repurpose with purpose - september ‘24
JZ I N E E d i t
J-ZINEEDIT
yourteam
Editor-in-Chief / Founder
Jason Aarons
jason@jewelleryafrika.com / +27 74 400 6677
Business Development
Jenny Justus jenny@jewelleryafrika com / +27 83 450 6052
Curations & Advertising
Hilary Lazarus hilary@jewelleryafrika com / +27 82 385 0913
Global Curator Niyati Mendapara Niyati.mendapara@gmail.com
Digital Marketing Partner
Lynne Wilson Digital Marketing lynne@lynnewilson.co.za / +27 82 332 8290
Paralegal Alliance Partner
Diamdrey - Deborah Dreyer dreyer@mweb.co.za / +27 82 806 5226
General Enquiries hello@jewelleryafrika.com / WhatsApp: +27 62 513 2431
J-ZINE Edit Free Subscriptions jzine@jewelleryafrika.com
Where the world sees trash, Africa recycles. Where the world see junk, Africa sees rebirth.” ― William Kamkwamba, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Jewellery has always behind each piece goe
Welcome to this J-ZIN ‘Repurpose with Purp why limit ourselves to exciting and stunning
Repurposing jewellery chance to shine. Whe tubs into a bold neckl something modern an transformation.
It's more than just up into materials, adding
In this Edit, we’ll dive into how designers are breaking the mould by creating jewellery which not only looks fabulous but carries a story worth telling. Get ready for some eye candy with a twist pieces that are as kind to the planet as they are to your style.
Let’s celebrate innovation, sustainability, and, most importantly, creativity with purpose. So, retrieve those tin cans, all those magazines, pieces of wood, glass bottles and let’s reimagine and repurpose them together!
Jason
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
While fine-quality aquamarine can be found in many places around the world, Africa has several noteworthy deposits. The most notable being from the pegmatites of Mozambique’s Zambézia province. Other important African producers are Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Somalia and Tanzania.
Ocean connection: aquamarines are known as the ‘sailor’s gem’ because they were believed to protect seafarers and calm ocean waves.
Did you know? Emerald and aquamarine are both part of the beryl family. In fact, before the late 18th century, emerald and other beryls were thought to be different mineral species. Its name comes from the Latin ‘aqua marina’, meaning ‘sea water’, and anyone who has had the opportunity to experience aquamarine’s soothing blue hues will understand why.
Symbolism: aquamarine symbolises serenity and courage.
talking upcycling
Woza Moya is the economic empowerment project of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, a holistic HIV/AIDS project started in 1991 Since its inception, the Centre has attempted to uplift the lives of those both infected and affected by HIV/AIDSthrough practical and sustainable care. Jewellery Afrika chatted to Paula Thomson (below), Woza Moya about upcycling/recyclin
How does Woza Moya source materials for repurposing in y jewellery designs? Woza Moya s main focus is beaded jewellery both contemporary and traditional. However we also have an upcycling department which makes jewellery from domestic plastic waste We turn yoghurt, detergent bottles and containers into earrings. We also make handbags from old magazines and donated wallpaper books.
What challenges does Woza Moya face when repurposing materials, and how do you overcome them in your jewellery-making process? The materials need to be cleaned and this can be a long laborious process, taking stickers off can take hours - which are all unseen costs.
We also have to educate customers about recycled/upcycled products. Sometimes there is the perception that these items should be cheaper as the material is free but there are many hidden costs. We also have to educate customers about recycled / upcycled products
Do you think the demand for upcycled and recycled jewellery is influencing design trends in the jewellery industry? And how? Is there a specific trend Woza Moya has noticed? There has always been a niche market for designers and consumers who believe in recycled jewellery and appreciate the creativity involved to see the potential in throw away materials.
We are also setting an example of how waste can be used to create an income for those in need We have also trained young people in the community to make products from waste and earn an income by doing this.
How do the creative designers at Woza Moya balance aesthetics with sustainability when designing jewellery from recycled or upcycled materials? The access to material waste is endless so that is not a problem but the sustainability of the project is always at risk because of the cost benefits of the project
What message would you/Woza Moya like to share with South African – and African – consumers and the jewellery community, about upcycling/recycling?
