JZ I N E E d i t
showstopper august ‘24
Makeanoise... J-ZINEEDIT
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
Global Events Alliance Partner
DiaMondaine Diamantaires Club
Agnes Abdullahu, Founder & CEO info@diamondaine.com / +32 486 57 23 30
General Enquiries hello@jewelleryafrika.com
J-ZINE Edit Free Subscriptions jzine@jewelleryafrika.com
show·stop·per noun informal
asongorotherperformancereceivingprolongedapplause fromtheaudience:"Theywanteverymomentfromthe JewelleryAfrikafashionshowtobeashowstopper" somethingthatisstrikingorhasgreatpopularappeal:"the coverofthelatestJ-ZINEEditisashowstopper"
Whatashowstopperissuewehave!
It’sonewhichalsoembodiestheveryessenceofAfrikan designersandtheircreations.Afrikanjewelleryisnotjustan accessory;it'sastatement,it’sastory,it’saheritage;it’sabout sustainabilityandthespiritofAfrika.
Fromintricatebeadworktostunningmetals,ourcontinent’s designscaptivateandcommandglobalattention.It'svibrant, timeless,andundeniablyshowstopping-jewelleryandtalent whichspeaksvolume.
Andonthesubjectof‘volume’, we’remakingahugenoise aboutourfirst-everappearanceattheannualJewellexAfrica showtobeheldinJohannesburgnextmonth. StandS8.
Aroundofapplauseplease!
Jason Founder&Editor-in-Chief
JewelleryAfrikajoinsJewelleryCouncilofSouthAfrica (JCSA)It’sofficial!We’reamemberoftheJCSA.TheJCSA strivestobeaworld-classindustrysupportingbodywhich enablesthedevelopment,growthandprosperityofthelocal jewelleryindustrythroughinitiating,implementing, informing,facilitating,supporting,andrepresentingits memberslocally,acrosstheAfricancontinent,andabroad.
s h o w s t o p p e r
African showstopping jewellery designs are a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary innovation.
These pieces often feature bold, geometric patterns, intricate beadwork, and rich, earthy materials like gold, brass, and precious stones. Drawing inspiration from diverse Afrikan traditions, each design tells a unique story, symbolizing power, identity, and spiritual significance.
Modern Afrikan designers blend traditional elements with avant-garde techniques, creating statement pieces that resonate globally. From striking neckpieces to elaborate cuffs, Afrikan jewellery continues to captivate, embodying both historical richness and cutting-edge style. Here are some of our favourites . . .
Adele Dejak. Instagram.
Inzuki Designs. Instagram.
Theresia Kaylo. Instagram.
Ami Doshi Shah. Web site.
Zulu Mien. Instagram.
Ohiri Studio. Web site.
‘Afrohemian’
thenewand excitingshowstopper
Jewellery Afrika social media follower Kemuma Rioba (left), commented on one of our posts recently saying “It's giving afrohemian... it's beautiful”.
It got us thinking on just how much of a new and exciting showstopper ‘Afrohemain’ jewellery is becoming.
This style beautifully merges the deep cultural roots of Afrikan heritage with the eclectic, freespirited vibe of Bohemian flair, creating pieces which are visually striking, culturally rich and fashion-forward.
The fusion of the styles offers something far beyond ordinary accessories. Materials such as beads, shells, and natural stones - used in Afrikan adornment for centuries - are not only beautiful but also steeped in symbolism, carrying meanings that reflect Afrikan spirituality, identity, and traditions.
Each piece of Afrohemian jewellery is a reflection of personal and cultural pride, telling a story that is as much about the wearer as it is about the heritage it represents.
And of course, it’s all about embracing creativity, individuality, and a connection to nature, which aligns perfectly with the values embedded in Afrikan culture.
The result is jewellery which appeals to those who are not just looking to accessorise, but to make a statement about who they are and what they stand for.
