COMPILED BY Michaela Stehr
From delicate pendants and simple studs to chunky rings, this list showcases some of the best South African jewellery brands, featuring both established favourites and up-and-coming talent.
Designs from this round-up are available to purchase either through each brand’s online shops or via Instagram DMs.
1. Lorne
Lorne, based in Cape Town, South Africa, specialises in creating unique, handcrafted pieces that emphasise individuality and craftsmanship. Their collections range from fine and demi-fine jewellery to bold fashion pieces, often featuring materials such as 9ct or 18ct gold, sterling silver, brass, and natural gemstones.
Instagram: @for_lorne
Website: lorne.co.za
2. Xita Designs
Xita Designs creates high-quality, ethically made jewellery that combines timeless elegance with bold, statement-making designs. Their collections often feature handcrafted elements, blending contemporary styles with unique materials such as sterling silver, 14k gold, and vibrant gemstones
Instagram: xita_designs
Website: xitadesigns.com
3. Dear Rae
Known for crafting elegant and contemporary pieces, Dear Rae blends simplicity with sophistication. Their collections feature a range of handcrafted jewellery, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, created using high-quality materials like solid gold, sterling silver, and precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, and citrines.
Instagram: @dearrae
Website: dearrae.co.za
4. PICHULIK
PICHULIK creates distinctive, handcrafted jewellery inspired by African ornamentation and global cultures. Their pieces combine braided ropes with materials such as wax cord and jeweller’s brass, resulting in bold, symbolic designs that can carry personal meaning.
Instagram: @pichulikafrica
Website: pichulik.com
5. Pina Jewels
Bold and bright – Pina Jewels is known for it’s juicy colour combinations.
Instagram: @pinajewels_
Website: pinajewel.com
6. Skermunkil
Skermunkil is a boutique jewellery and design studio based in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa. The brand specialises in handmade enamel jewellery, featuring vibrant, tactile designs created through the fusion of glass powder and metal in a kiln.
Instagram: @skermunkil
Website: skermunkil.com
7. Famke
The Cape Town-based design studio known for its minimalist and contemporary aesthetic. Their collections feature handcrafted sterling silver and gold pieces, ranging from everyday lifestyle jewellery to bespoke designs, including engagement and wedding rings.
Instagram: @famkejewellery
Website: famke.co.za
8. Yellow Jewellery
Known for its distinctive blend of minimalism and youthful edge, the brand creates unique, hand-crafted pieces using ethically sourced sterling silver and brass. With a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship, Yellow designs exude a timeless charm inspired by rock ‘n roll, playful shapes, and contemporary artistry.
Instagram: @yellowbyjeslea
Website: yellowjewellery.com
9. Black Betty Designs
Founded in 2012, the brand incorporates precious metals and hand-cut stones, creating designs that evoke emotional connections and celebrate individuality. Their collection includes rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, with a focus on bespoke creations and piercing jewellery.
Instagram: @blackbettydesign
Website: blackbettydesign.com
10. Ida Elsje Jewellery
Ida Elsje Jewellery creates elegant, bespoke pieces that blend timeless craftsmanship with contemporary design. Known for its high-quality, custom-made jewellery, the brand offers a range of fine pieces including engagement rings, earrings, and fashion accessories. Ida Elsje works closely with clients to craft jewellery that tells their unique stories, using precious materials like diamonds and gemstones sourced globally.
Instagram: @ida_elsje_jewellery
Website: idaelsjejewellery.com
11. Thor Collective
Thor Collective designs contemporary, elegant jewellery with a focus on luxurious, high-quality materials. Their collections include pieces crafted from 9ct gold, with standout items featuring diamonds, gemstones, and bold black diamonds. The brand offers a range of jewellery including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, all designed to capture a modern yet timeless appeal.
Instagram: @thor.collective
Website: thorcollective.co.za
12. Lichen & Leaf
Lichen & Leaf creates distinctive, handmade jewellery inspired by the organic textures of nature. Specialising in ceramic and polymer clay designs, their pieces often feature intricate, nature-inspired shapes like floral motifs and delicate patterns.
Instagram: @lichenandleaf
Website: lichenandleaf.com
13. Kirsten Goss
Kirsten Goss Jewellery blends striking design with exceptional craftsmanship. The pieces are known for their clean, organic lines, bold use of colour, and a passion for experimenting with textures and forms. The brand’s jewellery features a mix of fine metals, gemstones, and innovative shapes, delivering a modern yet timeless aesthetic.
Instagram: @kirsten_goss
Website: kistengoss.com
14. Philippa Green
Philippa Green creates bespoke, handcrafted jewellery that blends elegance with artistic expression. Based in Cape Town, her pieces are inspired by natural forms and intricate craftsmanship. Specialising in unique rings, cuffs, and other statement pieces, she uses a variety of materials, including sterling silver and semi-precious stones.
Instagram: @philippagreenjewellery
Website: philippagreen.com
15. Mamabolo Jewellers
Mamabolo Jewellers, founded by Thabang Mamabolo in Pretoria, South Africa, is known for creating exquisite, nature-inspired jewellery. The brand combines artistic craftsmanship with cultural influences, drawing inspiration from both natural forms and Mamabolo’s late grandmother, an Ndebele artist.