Our up cycling department has been going for nearly 15 years , we were a pioneer, it has not been an easy journey, it has had several sponsors who would sponsor part of a salary and we would use their waste to create corporate gifting ideas. Our message is if you are a small business or NGO do not give up and every big corporate should be trying to reduce impact and create micro enterprises that reduce waste.
Jewellery Afrika is delighted to announce its paralegal alliance partnership with DIAMDREY Paralegal Services.
The company offers a wealth of experience providing comprehensive business support to a wide range of company directors, and managers of local and foreign owned companies as well as individuals requiring any of the services it offers
Founded by Deborah Dreyer - a senior paralegal for the past 20 yearsDIAMDREY has successfully assisted with everything to do with the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator (SADPMR), licensing and compliance requirements; more recently, adding FICA
partnerships
compliance since Jan 2023, to the broad range of services. Deborah also works with senior advocates and legal teams where her understanding of the Acts, Charters and knowledge of licensing and operational requirements in the industry lend benefit to legal proceedings.
The company can assist with workforce training, contracts and agreements, all Government registrations such as CIPC, SARS customs, NEMA, SAPS Criminal Records Certificates and Expungement of Records.
Deborah is a Commissioner of Oaths and works closely with the Jewellery Council of South Africa (JCSA) where she has been a member for the past 15 years as an industry Service Provider.
“DIAMDREY is honoured to collaborate in partnership alliance with Jewellery Afrika,” says Deborah. “The synergy and shared passion we both have for the jewellery and related industries surely make for highly effective and lucrative platforms to engage ”
Visuals withthanks Woza Moya
repurposewithp urp o s e
Stadl Art
In Africa, the theme of ‘repurposing with a purpose ’ continues to gain momentum in the jewellery world, as designers transform discarded materials into stunning, meaningful pieces.
This movement reflects not only the continent's rich artistic heritage but also a commitment to sustainability and social impact.
African jewellery designers are increasingly turning to materials such as scrap metal, recycled glass, and repurposed plastic to create unique, eco-friendly adornments that tell a story of renewal and resilience.
Repurposing old materials into jewellery is also an act of preserving cultural traditions.
Many African communities have a long history of using found objects—like cowrie shells, bones, and beads—fashioned into symbolic pieces representing fertility, status, or protection. Today, these practices are evolving to address modern environmental challenges, turning jewellery into a vehicle for raising awareness about waste reduction and responsible consumption.
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repurpose with purpose
essenceofafrika
the changemakers
African jewellery designers whose unique design ethos is changing the way jewellery is seen, worn and designed.
essenceofafrika
Maaÿaz, Morocco
The narrative Maaÿaz, pays homage to the exquisite art of ‘Sfifa’ - the traditional weaving of gold threads which grace the finest Moroccan caftans
Founded by sisters Zineb & Rim with a deep connection to their craft, Maaÿaz transforms this noble material into contemporary, dazzling, and durable jewellery which captures the essence of Moroccan heritage.
Each enchanting creation is meticulously designed by the cofounders and lovingly handcrafted in their Casablanca workshop by skilled artisans who pour their talent and passion into every detail.
Together, as sisters and business partners, they steer the brand towards excellence, weaving together the threads of heritage and modernity to create pieces that resonate with timeless elegance and authenticity
Ami Doshi Shah, Kenya
The narrative
Ami Doshi Shah is a jeweller and applied artist based in Nairobi, Kenya. She founded her brand in 2015 with the goal of crafting bold, sculptural pieces which echo the talismanic significance of jewellery in Kenyan culture, where it plays a role in rites of passage, offers protection, and symbolizes strength
Her collection - inspired by locally sourced materials in Kenyaspans from sisal neckpieces to stone-inlaid cuffs and brass earrings which move gracefully with the wearer.
“What I create is a product of thousands of visual, human and cultural experiences and with the globalised world we live in, this is magnified even more so. I am drawn to simple and clean forms with an element of whimsy, scale and texture,” she told Vogue CS in a 2020 interview.
