Scarab Memories

In celebration of our 30 year anniversary, we invited our valued customers to share their memories of their Scarab journey! Entering the next era of Scarab – our fourth decade of designing bespoke pieces for our wonderful clients.

A heart pendant with one side of diamonds and the other side rubies ! A piece I wear with love and will treasure forever ! Thank you for your brilliance in jewellery design and bringing such “ sparkle “ into my life ! Congratulations on celebrating 30 years of sheer excellence and individuality in the jewellery world ! May you continue on the journey of success you so deserve ! You are an inspiration to us all! – Carol Drysdale

After my first son, Nicholas (now 24) was born, I decided I wanted a locket, but one with a difference. I wondered if Janine could make one with a stone on the outside. Hinges were apparently an issue, and she came up with my two- sided locket which is perfect. A locket with a difference! The featured picture has changed over the years, and it always provokes interest and compliments. And I love it. My wish list? How much time do you have? Anything from Scarab. I love to add another opal to my opal necklace. Any thin gemstone bracelet. I’ll be back. – Jacky Searle

Janine has a unique way of interpreting a brief. She listens carefully, is respectful, but also adds her own interpretation. She is a true professional and immensely talented. When it came to our wedding rings, we knew that as a more mature couple we were not interested in solitaires or encrusted diamond rings. Rather we wanted an elegant, but solid and definite set of rings that spoke of strength and simplicity. Janine’s design was, from the start, perfect. The rings are a combination of white and yellow gold bands, and they speak to each other… a pure joy. After ten years of marriage, we thought it would be lovely to celebrate with a diamond ring… so back to Janine we went. We wanted two diamonds to represent our union, also in a simple setting. Janine acquired a few absolutely beautiful diamonds for us to choose from, and then designed the ring to celebrate their elegance. I was not planning to wear this ring with my wedding band…but I couldn’t resist it. Now they live happily together and I smile every time I look at them. -Anya van der Mervwe and Dirk Elzinga

My Scarab story begins when the wonderful Lindsay Dorrington came to live in Grahamstown. Every time I saw Linds, she had a beautiful, unique jewelled creation either around her neck, her wrist or ears! Lindsay told us about her friend Janine and Scarab jewellery but, more importantly she told my husband! I have, because of them and, of course, Janine and Scarab, some stunning pieces or uniquely ‘me’. I wear the magnificent ‘Squid’ ring everyday – it’s diamonds reminding me of my mother and grandmother and Craig’s penchant for the number twenty-two! But, it is, my single pearl necklace that I love the most. Each day it hangs around my neck reminding me of some of my favourite people, their brilliant craftsmanship, artistic flair and love. Thank you for spreading such joy, Janine and Scarab, to all of us who feel that much happier when wearing our pieces of Scarab! – Debbie Andrew

I remember Scarab from over 25 years ago, as I lived in Nuttall Road Observatory in the 1990s, and the little Scarab shop was a short walk away. I used to love popping in to this little gem (excuse the pun). When my boyfriend proposed in 1998 in Riebeek Kasteel (another of our humble, arty, favourite spots before it became well-known) my engagement ring was a plain band that he had purchased from your Obz shop, but I didn’t get a ring made there as I wanted something vintage. However, my fiancé bought me earRINGs there instead, as an engagement gift. They’re still my favourite pair! Over the years I have added a few timeless pieces to my Scarab collection, even when I moved to London. You even made me a custom daisy pendant from your earring collection.; and this was my ‘gold star’ gift when I left teaching at Camps Bay Primary. Scarab jewellery is pretty much all I love to wear, every day. The Claremont shop is lovely, but my heart lies with memories of the Obz shop and a very young Janine! – Shaun and Ingrid van Oudtshoorn

On my 30th Birthday I decided to ask the man of my dreams to be my husband. Not only was Scarab a part of this moment, but the Scarab family were part of getting me to this point. Like the unique pieces produced by Scarab, the owner and very dear person to me are one of a kind and truly amazing. Janine was a solid rock in my uncertain years and helped me to be comfortable with the person I was meant to be. The bracelets remind me that love is love and when linked right can last for a lifetime. It truly is beautiful and the most personalised item I probably will ever own. Scarab was at our wedding in two beautiful rings made and chosen by Janine as well. Also completely reflecting Gihan and I. I am so grateful to be a part of the Scarab family and love them to bits. – Grant and G

