october‘24
J-ZINE Edit theauthenticy
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
Jewellery Afrika Membership Committee
Beth Forson (Chair), art@ebforson.co.za, +27 82 453 5155
Retha Minnie, dustdesigns r@gmail com, +27 64 669 7579
Jenny Justus
Jason Aarons
General Enquiries
hello@jewelleryafrika com / WhatsApp: +27 62 513 2431
J-ZINE Edit Free Subscriptions
jzine@jewelleryafrika.com
‘The
Jewellery is more than just accessorising. It's about yo
It's the secret weapon which lets your personality shine brighter than the African sun and shout out who you are louder and bolder than a lion’s roar; and make a grand entrance on par with a buffalo stampede!
No matter if you're a minimalist maven or a maximalist maestro, there's a piece of jewellery out there with your name on it. It’s all about being the authentic you, a way to celebrate your unique identity and embrace your true self.
So, in this Edit, we showcase African and African-inspired designers and designs whose creativity and uniqueness speaks to the notion of ‘being you ’ in a truly authentic and unforgettable style. It's about finding pieces which resonate with our souls, which make us feel beautiful and empowered.
Let your jewellery be your mood ring, your lucky charm, your silent statement. A delicate beaded necklace which whispers, "I'm sophisticated." A chunky ring which shouts, "I'm bold and fearless." Or a pair of earrings which simply say, "I woke up like this, but with a little extra of that African sparkle."
Remember, jewellery isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling good. So, go ahead, let your inner being shine and embrace the essence of Africa.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Stay on trend and KNOW what you're buying with a reputable and industry-recognised certification
Tsavorite is considered by many to be the superhero of green gems turning heads and sparkling envy!
Did you know?
Tsavorite is the vivid green variety of the grossular species of the garnet group, often possessing high clarity and brilliancy and is prized for its exceptional green colour.
When the saturation of the gem enters the pastel region, the gems are referred to as ‘mint garnet’. There is currently no synthetic tsavorite garnet commercially available and treatment remains uncommon.
Scottish geologist Campbell Bridges discovered the bright green gem near Komolo, Tanzania in 1967. The gem was named after the Tsavo National Park in Kenya.
tsavorite is believed to symbolise ginnings.
avorites and other ke the grade with EGL!
essenceofafrika
the changemakers
African jewellery designers whose unique design ethos is changing the way jewellery is seen, worn and designed.
M'Kono
The narrative
M'kono crafts ethnic-contemporary jewellery which celebrates Mozambican heritage through the artful fusion of beadwork and mixed materials, creating a distinctive collection where cultural artistry meets contemporary style.
Its signature aesthetic features bold geometric patterns and vivid colours drawn from Mozambican traditions and transformed into striking necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and ornamental pieces.
“My biggest plan, which I call purpose, is to make M’Kono a brand with such firm roots that it can span generations,” says Afifah Zualo, founder, M'Kono “My aspirations are aimed at expanding the brand across the country globalizing it, and being recognized for our contribution and quality.”
essenceofafrika
iloni
The narrative
Iloni is a contemporary jewellery brand with a twist, designed and handcrafted by Madri van Zyl in Cape Town. Iloni means ‘My Joy’ which is exactly why Iloni was started says the brand.
Their signature style jewellery is bold, minimal, timeless and elegant with an element of surprise and is characterised by classic simplicity, understated detail and precise finishes. “Iloni aims to connect with the jewellery wearers from all walks of life, from the trend followers to the loyal I-never-take-this-off-ers.”
“We pride ourselves on our individuality and refuse to follow trends. We create pieces that are unique and surprising, minimal yet bold and will stay in families for generations. Iloni Jewellery encourages you to be more playful and dare to express your true self, with no pressure or pretence.”
Visuals courtesy Iloni
Visuals courtesy M'kono
essenceofafrika
Zulu Mien
The narrative
Zulu Mien is a grassroots social enterprise dedicated to supporting female artisans in South Africa. This people-before-profits brand is the culmination of its founder Nicola Robertson’s years of experience on the ground, working and living with women in remote communities.
The jewellery emerging from this collaboration is as appealing for it’s beauty as it is for its philosophy: “that we should live a life of grace and integrity, and never lose the awareness that we are all connected to each other.”
