Rand Refinery
Advanced Enterprise Development Programme

The Rand Refinery Advanced Enterprise Development (RRAED) Programme, launched in 2025, showcases ten exceptional South African jewellery entrepreneurs whose brands reflect the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation driving the jewellery industry forward. From contemporary fine jewellery and bespoke creations to culturally inspired wearable art, these businesses represent a diverse range of design perspectives and entrepreneurial journeys. The following profiles introduce the founders and brands shaping the future of South African jewellery.

Isa B Jewellery Designs

Founded in 2019, Isa B Jewellery Designs is a proudly South African jewellery brand known for its contemporary fine and custom-made pieces that combine timeless elegance with meaningful storytelling. Founded by Isabel Bothma, the brand draws inspiration from nature, emotion, and everyday beauty to create jewellery that reflects individuality and personal connection. Originally from Machadodorp, Mpumalanga; Isabel pursued her passion for jewellery design at Tshwane University of Technology and further expanded her expertise in gemstone setting and CAD design using Rhino software. Today, Isa B Jewellery Designs continues to craft distinctive wearable art for clients and boutiques alike, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression.

Topsy Jewellery

Founded by designer Andile Hlongwane, Topsy Jewellery is a bespoke handcrafted jewellery brand inspired by Art Deco geometry, architecture, and contemporary African design. Known for its distinctive aesthetic and refined craftsmanship, the brand creates unique pieces that blend culture, creativity, and modern elegance. Andile, who studied Jewellery Design at both the Durban University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg, continues to grow her creative and entrepreneurial practice through industry experience, research, and innovation. Through Topsy Jewellery, she transforms artistic inspiration into bold, sophisticated wearable art that celebrates individuality and contemporary African expression.

Thabstabita Accessories

Founded by Mathabo Mosala, Thabstabita Accessories (Pty) Ltd is a proudly South African handmade jewellery brand that celebrates African culture, creativity, and individuality through bold and artistic designs. Inspired by the colours, textures, and beauty of nature, the brand creates unique statement pieces that blend elegance with self-expression and cultural pride. From handcrafted earrings and bracelets to custom-made creations, each piece reflects passion, innovation, and authentic craftsmanship, allowing wearers to express their personal style with confidence and sophistication.

Bakoena’s Fashion Jewellery

Founded by Tshepo Makhetha, Bakoena’s Fashion Jewellery is a South African jewellery brand.

TR Studios

Founded by a Pretoria-based South African designer, Tebogo Mokoka, shaped by the vibrant street culture of Hammanskraal, Pretoria; TR Studios is a contemporary jewellery and lifestyle brand that merges fashion, music, and urban expression through bold, conversation-driven design. Inspired by South African street identity, cultural symbolism, and everyday life, the brand creates distinctive pieces that blend traditional motifs with modern craftsmanship using materials such as metal, gemstones, resin, and enamel. Established while the founder was still a jewellery design student, TR Studios has grown into a creative platform focused on individuality, cultural storytelling, and accessible customised jewellery, while continuing to push the boundaries between jewellery, fashion, and wearable art.

Chiedza Jewellery Creations

Founded by Precious Mokomane, Chiedza Jewellery is an emerging South African jewellery brand recognised for its contemporary design, strong craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence. Raised in a rural village in Limpopo, Precious entered the industry through skills-based training at the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project, where she developed the technical foundation that would later shape her brand. Established in 2019, Chiedza Jewellery reflects modern African identity through refined, high-quality pieces that balance creativity with precision. With growing industry recognition, including consecutive Top Seller awards and participation at Mining Indaba 2026, the brand continues to expand its presence through innovation, strategic collaboration, and a focus on producing distinctive jewellery with lasting impact.

Ndalo Jewellery

Founded by Thulani Sibanyoni, Ndalo Jewellery Pty is a South African jewellery brand that celebrates African heritage through refined craftsmanship and contemporary design. Inspired by his roots in the vibrant community of Duduza, Ekurhuleni; Thulani creates distinctive pieces that blend traditional artistry with modern sophistication, offering jewellery that is both meaningful and timeless. Under his leadership, Ndalo Jewellery has grown into a brand known for elegant creations that honour culture, individuality, and life’s special moments through beautifully crafted wearable art.