I’d ogled the Scarab silver bracelet for ages before getting it about 30 years ago – silver circles and little gold links, absolutely gorgeous. I’ve had many Scarab purchases since then and even though I haven’t lived in South Africa for about 35 years, I would never buy jewellery from anywhere else. Janine and the wonderful team have been amazing about revamping pieces, altering sizes and even converting earrings to a necklace. When I turned 60 a few years ago, the beautiful chain and heart pendant in the photograph were my prezzie. And Janine came up with the gorgeous earrings (incredible mandarin garnets) last year to match a necklace my mum had owned for years and gave me. It’s hard to narrow down my Scarab wishlist – I love the flat oval silver chunky bracelet and the silver moonstone stacking ring.My mum, my sister, my sister-in-law and my daughter also all love Scarab – we all feel so lucky to be part of the Scarab family. – Debra Cleveland

The first piece of jewellery that I got from Scarab was a long pearl necklace featuring a silver scarab. I loved it the moment I saw it and when I’m not wearing it I keep it hanging on my mirror so that I can see it every day. Since then I have been lucky enough to have a few bespoke pieces made – including my engagement ring – as well as accumulating a beautiful collection of earrings . I’m a self confessed magpie where jewellery is concerned and I’m pleased to say that my daughter seems to be cut from the cloth. I hope I will be able to leave a very special Scarab Collection to her one day. Every piece I have has a story and evokes a memory. I plan to continue collecting these amazing little works of art 💜. – Cath Dallas

I know she sometimes thinks WTF! when i ask for a new SCARAB jewel but my unique piece of jewellery is exactly the way i dreamed of. I have an absolute stunning collection of SCARAB jewels that i treasure and love. A wonderful legacy to leave or my daughter Giselle, who I know will treasure and love as much as I do. Janine, you enrich my life and inspire me soo soo much. Your jewels bring me so much joy. On tough days i “play” — touch, hold and admire your jewellery, and they brighten my day instantly. – Helga du Randt

I was very privileged to work in the office of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Whenever he returned from a trip he would bring presents for all the members of his staff – woolen gloves, scarves, chocolates – and after one trip to the east he returned with gifts of strung pearls.When my necklace broke I took it to Jeanine and asked her todesign different necklaces incorporating the pearls for each of our three granddaughters, as well as a ring for me.Each girl now has a beautiful heirloom piece of Scarab jewellery with a very special provenance. – Anne Field

I think I first ‘bumped’ into Scarab in 1994 when they were in a small shop in Observatory. When I walked past I always took some time looking at the jewellery…. At this stage of my life I really didn’t have extra money for jewellery but always looked and wished I could have. The 2nd time was a few years later when they had moved to a house in Observatory and this was when I first had some jewellery re made. From this time on they were my jewellers of choice. I loved the simplicity of design and the brilliant workmanship. – Jacqueline Wessels

I’d known Janine a few years, we were connected by our love of jewellery, when I asked her to rework this piece. I’m a magpie and collect all sorts of pieces, some because I want to wear them and others because I see the beauty in some elements. Janine knows just how to convert those elements into the most unique and special pieces. I bought an Italian hand carved cameo many years ago and it just stayed in my jewellery box unworn. It felt a bit old fashioned and not my style. I told Janine about it and she came up with the most beautiful idea to convert it into a bracelet that I treasure and wear. It feels current and I just love every single detail. There is gorgeous engraving on the rose gold bars holding the chain and then the last little touch of the Scarab charm reminds me of her creativity in the converting of old into new. No one else has a piece just like this one and I’ll treasure it forever. – Jacky Boy

My first visit to Scarab was the quaint little shop in Obs. Janine designed this exquisite dragon bracelet for my daughter Lauren’s 21 st birthday. Over time I have collected so many beautiful pieces – often after hinting to my darling ‘hubcap’ for special occasions. – Lee Kingma

It was way back in 1995 that I received my first Scarab gift for my 50 th birthday. Quite the most stunning bespoke piece of jewellery you could ever imagine – a silver book mark inlaid with beautiful pink garnets. Thank you Janine and Scarab staff for being part of my life since then, and thank you Nikki for this special gift.- Nikki Soboil

Every Scarab piece tells a story, but I chose these bracelets as they hold the most sentimental value. Dear Janine, in redesigning pieces of jewellery, you and the Scarab team have forever linked some of the most important people and events in my life. These are my everyday go to and the pleasure is not only in the wearing but most especially, in the remembering, thank you. – Liana Mazza

