About Us
Paisley’s Antique jewellery specialises in antique, vintage and estate jewellery and is based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The business was founded by Heleen Bossi in September 1985.
Humble Beginnings
Heleen started as an air hostess and travelled the world. She was naturally drawn to antique fairs and markets in foreign destinations and began buying and selling interesting vintage trinkets. In 1985 this passion led her to open a small attic shop in Vermeulen Street, Pretoria, where she initially sold vintage clothing and a bit of costume jewellery. This was the beginning of a lifelong obsession with treasure hunting.
The Shop
In time Heleen became fascinated with vintage and antique jewellery and shifted her focus to these smaller treasures. After two years the attic shop became too small and Paisley’s moved to the Arcadia Centre. The business continued growing and moved to the Hatfield Plaza, and eventually to Brooklyn Mall. The Paisley’s shop was always a popular vintage jewellery shopping destination in Pretoria. Many birthday and anniversary gifts, engagement rings, wedding jewellery, matric dance accessories and personal keepsakes were purchased here over the years. We got quite a few husbands in and out of trouble!
Far and Wide
Heleen still travels extensively and collects her pieces on buying trips worldwide. Some of her favourite destinations are Mexico, Argentina, Europe and the UK. The love that she has for her field is evident in the process that is followed: every piece of jewellery is hand-picked, thoroughly researched and carefully restored (if needed).
Exhibitions
Heleen enjoys creating collections with specific themes. In 1992 she exhibited her collection of Vintage Costume Jewellery at the Melrose House Museum in Pretoria. In September 2012, she hosted an exhibition of Mexican Vintage Silver Jewellery at the Slee Gallery in Stellenbosch, the first exhibition of its kind in South Africa. She hosts a yearly exhibition in Pretoria and takes part in the SAADA antique fair in the Cape Winelands once a year.
Going Digital
Growing up, Heleen’s daughter, Judith, spent a lot of time in the Paisley's shop. She loved playing dress up with the vintage clothing and accessories. In her early twenties, Judith became involved in the business on a part-time basis, assisting with pricing, fairs and exhibitions. She acquired some retail experience in the jewellery field and then started a career in graphic design and social media. Judith saw the need and potential for Paisley's to have an online presence and went on to create the website. In more recent years, she has moved into a digital marketing and design role.
The Present
Heleen now operates the business from her base in Stellenbosch, where she sees clients by appointment. She will gladly source specific pieces for clients and enjoys connecting with other dealers and collectors from all over the world.
The mother-and-daughter team understands the importance of customer service, integrity and professionalism. Building lasting relationships with clients, staff and fellow dealers is the Paisleys’ way.
Paisley’s Antique Jewellery is a proud member of the South African Antique Dealers Association.