Jewelry has always carried deep cultural meaning across Africa as adornment, storytelling, and a reflection of heritage. Today, a new wave of jewelers is reimagining that tradition, blending ancestral artistry with modern luxury and sustainable practices. From Lagos to Nairobi and Johannesburg, these leaders are elevating Africa’s jewelry industry onto the global stage.
Here are the Top 5 African Jewelry Innovators & Crafters in 2025.
1. Monalisa Okojie – Founder & CEO, Nehita (Nigeria / USA)
Monalisa Okojie has transformed her Los Angeles–based brand, Nehita, into a beacon of African luxury. Trained at the Gemological Institute of America, Okojie specializes in conflict-free diamonds, exotic gemstones, and precious metals that carry echoes of her Nigerian heritage. Her designs, worn by global celebrities, showcase the fusion of fine jewelry craftsmanship with bold African identity. Through Nehita, Okojie demonstrates that African-inspired jewelry belongs at the very top of the international luxury market.
2. Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge – Founder & Creative Director, Umutoni (Kenya)
In Nairobi, Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge is reshaping African luxury with her eponymous jewelry brand. Umutoni works directly with Kenyan artisans to craft handmade pieces that blend elegance with authenticity. Her collections emphasize ethical sourcing and sustainability while celebrating African heritage. Beyond aesthetics, Umutoni has built her brand as a social enterprise, creating jobs for local artisans and amplifying Kenyan craftsmanship in international fashion circles.
3. Veronica Nyakianda Gakio – Founder & CEO, Ankole Luxury (Kenya)
Veronica Gakio founded Ankole Luxury to redefine sustainable jewelry in East Africa. The brand is celebrated for its use of repurposed horn, brass, and semi-precious stones, turning raw local materials into bold, contemporary pieces. Each design is deeply connected to Kenya’s cultural roots while appealing to global luxury consumers. By merging tradition with innovation, Gakio has positioned Ankole Luxury as a pioneering voice in ethical jewelry production.
4. Nqobile Nkosi – Founder, NQ Jewellery (South Africa)
From Soweto, Nqobile Nkosi has built NQ Jewellery into one of South Africa’s most respected jewelry brands. Founded in 2007, the company produces custom pieces and collections that highlight African narratives while meeting global standards of excellence. Nkosi’s journey is a story of resilience and innovation, rising from limited resources to establish a recognized manufacturing brand. His work champions both creativity and entrepreneurship, inspiring a new generation of African jewelers.
5. Meiki Ngcengeni – CEO, Isabella Design Jewellers & Refiners (South Africa)
Leading a family business rooted in tradition, Meiki Ngcengeni has expanded Isabella Design Jewellers & Refiners into a modern powerhouse of jewelry innovation. The company is known for refining recycled precious metals and producing high-quality, custom designs. Under Ngcengeni’s leadership, the brand has embraced sustainability while maintaining its dedication to artistry. Her vision exemplifies how African jewelers are blending heritage with forward-looking business models.
Conclusion
These five trailblazers are proving that Africa’s jewelry industry is as diverse and dynamic as the continent itself. From Nigeria’s gemstone brilliance to Kenya’s sustainable innovation and South Africa’s manufacturing excellence, they are redefining what African jewelry means on the world stage. Their work is not just about adornment, it is about heritage, empowerment, and placing Africa firmly at the center of global luxury conversations.
Methodology
This list was curated by evaluating jewelry brands across Africa with confirmed founders, CEOs, or creative directors who are actively leading in 2025. Selection emphasized authenticity, sustainability, cultural relevance, and international recognition. Verification was based on brand websites, news articles, and credible industry profiles, ensuring only strictly jewelry-focused innovators were included.