Visiting Scarab is a must for me when in Cape Town. One to see Janine and second to see what beautiful creations have been made. Joanna’s birthday was in March and having not seen her for almost three years due to Covid and Australian regulations, our getting together was a joyous and colourful meeting. These Victorian styled earrings marking that occasion were a real win, a gathering of different stones, set together in valued earth alloys. I think they are exquisite. – Avril Beare

The first item I ever bought was a pair of cushion cut light quartz earrings which I still love. Janine inspired me to do jewellery making, the most difficult work I have ever done. Never managing to be as good as her I gave it up quickly and continued to shop for toffees and sweeties in Cavendish! Our children’s engagement and wedding rings were made by Janine. Janine you are amazingly creative, have wonderful ideas & patience. Your jewellery is a pleasure to wear and loved and admired by all. Well done on your 30 years in business. I hope you continue to grow, create and make people happy. – Carol

I wanted something that was not only beautiful (in an age appropriate yet timeless way) and suited her personality but something with meaning. Janine created a beautiful pendant for the necklace which was the North Star (Polaris) representing her new chapter in the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, before the advent of modern navigation, for centuries the North Star had been used by sailors to navigate their way across unchartered waters into the unknown and I loved this symbolism as well. Although I would not be physically present to guide her anymore, her necklace would be a reminder that I would always be there for her. The piece had a beautiful peridot in the centre to match my daughter’s green eyes and a small diamond on each of the corners. To this day Olivia has not removed the necklace and it is very special to both her and I. – Steve Doidge

My mum had recently passed away and left me her engagement ring. I wanted to wear it, and so hold her memory close, but it wasn’t my style, and really didn’t suit me. I felt sad not to honour her by wearing it, and wondered how it, and my other pieces, which included old signet rings and my grandmother’s pendants, could be celebrated. Since my first pair of Daisy earrings I have always loved the Scarab creations, crafted by Janine, so I took my bag of jewelled memories to her. She set to work as an alchemist might, recreating each piece into a new expression of beauty without forfeiting the memory it held. Light now shines through these reinterpreted jewels. Instead of being forgotten and static in a box, they are now worn with pleasure. I am grateful for Janine’s artistry, care and creativity in bringing these treasures back to life. Whenever I wear one of them, my heart is full. Thank you, Janine, for capturing the story and even sacredness of each piece. Most especially, congratulations for the thirty years you’ve spent working with the earth’s gifts of silver, gold and gemstones, rendering these into memorable and beautiful things. – Laura Hutchinson

My first encounter with Scarab was in the little cottage in Observatory filled with treasures! I had seen Debbie Hutching’ silver Scarab pendant and fell in love – thank you, Janine! Still my favourite item, suspended from a chunky Belcher chain. So the story continues with two daughters, three, counting my lovely daughter in law and four granddaughters! My dearly departed husband never contemplated any other jewelry studio, and I am with a new partner who has been eased into the process, my latest treasure being a broad white gold ring with green sapphires – a beautiful Janine original. So much happiness in every exquisite piece in the studio across from Cavendish which draws you like a magnet. Thank you for the beauty and cherished memories. – Patti Cleveland

I only had a couple of things of my mother’s after she died, and one of them was a moonstone and sapphire brooch that I’d worn at my wedding. The amazing Janine Davidson of Scarab Jewellery adapted it into a pendant for me but then it was stolen in a burglary. My family asked her to recreate it for me for my birthday, and here it is. – Ann Donald

When my daughter Jade was 3 ( she is now 29) we took a photo – and only quite recently did I realise that 26 years later I am still wearing that exact same pair of earrings today today ! They truly have become an integral part of me! I look so forward to the next chapter… – Heidi Arenstein

Since then I have acquired a number of beautiful pieces of jewellery. Her style speaks to me. It’s the only stuff I wear! I had a beautiful diamond pendant that Brian gave me and some diamond earrings that my brother gave to me post organising his wedding in Cape Town. I didn’t wear these pieces enough. They needed to be worn for ‘special occasions’ and my lifestyle had changed and was now much more casual. I went to see Janine the next day with my pieces and she said – leave it to me! She suggested setting the diamond in the silver band I wear everyday. I was absolutely delighted. I am a Scarab woman through and through. But mostly I love my friendship with Janine and our walks in the forest and swims in the sea. We walk early most mornings and count our blessings especially in these uncertain times. That’s the real joy – the friendship and connection and the beautiful pieces. – Louise Kerby