Instagram: @mamabolo_jewellers
16. Jimnojean
Jimnojean offers a stylish range of jewellery that combines minimalism with a touch of playfulness. Their collection features delicate pieces such as letter pendants, gemstone rings, and elegant necklaces, often with vintage-inspired elements.
Instagram: @jimnojean
Website: jimnojean.com
17. Katmeleon Jewellery
The brand, founded by artist and jeweller Katharina Barth, creates pieces that draw from her love of plants, animals, and vibrant Art Deco styles. Each item reflects a quirky yet refined aesthetic, with collections featuring themes such as Frida Kahlo, Galaxy, Retro, and Delicious Monster.
Instagram: @katmeleonjewellery
Website: katmeleonjewellery.co.za
18. ADJANi
Their pieces are handcrafted in South Africa, with a focus on Murano glass and solid metals like sterling silver, brass, and platinum.
Instagram: @a.d.j.a.n.i
Website: adjani.co.za
19. Obtuse Jewellery
Obtuse Jewellery creates a range of contemporary, statement pieces with an emphasis on clean lines, geometric shapes, and striking contrasts. Drawing on influences from Art Deco and modern design, their collections feature earrings, necklaces, rings, and more, often incorporating bold elements such as domed shapes, chevrons, and disc motifs.
Instagram: @obtusejewellery
Website: obtusejewellery.com
20. Meraki Jewellery
Specialising in bespoke jewellery, they create personalised and meaningful keepsakes, using ethically sourced gemstones and solid metals. Each item is crafted with love and care by a skilled team in their Cape Town studio, ensuring that every piece is unique and made to last.
Instagram: @merakijewellerydesign
Website: merakijewellerydesign.com
21. BEST
Specialising in demi-fine earrings, their collection includes understated yet bold designs crafted from high-quality, recycled materials. The brand’s pieces, such as gold and silver hoop earrings, are perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions, offering versatility without sacrificing style.
Instagram: @bestglobalstore
Website: ourbestregards.com
22. Taz Watson Fine Jewellery
Taz Watson creates exquisite fine jewellery featuring vibrant, high-quality gemstones such as tourmalines, sapphires, tanzanites, and diamonds.
Instagram: @tazwatsonjewellery
Website: tazwatson.com
23. Nina Bosch
Nina Bosch is a South African jewellery brand renowned for its bespoke porcelain designs, blending intricate craftsmanship with a deep connection to nature.
Instagram: @ninaboschjewellery
Website: ninabosch.co.za
24. Henriette Botha
The brand’s collections feature pieces that are easily layered for a statement look or worn individually for a more minimalist aesthetic. Each item is carefully crafted by hand in Johannesburg, with a focus on luxury, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
Instagram: @henriette_botha_studio
Website: henriettebotha.com
25. Botanica Jewellery
Botanica Jewellery creates finely crafted, bespoke jewellery inspired by nature. Their collections feature intricate designs celebrating South Africa’s indigenous flora, such as the King Protea and Fynbos, using precious metals and gemstones.
Instagram: @botanicajewellery
Website: botanicajewellery.com
26. MΛRY JEΛN Jewellery
Mary Jean Jewellery, founded by South African designer Mary Jean Treolar, creates fine, handcrafted jewellery inspired by African cultural symbols and geometric patterns. The designs blend boldness with delicacy, each piece carrying meaningful stories tied to the continent’s rich heritage.
Instagram: @maryjeanjewellery
27. Jade Rabbit Design
Jade Rabbit Design offers a stunning collection of handmade jewellery that combines bold design with personalised artistry. Their creations feature a mix of fine metals, including gold, silver, and brass, and are often adorned with unique gemstones and intricate engravings.
Instagram: @jaderabbitdesign
Website: jaderabbitdesign.co.za
28. Anna Rosholt
Anna (who we’ve previously interviewed) focuses on “slow jewellery,” offering timeless, high-quality pieces crafted with attention to detail. Notable for their versatility, the collections feature beautiful gemstones and animal-themed charms, allowing for personalised, stackable styles.
Instagram: @annarosholt_jewellery
Website: annarosholt.com
29. A Bird Named Frank
A Bird Named Frank offers minimalist, handcrafted jewellery with a focus on clean, geometric designs that blend sophistication with simplicity.
Instagram: @abirdnamedfrank
Website: abirdnamedfrank.co.za
30. iLoni
iLoni Designs creates elegant, handcrafted jewellery that blends timeless sophistication with modern, playful elements. The brand, rooted in Cape Town, is known for its bold yet minimalistic designs, featuring sleek lines, sculptural forms, and the use of premium materials like sterling silver, brass, and gold.
Instagram: @ilonijewellery
Website: ilonidesigns.com
31. KOLMIO
The brand offers a range of collections, including “Modern Classics,” with pieces like chunky rings and diamond stud earrings, as well as “Luxe Love,” which celebrates jewellery meant to be worn every day, such as solid gold bands and diamond-encrusted rings.
Instagram: @kolmiojewellery
Website: kolmio.co.za
32. Wild Adornment
The collection echoes the spirit of the African bush & the Cape floral kingdom, each telling a story of its wild origin. Handmade in South Africa from solid bronze. Coated to prevent tarnishing, our nickel-free bronze ensures lasting quality and skin-friendly wear.
Instagram: @wildadornment
Website: wildadornment.com
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