Zulu Mien won the Innibos National Craft Award for Best Corporate Gifts in 2020; was selected as part of the Design Indaba Emerging Creatives Class of 2021; and in the same year, won an international mentorship and representation at Paris Fashion Week with UKbased CoNNect Agency.
Krood
The narrative
‘Perfectly imperfect’ is Karoo-inspired Krood’s motto. Founded by creator, Gene Arundel, each one-of-a-kind piece is meticulously handcrafted, drawing inspiration from the raw beauty and harsh elements of the semi-arid desert in South Africa.
Crafted with passion, each piece tells a story of authenticity and unrefined beauty. “At Krood, we celebrate imperfections as the essence of perfection, believing that our individual uniqueness is what makes us intriguing
“My daily walks in the veld provide a rich source of inspiration through their tranquil and immersive experience. As i move through the landscape, i encounter a tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations that stimulate my creativity.” The brand’s gender neutral, non seasonal one of a kind pieces are truly of Africa.
Visuals courtesy krood
Visuals courtesy Zulu Mien
Temba
The narrative
The Temba Collection was created in Zimbabwe by Polly Randell and Touran Bristow.
Having met on a game drive on the banks of the Limpopo River, their shared love of jewellery and design led to the Temba debut collection in sterling silver, and a wonderful friendship. In the Ndebele and Venda languages, Temba means to ‘love’ or to ‘trust’.
Each Temba design is crafted in our studio in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. “We combine making pieces by hand with the lost wax casting method, allowing us to create a varied and stylish collection Woven into each creation is the incredible skills of our silversmiths and the beautiful stories which captured our imagination . We seek to create pieces which inspire women to express their individuality and style, as well as follow their sense of adventure.”
essenceofafrika
Quazi Design
The narrative
Quazi Design is a cutting edge craft company that transforms waste magazines into original accessories and interiors. Based in Eswatini, it believes in pushing the boundaries of craft, responsibility, and design.
Born out of a partnership between a designer and the local magazine distributor Quazi Design started in 2010 in order to create much needed employment in Eswatini, southern Africa.
“What started as a trial in design for social impact and has become a small thriving business with a solid community of local women artisans. We believe in sustainable design, ethical production, transparency, and craftsmanship. Our products are all handmade by women that are employed full time at our workshop with permanent contracts. We are a small team that love to collaborate and create.”
Visuals courtesy Tshepiso
Visuals courtesy Temba
Matturi
The narrative
Satta Matturi - born and raised in Sierra Leone - is the founder and creative lead of award-winning Matturi Fine Jewellery, which she founded after a 17-year diamond career working in sales and rough diamond valuation at one of the world’s largest diamond mining groups.
Her skills, experience and network within the mid-stream of the diamond pipeline, coupled with her passion for diamonds and fine jewellery led to her niche namesake brand.
Being British with West-African heritage, Satta combines deep felt traditions from the African continent, mixed with a global view of trends, attitudes and inspiration, to create distinct contemporary designs that resonate with all women across the globe.
essenceofafrika
Tshepiso Jewellery
The narrative Tshepiso is the namesake of the brand’s founder and metalsmith.
Following her graduation from the University of the Witwatersrand, Tshepiso studied at Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence and, upon returning to South Africa, started her own jewellery brand that has since been featured in Vogue, VISI and Bubblegum Club.
The focus is on crafting jewellery based on shapes derived from daily life, art and memories The working process often consists of building up and stripping down work to reach a delicate balance of weight and shape. Every piece of jewellery that is ordered, is handcrafted in the studio by Tshepiso and while the handcrafted nature makes every piece similar, each is unique in its slight differences and imperfections.
Visuals courtesy Tshepiso
Visuals courtesy Matturi
essenceofafrika
Jewel of Africa
The narrative Jewel of Africa is a proudly Zambian company established in 1993 and creates handmade and custom made jewellery from a range of exquisite locally sourced gemstones such as emerald, tourmaline, garnets, aquamarines, citrines and amethyst.