What is a memory. The dictionary says it is something rememberer from the past and To remember, is to bring to one’s mind an awareness of someone or something . My oldest daughter is now 26 and to celebrate her birth my husband bought me my first piece of jewelry from Scarab in a little house in Observatory. A five stone garnet ring that I still have . So many of my most treasured occasions have been marked by a precious piece of jewelry from Scarab ,from the little house in Obs all the way to fancy Cavendish square .Each piece reminds me of the wonderful people in my life ,the beautiful memories we carry with us always .Little gifts wrapped in a small scarab box and gold ribbon. I dare not count the number of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces I have collected over 26 years but each one is precious and beautiful, they trigger a memory and fit a mood .I wear them always and they hold my most precious memories close. Janine has been a friend for all those 26 years ,she has shared so many ups and downs with me .She has replaced pieces I lost and made new pieces from old .Thank you Janine for always creating beautiful pieces and wonderful memories. – Julie Donaldson

Janine I bought this very beautiful moonstone necklace from you for my dear wife, Philien, during 2000 after she had completed a process of challenging surgical procedures and medical treatment. It was a celebration of the end of her last chemo. The moonstone represented hope and positivity. So after 22 years the necklace is still with Philien who celebrates her 60th Birthday tomorrow. You have produced special work at Scarab. May your business continue to flourish. – Craig Webster

I shall definitely be passing my Scarab jewellery to the next generation – that’s to our 3 loveliest of daughters, Kayley, Michelle and Kim, now 24, 21 and 17 years old, who are similarly smitten with your jewellery and are most definitely very eager to be passed down to! On my wish list at the moment would be any of the beautiful peridot rings you have, and I also think your green tourmaline chrysoprase necklace is exquisite…perhaps because I am an avid gardener, and rather drawn to the colour green.💚 Enjoy your celebrations, Scarab, and thank you for all the beauty you have created for us, your clients, for the past 30 years… It is a joy to wear your Jewellery! Here’s to your next 30 years of designing and manufacturing… – Janet Malinowski

Our important celebrations have taken us to special places, where for those brief moments, life seems to slow down and one is able to re-live the journey, laugh at the challenges and give thanks for all the blessings. From our wedding, to special anniversaries, Scarab has created unique tokens of love and thanks..these objects have been partly crafted using old family stones or metal but more importantly infused with new meaning and a promise of what still lies ahead. The journey never ends and the milestones that need to be celebrated are not only reminders of where we have come from, but what we still need to discover. Janine has helped us celebrate these milestones. – Damon and Lauren Foster

I bought my first piece, a ring, in my student days. It must have been fairly shortly after Scarab started. The shop was in Observatory. Since then, all the jewellery we have bought is from Scarab. Over the years, that included my engagement ring and our wedding bands, and many surprise birthday and Xmas gifts decided on between Janine and my husband. A few years ago just about all my jewellery was stolen from our house. Janine helped us with remaking all the pieces and restoring the collection. When I turned 50 last year I was wearing a gorgeous string necklace of pearls Janine had previously custom made for me. We have now started buying casual pieces for our two teenage children. On my wish list is a set of petite pearl earrings. The attached pictures are of my all-time favourite necklaces and my 50th. – Coriaan & Roger

I first heard of Janine and Scarab through a mutual friend. Janine’s designs are unique, creative and very wearable. And you can stack and make a different look everyday! Janine and her team are always friendly and approachable. My favourite ring is the re-fashioning of my grandmother’s ruby and diamond ring that Janine did for me. Every time I wear the ring it strikes me just how amazing it is- from design to quality workmanship. Thank you Janine and your incredible team. – Jean van Heeswijk

All the pieces on this chain were tenderly added by Janine for me about eight years ago. I hardly wore it although I loved it, and gave it to my daughter as a Christmas Present who has worn it since then. The little signet ring with my grandmother’s initials on was made in the early 1900.’s – The Sapphire Dragonfly was given to me by my late husband. The little sapphires and diamonds are from my engagement ring, and the plain gold dragonfly was given to me by my sister as a brooch 20 Years ago. – Beatrice Kidd

Scarab has seen our family through so many special occasions – anniversaries, birthdays and more! I think what makes Scarab so very special is the personal touch and love that Janine brings to her jewelry. Each piece of jewelry I have from Scarab has a special story, but my favourite is the one in celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary – a pearl celebration! I had spotted and drooled over a tiny pearl woven bracelet in Scarab and made it abundantly clear that more than anything, I would love that piece of jewelry for our 30th anniversary. Stephen got the message loud and clear but to our combined horror, Janine announced that Scarab was no longer making this beauty as they had experienced problems with it. Stephen was in a panic! It took years off his life but Janine had managed to fool us both. Happily, she filled Stephen in, boxed my beautiful gift and made me the happiest and most surprised recipient of a stunning pearl bracelet for our 30th wedding anniversary. It is still the piece that comes out at all special occasions – including the long-awaited and much-celebrated PhD graduation 😊. – Lorna Olckers