‘Thefusionofthestylesoffers
In a fashion landscape often dominated by the mass-produced and the mundane, Afrohemian jewellery offers a refreshing, unique celebration of cultural diversity, creativity, and selfexpression.
fromtheJozilimelight
“Bedaring,bedifferent,be impractical,beanythingthatwill assertintegrityofpurposeand imaginativevisionagainstthe play-it-safers,thecreaturesof thecommonplace,theslavesof theordinary,” says Studio CocoaMoonwhichlauncheda fewyearsago,inJohannesburg, SouthAfrica,nowbasedinthe Netherlands. Thestorybehindthename
“Iimaginethemoontoawaken ourunconsciousmind,our spiritualandemotional awareness.
“SymbolicallyIthinkafullmoon presentsanopportunitytosee ourmundanelivesinthestrange lightofnon-rationalawareness andasaresultinspirecreative thinking.
“CocoaformerepresentsAfrica, le
“Arichandmagnificentpartofthe world.Andasmuchasthetwoare contrasts,theycreateacertain harmonyandbalanceaswell becausewithoutdark(Cocoa)there isnolight(Moon),andifwedon’t knowwhatlightis,wecannot experiencedark.”
NancyNichting creativeforcebehindStudioCocoaMoon
middleeast beyondborders
Beenish Mahmood Fine Jewelry, The Leaf Necklace
YOURA, Flourish Ring
FHK by Style Gallery, LouLou'Y Earrings
Meera Al Fahim, The Waterfall Earrings
Nijma M Fine Jewelry, The Up Tennis Necklace
Charmaleena, Elements Bangle
i l
beyondborders middleeast
r the brilliance of FHK by allery, the elegance of Diamonds, the modern f STONE Fine Jewelry and uty of TOi Fine Jewelry. unning contributions enish Mahmood, Nijma M welry and Meera Al Fahim, rt in its most exquisite
Baguette Bangle
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TOi Fine Jewelry, Sparkle Flower Ring
Khayal Fine Jewelry, Muse Bracelet
Aariya Diamonds, Maui Earcuff
Coiningit...
Investing in gold and silver is a popular strategy for preserving wealth and hedging against inflation and are seen as stable assets which retain value over time.
Gold and silver coins are particularly favoured by investors due to their recognised value and liquidity. However, using gold or silver coins in jewellery can significantly alter their value.
When coins are integrated into jewellery, they often lose their numismatic value, which is the value attributed to their rarity, historical significance, and condition. The altered state of the coins can make them less desirable to collectors and investors, reducing their market value. Therefore, while such jewellery may hold aesthetic and sentimental appeal, it may not retain the investment value of the original coins. But, as we say at J-ZINE Edit, “you be you!”
3
Tips when investing in gold coin jewellery
Understand purity and authenticity: Ensure the gold coin jewellery you invest in is of high purity (typically 22k or 24k) and comes with a certificate of authenticity. This guarantees the quality and value of the gold, making it easier to resell or trade in the future.
Consider resale value: Look for gold coin jewellery that has a high resale value. Factors like the weight, design, and market demand influence this.
Coins from reputable mints or featuring historical or rare designs often retain or increase in value.
Stay informed about market trends: Gold prices fluctuate due to various factors such as global economic conditions, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Stay updated on market trends!
essenceofafrika
thechangemakers
Afrikan jewellery designers whose unique design ethos is changing the way jewellery is seen, worn and designed.
essenceofafrika
WakioTalismans
Kenya
Thenarrative
WakiostartedinSeptember2022byitsleaddesigner
Mundia,inspiredbyhisgrandmother‘Wakio’describedas the“embodimentofaproudAfricanqueen:herdressing, herexpression,herstyle,hervoiceandmannerisms”
Thebrand’shandmadepiecesaremadeusingsustainable materialssuchasrecycledmaterialssuchasbrass,horn andglass.
“Wetellourstorythroughthepieceswemake...tellinga storyofthecurrentstateoftheworldbeitaboutwomen, empowerment,feminity,gender,politics,traditionalbeliefs orsensuality Thiscomesacrossinthenamingofpieces, stylingofourshoots,thedesignoftheproduct.”
