Almost Forgotten, Never Told: Bespoke Fine Jewellery from Cape Town, South Africa
Almost Forgotten, Never Told is a jewellery design studio based in Cape Town, South Africa. It creates custom fine jewellery meant to serve as a link to the intangible: a memory, a wish, a personal story. Sydné Kuisis (née Germishuizen) founded the studio in 2020.
At a Glance
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Category: fine jewellery / bespoke engagement and wedding rings
Style: timeless, delicate, contemporary
Services: bespoke jewellery, heirloom redesigns, consultations, Heirloom Collection
Approach: small studio, working with clients by appointment only
Style and Signature
The studio's story began with wish bracelets: delicate threads of natural silk, trace chain and tiny pearls, made to slip away with daily wear and release a wish into the unknown. The founder brought the idea home from a trip to Madrid. Over time, this play with impermanence grew to include pieces made for keeps.
Today's designs are contemporary silhouettes seen through a timeless lens. Signature details include east-west settings, bezels, domed forms and clean yet distinctive shapes. Sydné developed her feel for timeless design at antique markets, where she once hunted for clip-on earrings for her unpierced ears. Whether she is creating something new or reimagining an heirloom, her aim is jewellery that will live and be loved forever.
Who It Is For
The studio is for brides and couples looking for an engagement or wedding ring with a personal story, and for anyone who wants to turn an inherited piece into something they will wear every day. It suits those who value delicacy, fine craftsmanship and jewellery designed just for them.
How the Collaboration Works
The process begins with a consultation form and a personal consultation, where the vision for the piece takes shape around the client's needs, style and story. Next comes a design phase that blends the client's wishes with the studio's signature aesthetic, followed by the making of the piece itself. The result is a one-of-a-kind creation, born from a close collaboration with the founder.
What Is Good to Know
The studio is not yet open to the public and works with clients by appointment only. All jewellery comes with a lifetime warranty covering defects in material and workmanship, and the studio offers complimentary cleaning and inspection. If you are planning to work with the studio from abroad, arrange consultations and shipping well in advance.
Editor's tip: If you are looking for other makers with a distinctive creative approach to bridal jewellery and fashion, browse the MILE Directory, a curated selection of brands from across Europe and beyond.
Offer and Options
The studio focuses mainly on bespoke pieces, especially engagement and wedding rings, eternity bands and reimagined heirlooms. The portfolio of past commissions can serve as inspiration. The studio also offers the Heirloom Collection: engagement rings and jewellery, each made as a single piece, either ready to ship or fully customisable. The original wish bracelets, along with chains, charms and earrings, are still part of the range.
Key Takeaway
Almost Forgotten, Never Told sees jewellery as an intimate companion to the day's rituals: the ring you turn while you're thinking, the chain you reach for out of habit. For anyone seeking delicate, timeless jewellery with a personal story, made to be passed down through generations, it is a compelling choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Almost Forgotten, Never Told studio located?
In Cape Town, South Africa.
Is the jewellery made to measure?
Yes. The studio focuses mainly on bespoke commissions, and the Heirloom Collection is fully customisable.
Can an inherited piece be redesigned?
Yes. Reimagining family heirlooms is one of the studio's areas of focus.
Can I visit the studio without an appointment?
No. The studio is not yet open to the public and works by appointment only.
Contact
Photo: Luke Kuisis