Karleigh King

Founded in 2023, Karleigh King is a proudly South African jewellery brand inspired by the beauty, wildlife, and spirit of Africa. Founded by designer Karleigh, the brand is best known for its contemporary African Wilds collection, influenced by the iconic animals of the Kruger National Park. Crafted in silver, gold, and diamonds, each piece is designed to capture meaningful memories and transform them into elegant, wearable art. Through refined craftsmanship and nature-inspired design, Karleigh King celebrates African heritage, adventure, and timeless sophistication.

Nolo M Jewellery Designs

Founded by Malehlohonolo Moorosi, Nolo M Jewellery Designs is a contemporary South African jewellery brand celebrated for its bold, artistic creations that fuse luxury craftsmanship with modern African expression. Known for its sculptural forms, molten textures, vibrant gemstones, and statement pieces, the brand creates jewellery that embodies individuality, creativity, and confidence. Through handcrafted fine jewellery and fashionforward accessories, Nolo M Jewellery Designs transforms storytelling and self-expression into distinctive wearable art.

Reveala Jewellery

Founded by South African designer Zanele Mafereka, Revelea Jewellery is a contemporary jewellery brand inspired by creativity,
craftsmanship, and the transformative power of design. Raised in the historic Vaal region, Zanele developed her passion for jewellery through hands-on training at the Intshika Jewellery Project before continuing her studies at the Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project. Her experience in the industry was further shaped through work at Keith White Designs and Jotaksa Designs, where she refined her technical and creative skills. Established in 2021, Revelea Jewellery allows Zanele to bring her unique vision to life through elegant, expressive pieces that reflect individuality and modern African design. Her journey includes notable recognition as the 2015 PPC Imaginarium winner in the jewellery category, while participation in the Rand Refinery Enterprise Development programme helped strengthen the brand’s business foundation and future growth.

Meet the EJP Board and its Members

The Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP) is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors that provides strategic leadership, oversight, and guidance to ensure the organisation remains focused on its mission of developing and supporting emerging jewellery entrepreneurs.

The Board comprises experienced professionals from industry, business, education, and development sectors who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organisation. Through effective governance, the Board ensures accountability, sustainability, and the achievement of EJP’s strategic objectives. Working closely with management, the Board champions innovation, skills development, enterprise growth, and industry transformation, helping to create opportunities for jewellery manufacturers and small businesses to thrive within South Africa’s jewellery sector.

Dean Subramanian

Dean Subramanian joined Rand Refinery as Chief Financial Officer in August 2018 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2026. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he previously held senior finance leadership roles at ArcelorMittal South Africa, Aveng Steel and JHI Property Asset Management, and brings extensive experience across the banking, airline and property sectors. He completed his articles with EY in Johannesburg and holds a CTA Honours degree from UNISA.

Unathi Sihlahla

Unathi Sihlahla is the executive head of human resources and organisational development at Rand Refinery. She started her career as a HR generalist at Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) in 2008. She later took up the role of talent development specialist at the German motoring group.

Nina Newman

Nina is a lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology in the Department of Design Studies ( Jewellery Design and Manufacture Programme). She teaches jewellery rendering, jewellery design, entrepreneurship and jewellery theory. Her Masters research focused on creating idealised South African botanical motifs in enamel jewellery based on the principles of Renaissance painting.

Kevin Friedman

Renowned South African jewellery designer Kevin Friedman has captivated both the local and international jewelry trade with his one-of-a-kind pieces which use an innovative combination of high caratage gemstones and precious metals with ordinary everyday “found objects”. Kevin is a renaissance man who draws on the world around him for inspiration and creativity. A 6th generation jeweller with an extensive knowledge of the formal and informal jewellery industry. Owner of FrankilWild.

Samuel Manyisa

Samuel holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and BBA Honours from CIDA City Campus. His experience spans finance, enterprise development and SMME support, having worked at CIDA City Campus, The Business Place and Anglo American Zimele, where he focused on funding, business coaching and mentorship. At EJP, he leverages this expertise to strengthen the organisation’s sustainability, support emerging jewellery entrepreneurs, secure strategic partnerships and create market access opportunities for incubator SMMEs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tel: +27 11 825 5822
Phone: +27 64 546 0973
Email:  info@ejewellery.org.za

Website: www.randrefinery.com