Looking for jewellery that says something about where you’re from? These ten Black-owned brands make it, and you can find every one of them through Wakuda.
October is Black History Month, a good time to wear your heritage on purpose. Think map pendants of the islands your family comes from, Adinkra symbols, pieces handmade by artisans in Kenya and Ghana, and statement earrings made from upcycled materials. Here are the brands to know.
Love a good pair of earrings? See our pick of amazing handmade earrings too.
1. Isura
Iṣura (pronounced ‘ish-urah’) means ‘treasure’ in Yoruba. Founder Temitope Ogunyemi set out to make affordable, meaningful African-inspired jewellery that celebrates culture, heritage and identity. The signature pieces are shaped like African and Caribbean countries and islands, and there are Adinkra designs and a Luxe range in solid 925 sterling silver too.
Try: Nigeria City Map Pendant, Grenada Island Map Pendant and Braid Hoop Earrings.
Shop Isura on Wakuda · Instagram: @isurauk
2. Umutoni
Umutoni means ‘precious’ in Kinyarwanda. The brand, formerly Kaleidoscope Beauty, was founded by a London-born entrepreneur of Kenyan and Rwandan heritage, and every piece is handcrafted by artisans in Kibera, Kenya. It’s been featured in Forbes and Sunday Times Style, and its earrings have appeared on HBO Max’s Love Life. If you’re buying a gift that should last, start here.
Try: Amani Necklace, Lulu Capsule Bracelet and Zahara Earrings.
Shop Umutoni on Wakuda · Instagram: @umutoniofficial
3. SIKAWE
Sikawe means ‘money house’, a home of wealth, in the Ghanaian Ga-Dangme language. Its founder handmakes some pieces in London and sources others from artisans in Ghana. Look out for Adinkra symbols, Africa map outlines and pieces inspired by queens like Nefertiti and Queen Idia.
Try: Queen Idia’s Legacy Earrings, Nyame Ye Ohene Adinkra Necklace and Diamante Ghana Map Necklace.
Shop SIKAWE on Wakuda · Instagram: @sikawe_official
4. WeGorgeous
WeGorgeous started when its founder learned how much commercial jewellery is made by children in factories. Her answer is bold, lightweight pieces made from used plastic, 90% of it from charities. Some pendants are upcycled from bottle caps, so no two have quite the same pattern.
Try: Africa Large Hoop Earrings, Triple Statement Necklace and Cute Heart Necklace.
Shop WeGorgeous on Wakuda · Instagram: @wegorgeousldn
5. Unveiling Beauty
Pamela Adeyeba launched Unveiling Beauty in August 2021. She’s a Forbes-featured entrepreneur, counsellor and mentor, and her parent company, Unveiling Pearls, runs self-esteem workshops for young women. The jewellery carries the same message: a reminder of your own individuality. Expect bold statement necklaces, Swarovski pearls and earrings made to be noticed.
Try: Abena Earrings, Green Statement Necklace and Arrows of Boldness Earrings.
Shop Unveiling Beauty on Wakuda · Instagram: @unveilingbeautyofficial
6. Señero
Señero exists to help people tell their stories through personalised, waterproof jewellery. Every piece starts from a hypoallergenic base metal with no nickel or zinc alloys, finished with a titanium nitride coating that stands up to water and sweat, and it all ships in recyclable packaging. A share of its ‘give back’ sales goes to charity every quarter.
Try: ‘Mama’ Necklace, ‘Mama’ Bracelet and ‘Growth/Perfection’ Ring.
Shop Señero on Wakuda · Instagram: @_senero
7. Damilola Jewellery
Damilola Jewellery was established in South Yorkshire in 2020, drawing on Jamaican, Nigerian and British roots, with one aim: jewellery that empowers and speaks to the soul. Look out for the Flags and Maps collection, where each flag necklace carries its country’s motto, the Queen Nefertiti set (Nefertiti means ‘a beautiful woman has come’) and earrings with names like Kuumba and Lẹwa.
Try: Queen Nefertiti 3pc Set, Jamaica Flag Necklace ‘Out of Many One People’ and Kuumba Earrings.
Shop Damilola Jewellery on Wakuda · Instagram: @damilolajewelleryofficial
8. Corrine Creates
Corrine started making crystal jewellery as part of her own healing journey. Every piece is handmade in small batches, with ethically sourced crystals wrapped in copper and silver wire and cleansed with sound, smoke or moonlight. You might also spot her at Greenwich Market.
Try: Malachite Crystal Necklace, Tigers Eye Crystal Necklace and Self Care Bracelet.
Shop Corrine Creates on Wakuda · Instagram: @corrinecreates00
9. Diva Choice
Tricia Blake started Diva Choice as a form of self-care. Every piece is made by hand, with no mass production: think hand-shaped brass necklaces, cuffs and earrings plated in gold or silver, many inspired by Nefertiti, the Ankh and the map of Africa. The brand has been featured in the Daily Mail, The Sun, Metro and the Express.
Try: Azania Twist Necklace, Life Force Loops Earrings and The Zola Ankh Necklace.
Shop Diva Choice on Wakuda · Instagram: @divachoice_official
10. Africa Ankara Magic
Patricia wraps African Ankara print fabric around hoops, collars and dangles to make bold, lightweight statement jewellery. Think oversized hoops, crescent hoops and fabric collar necklaces in bright, layered prints. You can meet her at the Wakuda Market in Lewisham, and her shop is joining the Wakuda marketplace soon.
Try: her fabric wrapped crescent hoops, the 8cm Ankara wrapped statement hoops and an Ankara fabric statement necklace.
Coming soon to Wakuda
Shop online, or come and meet the makers
Nine of the brands above are already on the Wakuda marketplace, with Africa Ankara Magic joining soon, so you can browse all our Black-owned jewellery in one place.
Prefer to try before you buy? Come to the Wakuda Market, where you can meet Black-owned brands in person.
- Where: North Mall, Lewisham Shopping Centre
- When: the last weekend of every month
- Time: 11am to 5pm
- Entry: free
See upcoming market dates for the next one, and follow @wakuda_uk to see who’s trading. Tag us when you try something new, we love seeing it.
