If You Love Stunning African Inspired Accessories, Here Are 5 Companies You Must Check Out [Giveaway]

If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out
30 May 2015

I’ve always loved fashion, thanks in large part to my mother who used to own a seamstress shop in Uganda and continues to be a fly fashionista! Although my siblings and I grew up with an appreciation of our culture, it’s not until I became an adult that I really began to appreciate the vibrance, creativity, uniqueness, and just overall fly-ness of African fashion. In recent years, African inspired clothing has become the next hot trend—but given how even celebrities are rocking these threads regularly (think Estelle, Solange, Nicole Ari Parker), I have a feeling it’s less a trend, and more a statement: African fashion is here to stay.

Enter the Bijoot giveaway!

But once you have the perfect outfit, where can you then find the perfect accessories to complement it? After combing the web to find African-inspired accessories that are unique and beautifully handcrafted, here are five which I highly recommend you check out:


If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out Mak Bijou AfricainsMak Bijoux Africains
If you’re looking for some really unique beadwork and chunky necklaces, this is definitely one site you should check out. Mak Bijoux Africains is a brand of jewelry created by Mak Samichou, a Cameroonian entrepreneur passionate about African culture. Her hand-made pieces are for those who love Afro chic style. I am loving these gorgeous necklaces and just about everything else in her collection. The company is based in Cameroon and orders currently don't ship to the U.S., but it’s worth it to check out her page just to be inspired by her creativity at https://www.facebook.com/pages/MAK-Bijoux-Africains (Photo: Mak Bijoux Africains)


If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out Gifts With A StoryGifts With a Story
This company is run by husband and wife team, Mas-hud and Taliah Adam. The two entrepreneurs started Gifts With a Story to help artisans in remote parts of Africa gain access to the U.S. marketplace through retail and wholesale channels. I love the fact that they support fair trade and are giving exposure to creatives whose beautiful handiwork you may otherwise have never seen. The Maasai beaded bangles pictured here are one of my favorites. You can check them out at www.etsy.com/shop/giftswithastory. (Photo: Gifts With a Story)

Enter the Bijoot giveaway!


If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out NzingahNzingah

One of the reasons I’ve come to love Instagram is that you can find some really talented artisans who would otherwise be difficult—if not impossible—to find in a Google search. Nzingah is one of those companies I found by doing a search in Instagram and I’m so glad I did! Her work is fierce (check out that super fly necklace). Nzingah Oniwosa is influenced by her Haitian heritage and appreciation for African and Asian culture. Of her work she says: “Jewelry for me is a sculpture whose pedestal is the human form.” Find out more at www.nzingahdesigns.com. (Photo: Nzingah Designs)
 



If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out E.Turner CoutureE. Turner Couture
Ankara necklaces are all the rage right now. I’m seeing them everywhere. And you know, once you start seeing something everywhere, it can all start to look alike. But what I love about Ellana Turner’s style, is that she gives a fresh spin on this popular accessory. Her Etsy shop features a colorful, creative collection of must-have necklaces, earrings and headbands. Besides one of my favorites pictured here, there’s so much more to check out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ETurnerCouture. (Photo: E. Turner Couture)
 


Bijoot (pictured top)
Founded by Christelle Gorman in 2011, the company goes by the motto “Bijoot yourself. The joy of life is in the details…” Christelle’s love for African fashion was fostered at a very young age in her native home of Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa. She created the company with the mission of presenting Africa in a unique light and making people aware of its rich and diverse offerings. Lucky for you, Bijoot is giving away one of their beautiful “South African Ambassadress” necklaces! Enter below for your chance to win this one-of-a-kind accessory and visit www.bijoot.com to find out what other fabulous accessories you should be checking out for the summer. (Photo: Bijoot)
 


If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out Ankcara Marketplace Enyo Jewelry*BONUS LISTING: Ankcara
So what happens when you're about to finish a post and you jump on to Instagram? Yeah, kinda like that. I thought I was done and then discovered yet another great site. Ankcara is a kind of Etsy for African-inspired fashion and accessories. It's a great way to find fabulous products, designers and inspiration all in one place! Here's just one of the items from Enyo Jewelry, a designer who showcases their work on the site. See more at www.ankcara.com. (Photo: Enyo Jewelry)

Leave a comment letting us know what you think of this list. Are there any other designers we should check out?


