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. From traditional to contemporary, these brands offer a diverse range of styles that cater to tastes and preferences as varied as you are.

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. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, these brands have a shared dedication to preserving the environment and supporting local communities.

1. ILE-IFE

Origin:  Nigeria

Designer: Adebissi Adedjouma

Signature Style: Intricate beadwork and bold designs

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. Her self-taught journey as a designer is driven by a deep commitment to showcasing African craftsmanship and contributing to its social and economic growth.

Featured Product: ILE-IFE - Solar Earrings. 

2. Margaux Wong

Origin:  Burundi

Designer: Margaux Rusita

Unique Feature: Caribbean flair

Materials: Precious East African materials, cow horn

Margaux Wong's artisanal luxury jewellery and accessories brand beautifully blends Amazonian low-waste values with precious East African materials. Margaux's journey from Georgetown to London and eventually to Burundi has enriched her design perspective, resulting in sustainable and artistically captivating pieces that celebrate local craftsmanship.

Featured Product: Margaux Wong - Leaf Choker 

3. Pretah

Origin: Angola

Designer: Rossely Paulo

Signature Style: Intricate detailing of animals and plants

Pretah specialises in handcrafted jewellery inspired by African folklore and nature. Their pieces are distinguished by meticulous details, showcasing the beauty of the continent's fauna and flora.

Featured Product: Pretah Rusty Earrings

4. XITA

Origin: Botswana

Designer: One Rapelana

Specialisation: Eco-conscious fashion and jewellery

Materials: Recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones

XITA is known for its eco-conscious approach to fashion and jewellery, incorporating sustainable materials such as recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones. Their commitment extends to the creation of accessories that celebrate African heritage and empower local communities.

Featured Product: XITA - Flow Earrings. 

5. Inkaturah

Origin:  South Africa

Founder: Phathi Katurah Hlongwane

Materials: Recycled wood, repurposed brass  

Inkaturah merges traditional symbols and motifs with contemporary aesthetics. Their pieces incorporate brass, fabric, and glass beads, resulting in stunning, culturally rich designs. Through their creations, they celebrate Ghanaian heritage and support local artisans.

Featured product: INKATURAH I Be Lady Earring

6. ZAAF

Origin: Ethiopia

Designer: Abai Schulze

Specialisation: Premium leather accessories

Materials: Leather, indigenous materials

ZAAF's premium leather accessories beautifully reflect Ethiopia's diverse culture, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern design. Their creations serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region while contributing to local economic development.

Featured product: Gaya Sterling Silver Ring

7. Sahmani

Origin: Ghana

Founder: Aisha Asamany

Style: Fusion of traditional North African fashion with a modern twist

Materials: Semi-precious stones, intricate metalwork

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. Their creations empower artisans and celebrate cultural traditions.

Featured product: SAHMANI -  Gold Cocoa Drop Earring

8. AketeKete

Origin: Ghana

Specialisation: Handwoven beadwork fashion

Inspiration: Ghana's vibrant culture and traditions

Materials: Beads, natural fibres

Cultural Preservation: AketeKete specialises in hand-woven beadwork fashion that tells stories of Ghana's lively culture and traditions. Each piece not only celebrates the essence of Ghana but also preserves age-old techniques and empowers local artisan communities.

Featured Product: KETEKETE Dehyeɛ Beaded Earring.

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. By embracing their unique pieces, you not only adorn yourself with stunning jewellery and fashion but also contribute to positive change in communities and the preservation of African cultural heritage. 

Featured blog photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash