African fashion has been making waves on the global stage for quite some time now, and it's not just clothing that's turning heads. African jewellery designers and crafters have been creating stunning pieces that reflect the rich culture, creativity, and craftsmanship of the continent.
At ADJOAA, we're deeply committed to supporting emerging brands and talented artists who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. We believe in giving back to the community, nurturing creativity, and providing a platform for African designers to showcase their extraordinary talents.
At this point, you can tell that I’ll be talking about jewelries, with a main focus on Nigerian Jewelry brands. If you haven’t heard, I’m here to let you know that jewelries/accessories COMPLETE a look! You could literally take a look from boring to interesting, basic to eye catching or dainty to baddie, if you don’t believe me scroll through Rihanna’s (my sister) Instagram!
Historically, jewelry in African societies has served spiritual and sentimental functions. One’s choice of adornment is also often a marker of wealth, status or prestige. The common thread among the brands we’re exploring is cognizance of the vast utility of jewelry. All their pieces call you to be intentional about your sartorial choices while respectfully nodding to African cultures.
Here are some amazing made in Nigeria jewelry brands you should know:
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Featured Nigerian Jewelry Brands
Since 2016, the unofficial mantra, ‘buy Naija to grow the naira’, has followed us and is still going strong. Made in Nigeria brands have not fallen short in the improvement of the quality of their products and services.
1. DỌLA
Rooted in the richness of Yoruba culture, an ethnic group native to the South Western region of Nigeria,a Sub-Saharan country, DỌLA (pronounced Doh-lah) is a luxury jewellery brand that seamlessly blends African artistry with contemporary design.As mentioned earlier, DỌLA’s designs draw inspiration from the Yoruba heritage of the head designer, reimagining traditional designs in minimalist, wearable art. Each collection of the brand: from the “Oríkì Line”- which celebrates life’s milestones with timeless pieces designed to last for generations-to the exclusive “Ọkan by DỌLA” which offers bespoke creations that reflect each client’s unique vision- is carefully crafted to be transcend trends and be timeless.
In an era of fast fashion, DỌLA focuses on conscious luxury. The minimalist designs ensures the jewellery can serve many generations of wearers. Also, the brand prioritizes “slow fashion”, which places quality over quantity, through the production of limited collections using ethically sourced materials. Every piece with DỌLA is made to last there by reducing waste and promoting mindful consumption.
Beyond aesthetics, DỌLA represents a movement-a shift towards mindful adornment. According to the brand, Eyitemi Adeniyi’s vision was to create jewellery that carries emotional weight, symbolizing personal journeys and cultural pride. DỌLA was born out of a deep passion for storytelling, artistry, and legacy. Whether it’s a bespoke piece or a signature design, DỌLA’s creations are more than accessories; they are heirlooms.
DỌLA has showcased its designs on platforms like London’s HomeGrown Club in 2022, where it was highlighted as a sustainable African luxury brand. The HomeGrown Club event was to highlight slow fashion and this move not only introduced DỌLA to a wider audience but also reinforced its mission-to merge African craftsmanship with worldwide appeal. This partnership shows a significant shift in the Nigerian luxury space and offers customers an exclusive access to a unique range of jewelry pieces that celebrate traditional African art while embracing modern aesthetics, while also placing DOLA at the forefront of the country's evolving luxury sector, catering to discerning shoppers who value high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design.
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In a world of disposable fashion, DỌLA stands apart-offering jewellery that is timeless, meaningful, and made to last.
2. Hadash Jewelry
Hadash jewelry is an array of strings of glory that beautifies a woman’s neck. Totally in love with this brand and their aesthetic. Their pieces are simple with a touch of extra. I love that they focus mainly on gold jewelries that can be dressed either up or down.
3. Treasures by Isura
Treasures by Isura’s work is focused on classy, elegant and timeless pieces, that transcend fashion trends. They aim to create pieces that can be passed down through generations.
4. Gbenga Artsmith Collections
Gbenga Artsmith Collections is an accessory brand dedicated to crafting beautiful jewelry for men and women. Gbenga Artsmith jewelry pieces have been seen on eminent personalities like Hon.
The jewellery created by Gbenga Artsmith is a stunning collection of handcrafted pieces that are both unique and refined.
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5. Zivanora
Zivanora designs and creates jewellery for men and women drawn to refined touches, classic shapes, and polished finishes. With a clean and minimalist design flair, every piece is designed and handcrafted at our studio in the vibrant coastal city of Lagos, Nigeria.
Zivanora is a jewellery brand that caters to those who appreciate a simple and contemporary aesthetic, with designs that draw inspiration from minimalism. Their goal is to create jewellery that is not only elegant and charming but also comfortable to wear.
6. Karats'N'Mor
Karats'N'Mor is a jewellery brand that specializes in creating custom-made pieces that are tailored to the individual style of each customer.
7. Kunbi Works
Kunbi Works is an Afrocentric Nigeria jewelry brand that produces handmade fashion accessories for both men and women, using beads and gemstones. Kunbi Works has a variety of bracelets, neck pieces, earrings, cabochon accessories, key rings, leather works and so much more. I like to call them the home of arm candies.
8. Circa 64
Circa 64 specializes in unique hand-crafted pieces which exude timeless elegance.
Circa 64 is a jewellery brand that specialises in beaded pieces. All pieces are handmade using semiprecious stones and beads.
9. Bland2Glam
Bland2Glam, founded by Seyi Banigbe, is a jewellery brand that aims to provide customers with an opportunity to elevate their style and add some glamour to their everyday look.
10. Bimbeads Concept
Bimbeads Concept is a jewellery brand that creates unique and exquisite pieces using African beads, crystals, gemstones, and other materials.
