Naledi - The Star of Many - 36" x 36" Mixed Media on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas

Print - Born in South Africa to a family of intrepid explorers and jewel merchants, Naledi Van der Velde was destined to shine. Her parents named her Naledi — meaning star — a fitting name for the young woman who would become the luminous face of their legacy.

The Van der Veldes traveled across continents in search of rare gemstones: emeralds from Colombia, sapphires from Sri Lanka, diamonds from Africa’s heartland. But it was Naledi’s striking presence that brought their treasures to life. Draped in necklaces, bracelets, and crowns, she became more than a model — she became a symbol of beauty, culture, and global connection.

Every portrait of her carried the story of discovery and wonder. Customers didn’t just buy jewelry; they bought into Naledi’s aura — a woman who embodied both African heritage and worldly elegance.

Even today, whispers of her legacy remain. Collectors speak of her as “the star who carried the world’s jewels,” a timeless muse who reminded us that the true treasure was not just the stone, but the story it carried.