TIMELESS Treasures

Exploring the enduring beauty of family heirlooms

- LYNETTE BOTHA

There's an everlasting magic in a gift that transcends the present, quietly passed from hand to hand, shaping family stories across generations. This is a sentiment that lies at the heart of Patrick Mavros, a family-run brand that has established itself through intricate, handcrafted jewellery and objets d'art inspired by Africa's natural beauty. Each creation is designed to last, to become a part of a family's legacy, imbued with memories and tradition.

And for architectural designer Zeanne Duminy of Zeanne and Goss Design Studio, the allure of heirlooms reaches far beyond aesthetics. Especially in a fast-paced world of fleeting trends, she believes heirlooms offer grounding and that items chosen with care become the heart of a home, imbuing its spaces with warmth, depth and a sense of belonging. 'Heirlooms have the power to ground us,' she says. "They're not just decorative they carry stories and emotions that make a space feel uniquely personal and they remind us that, even amidst constant change, some things hold lasting value.'

Reflecting on memories of the rattail spoons she was gifted by her great aunt on every birthday, Zeanne has come to appreciate that such treasures carry a value that only grows with time. 'It's about longevity, the enduring quality of things built to last,' she explains. 'A well-chosen piece, like the spoons from my aunt, reveals its meaning slowly, becoming more cherished as it weaves into our lives and memories.'