaining a high standard of service, an amazing team now supports me to make your dream designs come to life. ⁠

Since most custom pieces we make are different and depending on what is required by the client, we also work with trusted jewellers out-of-house. These include Cape Town-based artisan tradesmen and women for stone setting, hand engraving and other bespoke finishing that the design may call for. I don’t have space here to thank everyone one by one, but you know who you are!⁠ It really takes a village to make magic happen. I am very grateful for this.

Describe your role of being both head designer and the owner (which we know comes with a lot of admin tasks).

As owner and head designer of Meraki Jewellery, I personally design every piece, source and hand select every single stone. I do all the client facing emails and consultations to ensure that I am in control of every detail that goes into your custom design from start to finish.⁠

If you could tell a potential customer one thing, what would it be?

When you purchase a piece from us, it allows us to keep growing and doing what we love every single day, and for that we can't thank you enough! ⁠

Any words of wisdom for other small local businesses, or those looking to start out?

Owning your own business is hard, you will question yourself and you will fall hard and often, but if you really want it, none of that will keep you down. If you are fighting for something that you are truly love, you will find a way. Start small, push hard and definitely don't settle! 

Megan also offers a bespoke service specialising in custom designed and hand crafted commitment, engagement and wedding rings.

Browse the collection on www.merakijewellerydesign.com or take a peek at the beautifully curated @merakijewellerydesign Instagram feed - but be warned, you might feel the urge to buy the entire collection.