Nando’s joins the Loeries to celebrate design Design from Africa and the Middle East finally gets the recognition it deserves with the expanded Nando’s Design category at the Loeries in 2019. This year’s category has been extended to recognise design from a much broader range of creative professionals. “We’ve expanded the design category beyond only brand communication to include areas of design such as retail furniture and product design, fabric, wallpaper, lighting, architecture and interior design, and even the design of signage programmes,” says Loeries CEO Andrew Human. He adds that the Loeries has long been recognised as the highest accolade in advertising and brand communication.

“A strong design award has been lacking for our region and this is a great opportunity for all designers to showcase their work and achieve recognition.” Design is woven into the Nando’s DNA, making Nando’s a natural partner for the Design category. “Design and creativity have been an intrinsic part of the Nando’s way of doing business.

Nando’s is the first local brand to collaborate with local designers at the scale it does,” says Deirdre King, Nando’s Brand Experience GM. She adds: “Putting our support behind the design community is important to doing business well. Our PERi-PERi power has charted new paths and careers for many local artists and their art. Putting that same fire behind the extended Design category for the 2019 Loeries gives us a chance to spice things up for the wonderful designers who will imprint their names onto this exciting category. According to Gaby de Abreu, Loeries board member and creative head of Switch Design, the awards are invaluable because they offer a chance for designers to showcase their work to a far greater audience.

“The Nando’s Design category at the Loeries is an opportunity to showcase excellence across disciplines in countries throughout Africa and the Middle East. For independent designers, it’s a unique chance to achieve recognition across the industry, reaching creatives internationally,” says de Abreu. “For a furniture designer working in an independent workshop or a graphic designer outside of the agency network, this year’s Loeries offers a chance to show the world what you’ve achieved,” he adds. The Nando’s Design category at the Loeries is open to designers across all the main disciplines. The entry deadline is 15 May and more information can be found on loeries.com.

About Nando's: While proudly South African, Nando’s is an international flame-grilling, PERi-PERi chicken restaurant group. We offer a twist of Afro-Portuguese with an upmarket and comfortable dining experience. Two friends, Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte, opened the first Nando’s in 1987 in Johannesburg, South Africa. All Nando's PERi-PERi chicken is marinated for 24 hours, locally sourced and never frozen, ensuring our customers only get the finest flavours.

Our unique PERi-PERi recipe includes herbs, spices, garlic, lemon juice and bird’s eye chilli. Nando's authentic PERi -PERi has captivated its customers all over the world, making it the largest South African restaurant group to expand internationally. DEADLINE FOR 2019 LOERIES ENTRIES EXTENDED TO MAY 31 About Loeries Africa Middle East: The Loeries, a non-profit company, is Africa and the Middle East’s premiere initiative that recognises, rewards, inspires and fosters creative excellence in the brand communication industry.

As the highest accolade for creativity and innovation across our region, the Loeries promotes and supports creativity by helping marketers, agencies and consumers appreciate the value of ideas and fresh thinking.

Culminating in the biggest creative gathering in Africa and the Middle East, Loeries Creative Week Durban brings together the best innovative minds from our industry for a festival of networking, inspiring minds and recognising great work. Our region's creative economy is world-class and has great potential to grow and to offer employment both to our talented youth. The growth occurring throughout Africa and the Middle East is very exciting, and a major focus of the Loeries is to increase the standard of brand communication in the region.

