This Heritage Month, we look back at the truly wondrous years since 1968, from a seventh-floor workshop to a global address. Along the way, our work has found its place among the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Nicolas Cage, Stevie Wonder and Kate Moss, while collecting a wealth of accolades that we are proud to have achieved. What honours us most is serving the third and fourth generations of our first client. Our story is written in metal, stone and designs that last for generations.
Where it All Began – Early History of Uwe Koetter
After training as a jewellery designer in Hamburg and spending a year in Windhoek, Uwe Koetter arrived in Cape Town, fell for the city and found work the very day he arrived. In 1968, Uwe and Magda opened a tiny one-man workshop in Adderley Street that quickly became a destination for people seeking design with feeling and craft with precision. As demand grew, the studio moved from Adderley Street to St George’s Mall, then Amway House, and today calls the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village home.
The ethos has never changed: we do not ask whether something can be done, we ask how to make it beautiful and lasting. In 1980, Johan Louw, Magda’s brother and now South Africa’s most awarded jewellery designer, joined the family studio and today leads the brand, continuing the values that shaped it. We are honoured to serve the third and fourth generations of our earliest clients.
Accolades and Signature Designs
Across the decades, our studio has been recognised by leading competitions and trusted for historic commissions. Highlights include Intergold, De Beers Diamonds Today, Shining Light of Africa and PlatAfrica awards. Amongst these accolades are a few renowned and treasured pieces that form part of our history.
The Peacock Brooch
Across the decades, our studio has been recognised by leading competitions and trusted for historic commissions. Highlights include Intergold, De Beers Diamonds Today, Shining Light of Africa and PlatAfrica awards. Amongst these accolades are a few renowned and treasured pieces that form part of our history.
Four years later, in 1999, Queen Elizabeth II wore the brooch during her state visit to South Africa, when she was formally received by President Thabo Mbeki. It was a moment of quiet symbolism, the Queen adorned in a jewel that represented both the artistry of South African craftsmanship and the enduring friendship between our two nations. For Uwe Koetter Jewellers, it remains one of the most meaningful creations in our history, a piece where design, symbolism, and legacy came together in perfect harmony. (Travel Africa, 2008.)
2003 Riches of Africa Overall Winner
This Uwe Koetter showpiece translates the fine lattice of dragonfly wings into precious metal using intricate copies of actual dragonfly wings arranged on a thick necklace, spreading out like a mystical halo from nature.
2004 De Beers Shining Lights Overall Winner
This celebrated competition piece was noted by Cape Quarter in one of their posts that this bangle was inspired by the iconic Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The piece is crafted in 14-carat white gold, beautifully accented with Wild Olive Wood. Sparkling with Round Brilliant Cut diamonds totalling 6.96ct, the diamonds range in G/H colour and SI1 to VS-SI clarity. A true masterpiece that captures the artistry of nature and design.
Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBjUCFjKxFq/ – Cape Quarter post
Selene Range
Nearly two decades later, in 2023, Uwe Koetter paid homage to this pioneering design with the release of the Selene Range. Inspired by the moons of our solar system, these rings revisit the square band concept, blending ergonomic comfort with celestial elegance. Each piece carries subtle architectural details, from asymmetry to pavé settings, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honouring its design heritage.
Further Award Mentions
Uwe Koetter has won many awards over the years, some earned before most people had access to the World Wide Web and before documenting milestones online was common practice, yet they are worth mentioning. In 1982, Uwe Koetter won Intergold; in 1985, the Diamonds Today Award (De Beers); in 1988, the Jewellery Council of South Africa’s Winning Piece; in 1999, De Beers Shining Light; and in 2000, Riches of Africa.
Our Family
Our richest heritage is our people. Master goldsmiths, gemstone setters, polishers, CAD designers and advisors work as one to bring your story to life. Under Johan Louw’s leadership, the team holds fast to the principles that shaped the house. We are proud to treat every client like family, which is why we now serve the third and fourth generations of those who first walked through our doors more than fifty years ago.
Design and Create a Piece that Tells Your Story
If you have a story to tell, we would be honoured to design it with you. Visit Uwe Koetter at the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village in Green Point or book a private consultation online. Your next chapter begins with a sketch, a conversation and a shared commitment to craft.
Enquire today and let us create the heirloom you will pass on.