Visuals courtesy Ami Doshi Shah Facebook
Visuals courtesy Maaÿaz Facebook
Canto Goldsmith & Jeweller, Namibia
The narrative
Canto Goldsmith & Jeweller are André and Simone Canto Talking on ‘Africa in their design’ they say: “We are in love with the rich diversity of cultures of people living in Namibia. Everyone brings his/her personal story which is influenced by culture or family stories.
“There is a long history of body adornment and jewellery in Namibia. From ivory buttons (Omakipa) and shells of long extinct big snails that used to live in the big rivers between northern Namibia and Congo (Omba), ostrich egg shells, leather, copper-and other metal beads.
“All Namibian cultures are full of jewellery history. Whatever was used as jewellery had a meaning, a background. That resonates with us because we also love to create jewellery with a meaning, a story, a background ”
essenceofafrika
Kreolor, Seychelles
The narrative
Kreolor is a unique Island luxury brand which looks to nature for inspiration. With its richly decorated collections, it fuses traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design
Creations are inspired by the azure waters, lush forests, and unique wildlife of the Seychelles islands. Each piece tells a story of the Seychellois landscape, capturing the essence of paradise in the form of exquisite jewellery.
“Each piece is a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the rich cultural heritage of these islands,” says the brand.
“With Kreolor, you carry a piece of Seychelles' soul wherever you go . . . , and embark on a journey to discover the unparalleled beauty of Seychelles' nature transformed into wearable art.”
Visuals courtesy Kreolor Collective website
Visuals courtesy Canto Goldsmith & Jeweller Website
middleeast beyondborders
Beenish Mahmood Fine Jewelry, The Watermelon Pendant
Meera Al Fahim, Glistening Wave
Earrings
Nijma M Fine Jewelry, The Up Spring Bracelet
La Marquise Jewellery, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
HASHI, Maharajah Firoza Ring
ELURA, Celestial Gem Ring
beyondborders middleeast
For this month's ‘Repurpose with Purpose’ issue, we’re excited to showcase Nijma M Fine Jewelry’s Up Spring Bracelet, crafted from 18k repurposed gold, offering a stylish statement with a conscious approach.
Complementing this are exquisite sapphire pieces, including September’s birthstone from Beenish Mahmood Fine Jewelry and La Marquise Jewellery.
Adding a touch of sophistication, La Graine Jewellery’s sapphire and diamond hairpin showcases the enduring allure of these precious stones.
These pieces are designed with versatility in mind, offering functionality that allows them to be worn in multiple ways, adapting to different occasions and personal styles.
FHK by Style Gallery, September Birth Thread Ring
Charmaleena, My Heart Necklace
STONE Fine Jewelry, Victory Chain
La Graine Jewellery, All Time Sapphire Hair Pin
Repurposing with a purpose, particularly using platinum, ties into South Africa's National Heritage Day (24 September) by blending cultural significance with sustainability.
As one of the world’s largest platinum producers, South Africa’s rich mining history is closely linked to its identity. Repurposing platinum, whether in jewellery - or arthonours this heritage while embracing modern values of conservation. It allows for the transformation of mined platinum into new, meaningful creations, symbolising the resilience of South African and indeed, African culture. On National Heritage Day, repurposed platinum pieces can celebrate both the country’s natural resources and the craftsmanship which has shaped its unique cultural narrative.
platinumpathways
The South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator SADPMR) celebrated its year-long Platinum Centenary Commemoration this year, with the milestone marking 100 years since geologist Hans Merensky discovered platinum deposits in the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
The first Platinum Centenary Coin, minted by Bullion Mint and Refinery - a participant in SADPMR’s Entrepreneur Development Programme symbolises collaboration between the state and entrepreneurs in advancing the precious metals industry
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Jewellery Afrika made its debut as an exhibitor at Jewellex Africa 2024! What a show we had and what incredible support, enthusiasm and recognition we receive from the industry. A HUGE thank you to ever our show so very special and memorable
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footprint afrika
