Heritage Month: 5 African Jewellery Brands To Keep On Your Radar
Africa is rich in precious metals and blessed with skilled artisans renowned for their craftsmanship in creating exquisite jewellery. Over the years, jewellery has evolved beyond a being an accessory to become a significant expression of fashion and a symbol of status.
According to Statista, the global jewellery market was valued at USD 224.39 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 232.94 billion in 2024. In this lucrative international market, several African brands have emerged, offering timeless pieces that not only complement any outfit but also celebrate the continent's cultural richness and artistic heritage. Here are five made in Africa jewellery brands you should keep on your radar.
PICHULIK ( South Africa)
PICHULIK, an ethical jewellery and accessories atelier rooted in Cape Town, South Africa, draws inspiration from ancient African traditions and mythology to craft sculptural accessories that embody empowering feminine narratives. Each piece serves as a talisman, meticulously handcrafted from reimagined rope and adorned with cast-brass elements, precious stones, and unexpected organic materials, resulting in distinctive forms that blend cultural heritage with contemporary design.
Led by co-CEO duo Katherine-Mary Pichulik, Creative Director and Founder, and Tracey Chiappini-Young, Commercial Director, PICHULIK embodies a partnership built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared vision. The team, composed of spirited women from across Africa, strives to create jewellery that not only makes women feel strong and empowered but also fosters connections across diverse backgrounds.
PICHULIK champions a conscious and kind African women’s economy by employing, outsourcing to, and developing women artisans. Their intentional design process and sustainable sourcing practices reflect a commitment to nurturing a culture of inclusivity and empathy. Collaborations with esteemed designers like Lukhanyo Mdingi in Cape Town, By Malene Birger in Copenhagen, Orange Culture in Lagos, and AAKS in Ghana further underscore their pan-African influence.
Celebrated globally, PICHULIK pieces have adorned influential figures including J.Lo, Cynthia Nixon, and Michelle Obama. Each creation is assembled and showcased at the PICHULIK Atelier on Watson Street in Cape Town, supporting the local economy and promoting sustainable practices across production and packaging. PICHULIK continues to redefine ethical fashion by embracing sustainability in all aspects of their craft, embodying a commitment to creativity, community, and conscious consumption.
T-MAVIK ( Nigeria)
Founded by Tochi Amadi in July 2019, T-MAVIK stands at the intersection of passion for fashion accessories and a commitment to accessibility without compromise. Recognizing a market gap for high-quality jewellery that doesn't break the bank, T-MAVIK has swiftly become a hub of style and sustainability in the Nigerian fashion scene.
T-MAVIK believes in the marriage of fashion and sustainability. For over five years, the brand has dedicated to curating stylish, durable, and affordable jewellery, challenging the notion that quality must come at a premium. Their offerings include the bestselling 100% unadulterated Freshwater pearl collection, alongside quality minimal everyday pieces and unique statement styles. This diverse range ensures that T-MAVIK is the go-to destination for jewellery suitable for every occasion.
With a loyal customer base of over 1,000 return patrons worldwide, T-MAVIK remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional quality and timeless style.
KWA (Botswana)
Founded in 2018 as Leo Today, KWA emerged as a tribute to daily inspiration and creative exploration. Rooted in a passion for design nurtured since childhood, the inception of the brand occurred while founder, LegakwanaLeo Makgekgenene, was a student at the Michaelis School of Fine Art. A rebranding to KWA marked a transformative milestone, symbolizing a fresh vision of experimentalism and cultural aspiration.
KWA's philosophy revolves around "Elevating heritage. Embracing individuality." This ethos drives their mission to craft experimental, handmade pieces that celebrate Afrocentric materials. From indigenous beads to seed pods and shells, each element embodies cultural richness and natural beauty, supporting sustainable practices and local artisans.
Celebrated for blending traditional motifs with contemporary design, KWA offers customizable pieces that resonate with personal narratives. Their dedication to storytelling enriches each creation, engaging wearers with narratives of resilience and creativity.
Since their relaunch, KWA has achieved notable milestones, including the sell-out success of their Afrocentric Summer Collection and collaborations with prominent Batswana creatives. Featured in esteemed publications and events like the Makgadikgadi Epic, KWA continues to expand its influence while fostering community engagement through initiatives like upcoming workshops. In essence, KWA transcends fashion, offering a canvas for cultural expression and community connection through innovative design and storytelling.
Patrick Mavros (Zimbabwe)
In 1978, Patrick Mavros embarked on a journey into luxury jewellery when he crafted a pair of earrings for his wife, Catja. The positive reception of these initial pieces marked the beginning of a brand rooted in personal craftsmanship and passion.
Central to Patrick Mavros' philosophy is a dedication to showcasing African creativity and craftsmanship on a global scale. With a strong emphasis on family values and a profound connection to nature, each piece, whether jewellery or objets d'art, embodies timeless elegance and tells stories through intricate artistry inspired by Africa.
Since its inception in Zimbabwe, Patrick Mavros has expanded its footprint, establishing boutiques in London, Harare, Mauritius, and recently at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront—a testament to its growing influence and the appeal of its luxury offerings steeped in African heritage. The brand's distinguished clientele includes global leaders and celebrities, affirming its status as Africa's foremost luxury brand. While Patrick Mavros generally maintains discretion regarding its esteemed patrons, its private client list boasts many of the world’s most recognizable figures who seek out the Mavros family for custom collaborations spanning jewellery to bespoke tableware and beyond.
OHIRI (Côte d'Ivoire)
Founded in 2012 by Akebehi Kpolo, OHIRI Studio was born from a vision to fuse Africa's cultural richness with modern jewellery design. Influenced by her upbringing in a culturally vibrant environment and her background in economics and sustainable development, Kpolo's creative journey began with a deep-seated fascination for traditional African jewellery, particularly from the Akan people of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
OHIRI Studio aims to bridge ancient arts with contemporary aesthetics, with the name "Ohiri," derived from the Bhété language, symbolizing growth and evolution—a philosophy reflected in their designs. Renowned for their versatility and ethical craftsmanship, OHIRI pieces are crafted from natural materials, each telling a narrative inspired by cultural symbols and traditional artisanal techniques.
The studio has achieved significant milestones since its inception. In 2016, OHIRI delved into Akan jewellery art with the acclaimed "LINES" collection, followed by international recognition at the Who’s Next Prize. The "SIKA" collection in 2018 further highlighted OHIRI’s innovative approach and cultural reverence, earning them accolades once again.
Joining the EFI (Ethical Fashion Initiative) program in 2021 marked a pivotal moment, enhancing OHIRI's global presence and ethical commitment. The "OUTLINES (1)" collection, inspired by Ivorian folklore and King Crocodile, showcased at Paris Fashion Week, further cemented OHIRI's reputation for blending tradition with modernity.
Recently, OHIRI Studio has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue and Wallpaper Magazine, solidifying its international acclaim. The 2024 launch of the OHIRI x Zalando exclusive collection represents a milestone in accessibility, bringing their unique designs crafted in vermeil to a broader audience.
Words by Takudzwa Nyambi