Wild Within’s Story
-inspired and lived through Nature
‘This collection is incredibly dear to my heart, a reflection of a time and experience that shaped me in ways I can hardly describe. It’s a tribute to the years I spent as a nature guide at two premier lodges in the remarkable Sabi Sands, South Africa.
Living and working in the bush for nearly four years allowed me to immerse myself in two of my greatest passions: designing jewellery and being surrounded by the beauty of nature. The sightings I was privileged to witness are sometimes impossible to capture in words.
As a guide, I had the honour of sharing the magic of the African bush with guests from around the world. Some of my favorite moments were spent photographing the incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Each image became a way to preserve the emotion, excitement, and beauty of those fleeting experiences. I was often asked what my favourite animal was or which encounter stood out the most—questions that were never easy to answer because every moment was special in its own way.
When I started EverJade Jewellery, I wanted to bring those unforgettable memories to life. That’s how the Wild Within collection was born. Each piece is inspired by the unique experiences I was lucky enough to capture through my lens, transformed into jewellery that reflects the awe and wonder of those moments.
I hope these designs evoke the same feelings in you that they do for me—a deep connection to nature and the extraordinary beauty that exists in the wild.”
Jade van Heerden, Director & Designer of EverJade Jewellery
The inspiration comes from the pure joy of watching a zebra and being captivated by its striking appearance. It’s incredible how such a bold pattern—seemingly designed to stand out—plays a crucial role in its survival. “Every time I saw a zebra, no matter how often, it never failed to make me smile. The unique pattern of this design is directly drawn from a photograph I took, capturing the essence of this beautiful animal.”
‘The leopard holds a special place in my heart, and I could go on forever about why it’s one of my favourites. Their elusive nature is captivating—unlike lions, which are often found in groups, tracking a leopard means searching for a single, solitary creature, which makes every encounter feel like a rare treasure.
What truly amazes me is how their coat plays a role in their mystery. The mesmerising blend of gold, white, and black rosettes is not just beautiful—it’s a masterpiece of natural design that helps them blend seamlessly into their surroundings. It’s incredible to think something so breathtaking has evolved for survival. This design celebrates those striking colours and patterns, inspired by the rosette of one of my favourite leopards in the Sabi Sands. It reflects the beauty and thrill of encountering such an extraordinary animal in the wild.’
The inspiration stems from the thrill and beauty of spending time with wild dogs. Their energy is contagious, and being in their presence is truly captivating.
The inspiration comes from the wonder of seeing such an extraordinary creature. With its towering neck, striking markings, and the graceful way it moves, a giraffe is truly mesmerising.
The inspiration comes from my favourite time of day—nothing compares to the beauty of an African sunset. It’s as if nature is offering a gift, a breathtaking moment to close the day in the most magical way possible and then to have to framed by an animal is just a reminder of how we view these animals in their natural environments.
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