SarahAbouzahra
Egypt
Thenarrative
LSarahAbouzahraestablishedthebrandin2020,founded ontheprincipleofcontemporarydirectionhavingeach collectioninspiredbyacertainconcept.
ItisaCairo-basedonlinestorethatfeatureshandmade boldjewelleryhavingastatementshownwitheachpiece.
Sarahisconvincedthatjewelleryistheperfectwayto bringlifetoanoutfitandenhanceyourbestfeatures The piecesaremadebyEgyptiancraftsmenusing925sterling silver,brass,18kwhiteorgoldplated,usingprecious stones
Visuals courtesy Sarah Abouzahra. Web site
Visuals courtesy Wakio Talismans. Instagram
essenceofafrika
Kawira
Kenya
Thenarrative
Foundedin2017byKawira,apassionateartisanwitha loveforculturalbeauty,KawiraAfricabeganasadreamto showcaseAfricancraftsmanshiptotheworld.
Witheachpieceofjewellery,Kawirablendstraditional Africantechniqueswithmodernaesthetics,creating uniquepieceswhicharebothtimelessandcontemporary. Usingmaterialslikecopper,brass,silver,andcolorful beads,ourcreationsaremorethanjustaccessories;they areatributetoAfricanartistry
Thebrandstrivestocreateeconomicopportunitiesfor localcommunitieswhileensuringitspracticesare sustainableandethical.Eachpieceofjewellerytellsa storyofheritage,craftsmanship,andtheenduringspiritof Africa
Beabond
Botswana
Thenarrative
Beabondwasco-foundedbyhusbandandwife,Nicholas andFerelithMoltkein2016.Eachpieceisinspiredbyliving inBotswanawheretheyexperiencedfirst-handthe interconnectedrelationshipsbetweenpeople,wildlifeand MotherEarth
Theduocreatetimelessclassicsimbuedwithmeaning, eachsignaturepieceembodiestheirethosoffewerbetter things
“Botswanaliesattheheartofeverythingwedo.Fromthe landscapeandheritagethatinspiresus,tothematerials usedinourproductsandtheartisanswholovinglybringour designstolife Ourethosisrootedinsustainability;our beautifullyhandcraftedpiecesareethicallysourcedand climatepositive.”
Visuals courtesy Beabond. Instagram
Visuals courtesy Kawira. Instagram
footprintsthroughafrika
MisterSouthAfricaWomen’sDayEvent-Top10MRSA finalistsannouncedJewelleryAfrika istheofficialmedia alliancepartnerforMr.SouthAfricaandweattendedthe specialMRSAWomen’sDayeventfortheannouncementof the2024Top10Finalists.Congratsguys!
DecorexJohannesburg
JewelleryAfrikawasinvitedto theofficialopeningofthisyear’s DecorexeventinJohannesburg
WithNtandoLurwengu,MrUniverse SouthAfrica2024,(centre)aretheTop10MRSAfinalists
i t th ughafrika
‘AnAfropolitanQuest’,asoloexhibitionbyBonganiMashangeforhisPhDinVisualArts(ContemporaryJewelleryDesign)ison until14 SeptemberatTheGalleryoftheUniversityofStellenbosch(GUS). Theopeningwasabigcelebrationandwonderfulevent! GUShours:Mon: byappointment Tuesday-Friday:09h00-16h00 Saturday:10h00-14h00
KarleighKing’s‘BigFive JewelleryCollection launch
WhatafantastictimeTeam JewelleryAfrikahadatthe launchofKarleighKing’s‘Big FiveJewelleryCollection launchatTheJewellery VillageinMontecasino
Notonlydidwegetto celebrateKarleigh’sbigday, butwereconnectedwithold industryfriendsandmade somewonderfulnewones too.
VisualscourtesyJewelleryDivisionStellenboschUniversity
