Our late 20s to early 30s is a time when many of us finally forge our signature styles to curate timeless capsule closets, trading fast jewellery (and fashion) bargains for investment pieces in trend-defying designs that last forever. However, investing in gold jewellery no longer has to cost an arm and a leg thanks to the array of affordable, contemporary accessory brands that the continent has to offer. From dainty and delicate pieces to chunkier, in-your-face statement designs, here are a few African jewellery brands that are currently on our wishlist. Check them out below!
Yala Jewellery
Designer Audrey Migot-Adholla took her love for accessories and transformed it into Yala. Taken from her Kenyan roots and ‘designed for the modern woman,' sustainability lies at the heart of the brand with their use of eco-friendly materials to create a collection of responsible jewellery that has ‘as little environmental impact as possible.’
What to Shop: Their Zero Waste Brass Pendant — one of the best-sellers made from melted brass waste and remodeled into stylish pendants and dangled on beautiful recycled 14k gold chains. Mix and match Yala’s variety of trendy neckpieces for a fashionable layered look. We love their classic Bahati Hammer Brass Cylinder Pendant too, a statement piece that looks just as good when worn solo.
Shop it, here.
Ami Doshi Shah
Ami Doshi Shah's accessories are sculptural art with a collection of form-hugging decorative items inspired by, and likened to, talisman jewellery. Ami's juxtaposition of materials and her breathtaking use of geometric shapes and lines has become her signature style. Her award-winning and not-so-subtle modern jewellery designs are the kinds that'll make all eyes stop and stare.
What to Shop: Her dreamy Salt of the Earth collection. Materials she utilizes in this range include verdigris, pastel Aventurine, deep green Zoisite, and golden brass to create striking green and gold color pairings that are just swoon-worthy. You’ll probably recognize her pieces on Tiwa Savage in Beyoncé’s Black is King film. Shop her range at Alára Lagos, Ichyulu (ichyulu.com), Industrie Africa (industrieafrica.com), KOIBIRD (koibird.com), Merchants on Long Cape Town, the LOTTE Accra and Kipépéo (kipepeocollection.com).
Omi Woods
Handmade, ethically sourced artisanal jewellery, made to be passed from one generation to the next. Omi Woods features fine necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and rings in mostly solid gold varieties with several pieces named after Africa’s diverse countries, celebrating the continent’s rich resources and cultural heritage. Picking a favourite item is almost impossible, but Omi’s coin collection has our full attention. All her items are made with Fair Trade African Gold and conflict-free fine metals.
What to Shop: The Egyptian Coin Stack. Necklace layering is a timeless fashion trend that requires masterful placement, but Omi Woods makes the look much easier to achieve with their ready-to-wear customized stacks. The Egyptian consists of four necklaces — a choker, chain, and two authentic Egyptian coin designs available in Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Vermeil.
Shop it, here.
Our Best Regards
A modest collection of ultra-modern pieces, curated for the everyday minimalist. Rings and earrings are the brand's specialty, and each is forged from brass then plated in 2-micron thick 18ct gold for luxe-quality gold plating that lasts. Their superior quality and clean-cut, stylish designs are why Best is currently every stylist and fashion lover’s most coveted item.
What to Shop: Ara, a rectangular hoop earring with a chic but sleek aesthetic loved by city girl’s all-around. You’ll appreciate its lightweight feel thanks to its use of hollow brass as well as its stud-free, clip-in design for better fastening and security.
Shop it, here.
Lorne
Famed for their sculptural, warped, and dainty adornments, Lorne’s unique approach to modern jewellery has made them a jewellery box essential for the accessory-obsessed. They describe their jewellery as ‘sketches and doodles,’ brought to life and transformed into wearable finger and earlobe art, which you can don solo, as pairs, or mismatched with their other stylish and quirky designs.
What to Shop: If you’re shopping Lorne, either go big or go home. Inner Urge, Sonata, and Gold Dust are three beautiful evening earring styles drenched with high polish and ultra-gold coats. Dainty at the top with some bold drama down below, their light-reflecting shapes and finishes will undoubtedly turn heads.
Shop it, here.