Major Partners of the Loeries: DStv Media Sales, Gearhouse Category Partners: AB InBev, Barron, Brand South Africa, Facebook, Gagasi FM, Google, JCDecaux, Nando’s, Tsogo Sun, Woolworths Additional Partners and Official Suppliers: AAA School of Advertising, Antalis South Africa, Aon South Africa, Backsberg, BEE Online, First Source, Fresh RSVP Guest Logistics, Funk Productions, Gallo Images, Grid Worldwide, Hetzner, Mama Creative, Newsclip, Paygate, Rocketseed, Shared Value Initiative, Shift Social Development, Vega School, VQI Communications Nigeria Endorsed by: Association of Communication and Design, Brand Council South Africa, Commercial Producers Association, Creative Circle, EXCA, IAB, South African Institute of Architects, IID Official Media Partners Between 10and5, Bizcommunity.com, Book of Swag, Brand Communicator Nigeria, Business Insider by Pulse, Campaign Middle East, Film & Event Media, Modern Marketing The Redzone. Twitter: @loeries Instagram: Loerieawards Facebook: The Loeries

Distributed on behalf of the Loeries by: Riana Greenblo Communications: 011 3256006

For more information, interview requests or high-res images please contact: Gina McLoughlin: 0113256006 (mornings only)or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Riana Greenblo: +27 82 5675159 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For personal, unique gifts that will last a lifetime, choose from hundreds of precious gemstone jewellery pieces and much more at Gecko Jewellers – Africa’s largest jewellery showroom and gemstone attraction.

All stones are 100% authentic. Every piece of jewellery is locally designed and manufactured keeping prices highly competitive. There is something for everyone and to suit every budget.

Choose from jewellery, rough stones, polished stones, loose gemstones, rocks, crystals, beads, carvings and collectibles. You can also have your own personal design made!

Gemstones and crystals are believed to possess meaning, energies and healing properties that have been passed down for thousands of years. Throughout history gemstones have been are worn as talismans and iconic figures have adorned themselves with colourful jewels for protection, good health, wealth, love and long life. Think of it as jewellery with a purpose, should you choose to as many do.

The romance with stones is nothing new and we all could use a little magic, fantasy and hope in our lives!

Whether you believe in the mystical attributes of gem stones or not, their beauty and allure is no less mesmerizing – you can choose cut stones set in silver or gold or a large stone or crystal simply for décor. Gemstones or crystals are a unique and thoughtful gift idea for the most magical time of the year.

Birthstones: Certain gemstones are associated with the months of the year and considered lucky to people born in those months and make for a well-thought out personal gift. The mystical powers and healing properties are taken from various sources all over the world, both ancient and modern;

January: Garnet. Mystics believe it which symbolizes constructiveness, brightens dark souls and brings hope to people. The loving powers of Garnet tend to reflect the attributes of devotion love compassion and an enhanced imagination.

February: Amethyst. Said to attract justice and protect against burglars and thieves, it wards off danger. It is also thought to bestow stability, strength, peace and relieves stress.

March: Aquamarine. Calms the nerves, enhances clarity of mind and aids in creative self-expression. It’s symbolizes peace and encourages a gentle nature.

April: Diamond. In ancient times it was given to ensure love, promote harmony and dispel anger. It keeps negativity at bay, stimulates clear mental sight and inspires innocence faithfulness, abundance and sincerity.

May: Emerald. Known as the stone of love and success, it is said to promote domestic bliss and instils sensitivity and loyalty.

June: Pearl or Moonstone. Pearls signify faith, charity, innocence, health and longevity. Moonstones are called the “travellers stone” and used as protection from danger in travel. It helps with hormonal balance in women. It promotes feminine characteristics and stimulates love and sensitivity.

July: Ruby. Symbolizes love and passion and is associated with vitality and strong feelings. It has been said that if one retains a bit of ruby wealth will never depart and that it will protect against unhappiness.

August: Peridot. Stimulates the mind and opens new doors of opportunity and abundance. It also controls anger or jealousy. It combats sadness and depression.

September: Sapphire. Symbolises faith, loyalty and friendship, brings joy and peace of mind and clear thinking

October: Tourmaline. Stimulates communication and cooperation and encourages self-confidence. It reduces fear and nervousness by promoting understanding.

November: Topaz. Symbolizes the joy of life, and self-realisation. The stone is believed to bring health wealth and protect the holder against danger.