I first saw some Scarab jewellery on a friend in the early 1990s and went to the shop in Observatory and bought some flowers, which I wore joyously. I remember enjoying talking to Janine and catching her energy. I really liked the jewellery she created. I have bought bits and pieces of jewellery from Scarab over 30 years now; my favorite pieces are 2 sets of pearl earrings which I never tire of wearing. The jewellery is understated and simply tasteful. Janine is so easy to talk to about the jewellery and so generous with her knowledge; I have referred friends and family to her. At work, at times, somebody will ask me if my earrings are from Scarab; we find each other. – Cheryl Gammon

It was a few years prior to the end of the last Century when I was first given a piece of jewellery created and formed by Scarab. A beautiful little pinky ring, sparkling, chunky and neat, like a perfectly proportioned porthole. A ring as fat as it is wide, tiny etched spirals either side of the eight upturned sapphires, four to each side of the ring made for a fierce wee character from the get go. The wee ring lives on, several more pieces have been offered to and from myself since. The constant throughout is always Janine, who I’m now so very grateful to have not only as a superb jeweller, but as an incredible friend. To my constant, I thank you, here’s to the gift of the time ahead of us – Laura Leslie-Campbell

Scarab Jewellery had been a part of both of our lives, long before we met one another. And so when it came to choosing who we would trust to design our engagement and wedding rings, Janine was not only our first, but also our only, choice! She understood precisely what we wanted, and created beautiful rings that symbolise who we are as a couple, and our love for one another! When fitted together, our engagement bands reveal three inscribed words that are deeply meaningful to our relationship. And for our wedding rings, Janine skillfully incorporated gold and diamonds from jewellery of past, beloved family members to create beautiful rings that perfectly capture both our past as well as our future together. A very special blend of tradition and uniqueness we both love, and treasure. – Jenn & Ang

Here is photo of the memory ring you made for me. This is a copy of the ring my late mother wore her whole life. My parents met in Egypt while serving during WWII, my Mum from England and my Dad from South Africa. They were married in Cairo and honeymooned in Jerusalem. The actual ring came from there. After my mum died one of my siblings took the ring and it was handed on to my niece. I gave scarab a picture of the ring on my mother’s finger and you made a very excellent copy. I am so grateful to have this momento of my mum. I must also thank you for all the other wonderful rings you have made for me and my daughters over the years.your service is very special. – Sandra Le Fèvre.

Way back in the late ‘90s, I went to cover a story of a lodge on the KZN coast for Getaway magazine. I met the manager’s partner at the time, Megan. We chatted about previous trips and I mentioned I’d bought a topaz in Namibia. I was looking to have it mounted in a ring as a colleague had told me about Scarab Jewellery Studio and Janine’s insightfulness in creating bespoke pieces for clients. Megan looked at me, chuckled, and revealed that Janine’s mom is her godmother. It was a moment of pure serendipity … I duly visited the little studio in Observatory when I returned and Janine created my beautiful ring. – Margy Gibson

The very first piece of jewellery Janine ever made for me was this beautiful aquamarine clasp for my pearls.I still absolutely love it. Since then she has designed and made so many treasured pieces for my family, from 21st presents to engagement and wedding rings. Thank you Janine and Scarab, may you continue to be part of the celebrations of our lives always. – Ann van Breda

Congratulations having achieved 30 years in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing I think is quite an achievement. My daughter Ros Schmidt and I congratulate you!!! – Lilian Wapnick

Married for 22 years and this was the ring I chose. Janine got it 100% right. I love it and it has become a part of me. – Michelle Bartman

– Lesley Hoogervorst

– Charlotte Brown

93 today and still rocking 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️ – Janine’s mother

– Lindsay Dorrington

– Girl with the pearl earring

Never a wrong occasion for some pearls. It’s a dog’s life! – Fiji Dorrington

– Sara John

Tinkerbell on guard! – Claudine Hennessey

– Kathryn Stinson

– Jeanine

– Alison Steyn

– Isabella

Graduation Day 1995 – Linda Styen