In September this year the brand’s ‘The Zambian Jewels Podcast’ was launched, in which Jewel of Africa’s CEO Rashmi Sharma is cohost along with renowned cultural curator, Samba Yonga, Managing Partner at Ku-Atenga Media.
The podcast aims to shine a spotlight on Zambia's vibrant gemstone industry, exploring its potential to become a cornerstone of economic development while fostering sustainable growth and community impact.
‘You dream We create ’ is an integral part of their philosophy
Aya
Founded in 2016 by Chelsy Davy, a lawyer turned gemologist, Aya was born out of a love for one-of-a-kind gemstones
Initially dedicated to African gemstones in honour of Chelsy’s Zimbabwean heritage, Aya partnered with Gemfields to ensure the sustainable and ethical sourcing of natural stones in order to create unique jewellery inspired by the beauty of African life and landscape.
Through exquisite craftsmanship, Aya continued to grow and eventually expanded its offering to include heirloom-worthy bespoke commissions, working with clients and industry experts to source the very best gemstones from all over the world.
Aya’s debut collection was designed by Davy herself using the tusk as a source of inspiration, symbolising Africa “in a really elegant, powerful way. ”
middleeast beyondborders
Beenish Mahmood Fine Lava Rock Zodiac Nec
Nijma M Fine Jewelry, Eye On You Pendant
Diamonds, Aariya Ring d
FHK by Style Gallery, LouLou'Y Bangle
Farah Khan Atelier, London Vivacious Ring
t h e a u t h e n t i c y o u
The essence of authentic jewellery wearing isn't about following trends or meeting others' expectations – it's about choosing pieces which genuinely resonate with your personal story and sense of self.
Whether you prefer minimalist silver studs or layers of ornate necklaces, authenticity comes from wearing what makes you feel most connected to yourself. Sometimes this means breaking conventional rules. Perhaps you mix metals when fashion magazines advise against it, or wear family heirlooms in unexpected ways.
Maybe you feel most yourself wearing handcrafted beaded bracelets rather than fine diamonds or prefer the weight of a single meaningful pendant to multiple decorative pieces.
Cultural and personal history often play vital roles in authentic jewellery choices. For some, wearing traditional pieces honours heritage and family connections. Others might find meaning in jewellery which marks significant life moments –a ring from a loved one, a bracelet from a meaningful journey, or a necklace that commemorates an achievement.
Atelier Tailacarrilho
Being authentic with jewellery also means wearing it on your own terms. Some may feel most genuine wearing different pieces every day to match their changing moods, while others might express authenticity through signature pieces they rarely change.
There's no universal rule – what matters is that your choices feel true to you. Consider the stories behind your jewellery: Where did each piece come from? What memories does it hold? What does it say about who you are?
Authentic jewellery wearing isn't about the monetary value or current trends –it's about choosing pieces that reflect your values, experiences, and identity.
Sometimes the most authentic choice might mean wearing no jewellery at all but with what Africa has to offer, we’d like to think this is not the case! The key is recognising what feels genuine to you and embracing that choice confidently, regardless of external pressures or expectations. Just #BEYOU!
Emaali
Pichulik
Tshepiso Jewellery
Ditsala Designs
Mwezi Blu
ROK Originals courtesy Jason
Brian Kivuti
Shop Raenna
AC BY AC Alude Arts
African Touch Jewelry
Zeajewellery Mauritius
footprintsthro ka
Jewellery Afrika was thrilled to attend the PlatAfrica 2024 Awards, hosted annually by Anglo American Platinum in partnership with Platinum Guild International India (PGI India) and Metal Concentrators. This year also marked the 25th anniversary of this annual jewellery design and manufacturing competition.
footprintsthroughafrika
footprintsthroughafrika
footprintsthroughafrika
The opening of the Jewellery Division University of Stellenbosch’s ‘Artificial Lens,’ student Competition Exhibition and Awards Ceremony. The exhibition explored the influence of social media and artificial intelligence on daily life, as interpreted by jewellery students across various stages of their studies. It showcased diverse techniques, reflecting the students’ growing expertise and creative engagement with the theme. This exhibition presented a collective investigation into the intersection of technology, art, and daily experience, inviting viewers to consider how digital and artificial influences shape our world.
footprintsthroughafrika