December: Lapis Lazuli or Turquoise. Lapis Lazuli promotes friendship and goodwill and guards against oppression and evil. It is also known as the stone of truth and integrity and enhances wisdom, inner vision and mental clarity. Turquoise enhances creative expression, peace of mind, communication, friendship and loyalty. It also brings prosperity.

Delight your loved ones this festive season by giving them a beautiful gift with meaning selected by you with only them in mind!

www.geckojewellers.co.za

Midrand’s hidden gem, Gecko Jewellers is Africa’s largest jewellery showroom. This gemstone attraction will surprise and delight visitors with hundreds of pieces of fine jewellery made from the highest quality precious stones.

An attraction for the whole family, one can spend at least half a day exploring this five-acre world of gems and precious stones!Ideal for those in search of personalised gifts and fashionable, quality jewellery at factory prices. All stones are 100% authentic. Every piece of jewellery is locally designed and manufactured making prices highly competitive.

This is truly a haven for jewellery lovers, stone and gem hunters, collectors, enthusiasts and tourists looking for a beautiful piece of Africa in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Gecko Jewellers has an impressive collection, something for everyone, to suit every budget.Their selection includes cut stones, rough stones, polished stones, loose gemstones, rocks, crystals, beads, carvings, water features and collectibles that will excite even the most avid collector.

Customers come to find special, meaningful gifts for example birthstone’s or a creation of their own custom design. Gecko custom makes jewellery for many clients with their workshop on the premises. The “esoteric” meanings of each stone also make for thoughtful, christening gifts, “push” presents for new moms, bridesmaid gifts, anniversaries, wedding jewellery and other special occasions.Gemstones and crystals are believed to possess special meanings, energies and healing properties that have been passed down for thousands of years. Throughout history gemstones have been are worn as talismans and iconic figures have adorned themselves with colourful jewels for protection, good health and long life.

You could call it jewellery with a difference and a purpose, should you choose to as many do. Whether you believe in the mystical attributes of gem stones or not, their beauty is no less mesmerizing and beautiful – gorgeous jewellery is always a winner as a gift, to show you care or to simply spoil yourself!Gecko’s most popular stones include: Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Garnet, Topaz, Tanzanite, Sapphire, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Agate, Carnelian, Jasper, Onyx, Crystal Quartz, Rose Quartz, Flourite, Lapis Lazuli, Obsidian, Ruby, Emerald, Tourmaline, Opal, Zircon and Tiger’s Eye.There is also entertainment for the whole family including a simulated gemstone mine and tour that will amuse and educate both adults and children. On this large property there is a kiddie’s scratch patch, games and a coffee shop that makes a lovely cappuccino. The best way to experience this gem is to seek it out for yourself!

Next time you are in or near Midrand looking for some fun and fascination, Africa’s largest jewellery showroom is at 52 Mercury Road in Crowthorne waiting to be discovered.

More info at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: @GeckojewellersInstagram: @GeckojewellerssaFor editorial queries:Alex This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2018 marks ten years since the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Department of Jewellery Design and Manufacture (in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture), embarked on a new mission – to develop self-starting designers with a competitive advantage in the challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

In that time, the programme has evolved and blossomed, through a focus on the production of original work, into one of the most advanced jewellery design programmes in the country.In collaboration with the UJ Art Gallery and UJ Arts & Culture, the University of Johannesburg’s Jewellery Department brings you our most innovative exhibition yet: The 300 Art Ornaments Exhibition. This is a showcase of all levels of student work, where the viewer has the unique experience of being able to contribute to the experiential learning of each student, while buying original and interesting jewellery pieces at affordable prices in all manner of different materials, and aesthetics. Three of the department’s well-respected alumni, Maryse Castel (of MYCreations), Reon Davids (designing for Zurie Designer Jewellery), and Cailin Ernst (of Cailin Ernst Handmade Designer Jewellery), will be adding their current work to the exhibition, allowing the viewer to see first-hand the progression of their unique design styles.