11. Oke Grace (GomaluXE)
Oke Grace is an independent jeweller who works primarily with precious metals. Committed to sustainable crafts, Grace only uses ethically mined gemstones and ethically sourced metals. Her brand, GomaluXE, focuses on metal pieces which are classic and timeless in their design.
12. Mina Stones
Mina Stones is a brand that melds African heritage with modern design, resulting in unique pieces that highlight cultural intricacies. Committed to sustainable practices, this brand takes an active role in every stage of a gemstone's journey, from mining to final product and market.
13. Ariaba
Linda Sodeinde is the creative director of Ariaba, a contemporary accessories lifestyle brand.
14. ILE-IFE
Founded by Adebissi Adedjouma, celebrates the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. Adebissi's designs merge armorial shapes with distinctive textures and African embellishments, creating statement pieces that embody elegance, quality, and emotion.
Adebissi Adedjouma’s grandfather started a jewelry trading business 60 years ago. He would buy gold-plated jewelry in France and resell them to wholesalers in Benin. Twenty years later, her mother picked up the trade and established her own retail business in Dantokpa, a busy central market in Benin’s largest city. This family history piqued Adedjouma’s interest in jewelry design, but her mother encouraged her to go to college and secure a stable job instead.
Ilé Ifè’s pieces are sculptural and made with upcycled, gold-coated brass.
15. Margaux Wong
Margaux Wong's artisanal luxury jewellery and accessories brand beautifully blends Amazonian low-waste values with precious East African materials.
16. XITA
XITA is known for its eco-conscious approach to fashion and jewellery, incorporating sustainable materials such as recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones.
One Rapelana has always been artistic. She initially opted for the “safer” corporate route, but after completing an internship in 2014, she experimented with old T-shirts and CDs and accidentally created a necklace. This catalysed her hand-crafted accessories brand: Xita.
Perusing the brand’s catalogue, you’ll quickly notice an affinity for leather (either vegan or by-products from the meat industry) and a lingering geometric theme.
17. Inkaturah
Inkaturah merges traditional symbols and motifs with contemporary aesthetics. Their pieces incorporate brass, fabric, and glass beads, resulting in stunning, culturally rich designs.
18. ZAAF
ZAAF's premium leather accessories beautifully reflect Ethiopia's diverse culture, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern design.
19. Sahmani
Sahmani jewellery offers a fusion of traditional North African fashion with contemporary design elements, incorporating semi-precious stones and intricate metalwork into their captivating pieces.
20. AketeKete
AketeKete specialises in hand-woven beadwork fashion that tells stories of Ghana's lively culture and traditions.
21. OHIRI
Spread between Paris and Abidjan, Ohiri creates jewelry that doubles as body art. The creative director, Akébéhi Kpolo, traces her appreciation for jewelry to trips around Côte d’Ivoire as a child. She was also inspired by her mother and gold pieces worn by the Akan people, a tribe primarily existing across Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Their royalty is known for sporting bold, chunky jewelry that convey a host of meanings.
This reference is perhaps why Ohiri’s pieces provoke an undeniable feeling of regality. They are also incredibly inventive and multi-purpose. Made in France, the pieces from their Lines collection are elegantly designed and available in 925 silver or 18K gold. This three-in-one piece can be worn around your knees or adjusted to fit as a necklace.
Before starting Ohiri, Kpolo worked with local artisans to restore beloved jewelry and as she expanded, eco-consciousness remained central to the brand’s ethos.
22. THERESIA KYALO
Jewelry is often regarded as a supporting act in the anatomy of outfits, but Theresia Kyalo’s eponymous brand begs to differ. Her pieces are stentorian and attempting to overshadow them with clothing would no doubt be a fruitless endeavour. Case in point: her 2019 collection Body Pieces.
Kyalo doesn’t believe in merely pushing merchandise. As a creative first and foremost, the visual aesthetic of each collection matters to her. The result is always an immersive experience that confronts viewers, daring them to look beyond what’s in front of them. Kyalo’s brand is also firmly rooted in her community.
23. R&R COLLECTIVE
Founded by Tobi Kolawole-Olatude, Revival and Resurrection (shortened as R&R Collective) is a Nigerian brand merging nostalgia with an innovative take on sustainability. Each piece plays on candy familiar to most with Nigerian childhoods, such as Tom Tom, Splash and Milo cubes.
The brand also aims to drive cultural conversations on upcycling and waste usage in order to curb the rise in solid waste. To further this, they launched a recycling database for Lagos, Nigeria residents in 2020. Despite being born in the UK, Kolawole-Olatude shared that her parents ensured she was aware of her Nigerian heritage.
24. IÉFO
Above all else, Iéfo founder Keren Lasme says that her brand is a research and creativity outlet. It began as a case study for her master's dissertation and evolved into a study of aesthetics and art as African philosophy.
However, adornment hasn’t been the Ivorian artist’s main priority for a while. As a multi-media artist, she chooses to express her creativity through various mediums like photography and collage art.
These eight brands are dedicated to supporting their communities, preserving cultural heritage, and caring for the environment. At ADJOAA, we are proud to provide a platform for these talented designers to showcase their exceptional creations.
As the founder and Creative Director of the Lagos Jewellery School in Lagos, Nigeria, Nihma Ibironke Oduniyi is a leading figure in the jewellery industry. With a background in jewellery design from the Central St.
Remember jewelries make your look, they could also be used to show your personality, they are also used to show what type of look you’re going for. Use that tip when shopping for your next piece and let me know how it goes.
I know how you feel! You want to check them out don’t you? I felt the same way!