Joining this endeavour is the Thuthuka Jewellery Project, spearheaded by Carola Ross. Thuthuka introduces a fun and fresh opportunity for new and different designs from Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and skills development incubators around the country.

The exhibition will open at the UJ Art Gallery on the 16 May 2018 at 17:30 for 18:00, with an all-black and no jewellery dress code, and will then run until 30 May 2018, with opportunities for walkabouts with the curators.

For more information, please feel free to call the UJ Department of Jewellery Design and Manufacture on 011 559 1125 or the UJ Art Gallery on 011 559 2099/2556.

About UJ Arts & Culture

UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA), produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.

In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The Faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.  

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and according to a global survey, PANDORA Jewellery discovered that 60% of men find it hard to find the right Valentine's Day gift for their partner.

The study also showed that 77% of women receive chocolates and flowers - when what they really want is - jewellery.

Get it right this Valentines and give her the perfect gift with a PANDORA Jewellery beautifully hand-finished keepsake.

Guess no more - beautiful, high-quality jewellery is most likely on her list! So find every feeling, listen to every beat, follow every flutter. Celebrate the unsaid, with a piece that says it all.

Because deep down, you know what to do.

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and according to a global survey, PANDORA Jewellery discovered that 60% of men find it hard to find the right Valentine's Day gift for their partner.

The study also showed that 77% of women receive chocolates and flowers - when what they really want is - jewellery. Get it right this Valentines and give her the perfect gift with a PANDORA Jewellery beautifully hand-finished keepsake. Guess no more - beautiful, high-quality jewellery is most likely on her list!

So find every feeling, listen to every beat, follow every flutter. Celebrate the unsaid, with a piece that says it all. Because deep down, you know what to do. Jodi, click here to download the images in higher res, or pop me an email and I'll send it through along with the pricing.

#ValentinesDay      #ValentinesGift      #DoSurprise

Her Thanks, please let me know if you need anything - below and attached are some perfect gift ideas: In-store: mid-January 2018 Shop online at www.pandorashop.co.za or visit www.pandora.net or to be inspired, join the PANDORA Club, view the sizing guide or for your nearest stockist.

Local PR Contact: Jodi Lynn Karpes, GreenQueen Communications, 084-876 5431 Facebook: PANDORATwitter - PANDORA 

Look to the stars this season, as PANDORA reveals a new collection of jewelry imbued with the wonder of the night sky.

Jewelry's also having a precious moment with traditional gemstone hues on a sophisticated mix of metals. Hand-finished from ethically sourced materials, the sky’s the limit for a season of cool and colourful style. Every girl wants a little PANDORA box in her Christmas stocking. Do drop hints to get what you wish for this Christmas. Get creative sending your loved ones hints about what you really want this Festive Season. 

PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and contemporary jewellery made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. PANDORA jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries on six continents through around 7,900 points of sale, including more than 2,100 concept stores.

#PANDORA        #DOPANDORA        #DOSEETHEWONDERFUL

Make your mother's day with PANDORA's new Hearts of Love series and other stunning keepsakes.

We make jewellery as unique and timeless as the memories that you share with your mother.

Hand finished and high quality, our sterling silver collection blends expert craftsmanship with innovative design and beautiful materials. This is jewellery that you'll be proud to gift and your mother will cherish forever.

This Spring, put on those rose-tinted glasses and see your style in a whole new hue. Become the most radiant version of yourself with a feminine rose hue and add a little sparkle to your look with delicate stones. Made with stunning materials by skilled craftspeople, PANDORA Rose takes responsibly made, hand-finished jewellery to the next level of elegance.

Do shine, do stand out, do be yourself.

Springtime is all about positive energy. So step out in colour, go for your favourite florals, and choose high quality jewellery made with stunning materials by talented craftspeople. Choose bright bursts or pearlescent pastels, and whether you stack, twist, mix or style solo, be inspired by our selection of key pieces launching on the 16th of March 2017.

Create your own truly unique item and put your stamp on the season