 

If You Love Stunning African jewelry, Here Are 5 Accessory Companies You Must Check Out Bijoot

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We're having a month of giveaways to celebrate our re-launch! Check out our natural here doll giveaway here!
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Julian B. Kiganda

I hope you enjoyed this post! A little about me: I’m the founder of Bold & Fearless and a Transformational Brand Strategist. My gifting is in helping purpose-driven women transform and build million-dollar brands. I’m also an author, transformational speaker and multi-passionate entrepreneur. In 2014, I published my first highly-acclaimed book co-authored with my sister: Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. To learn more about how you can connect or work with me, visit www.julianbkiganda.com.




Comments

  1. Thanks for featuring my jewelry through the Ankcara Marketplace – I’m humbled that you love it! Best, Enyo

  2. I love to walk into a room and not say a word because my attire is saying everything. These jewels do just that.

  3. I'm with you on that one Carin. If you've got the right accessories, it helps pull everything together!

  4. Thanks Jabreel! Inbox me on FB and let me know what you're thinking for the conference/workshop. God bless!

  5. Thank you Paula Mcintosh! I appreciate the LOVE and hope you come back often. Glad you enjoyed this post.

  6. The jewelry shown is gorgeous, I would be lucky and honored if selected as a winner to wear the jewelry! BTW: How about a conference/workshop in new orleans!! I will help!

  7. What beautiful accessories! I'm definitely going to check these out. Sometimes all it takes is a great necklace to take an outfit from drab to fab.

  8. What beautiful accessories! I'm definitely going to check these out. Sometimes all it takes is a great necklace to take an outfit from drab to fab.

  9. What beautiful accessories! I'm definitely going to check these out. Sometimes all it takes is a great necklace to take an outfit from drab to fab! 

  10. Love this giveaway and everything your doing on the blog. Also great new products that you added

  11. Are you currently based in South Africa Nicole? Would love to hear about some of the great designers there. Always looking to highlight incredible work! Thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

  12. You and me both Lauren. The right necklace can completely transform an outfit.

  13. Those are some beautiful pieces.  Very unique too. It is great that you posted this so that we can all see what is out there.

  14. Pat Ochan Says: June 2, 2015 at 11:40 pm

    Julian….this is beautiful! all the accessories are gorgeous! I sooo look forward to checking out the designer websites.

    I will def. share your beautifully written article with all my friends today…

    Cheers

  15. Julian thanks for writing this gem of an article πŸ™‚ Simply awesome stuff!!!!

  16. They really are, La'Shonda! I love all the designers' work shown here.

  17. These designs are gorgeous. I'm loving this. I've found some great pieces while living abroad in South Africa but these are just as amazing. Thanks for this giveaway too!

  18. The jewelry showcased in those post all looks fabulous! I am a sucker for creative and fashionable necklaces. I'll make sure to check out these companies when I'm looking to purchase more.

  19. These are great! I really love the one shown from Nzingah! that is beautiful! Thanks for sharing these!

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 2, 2015 at 1:35 pm

      That piece is so unique LaShawn! You’re welcome and stay tuned for more great posts like these.

  20. These pieces are so beautiful!! My favorite is the bracelet!! I cant wait to see what pieces you return with.

  21. Take me with you Nadeen! LOL. No, but seriously. Take me with you to SA πŸ™‚ Can't wait to hear about your finds over there. They have some of the most talented artisans in the world.

  22. I love these pieces especially the bracelets. I love that they support fair trade in Africa. I will definitely support. Great list to share. Perfect for unique gifts for the holidays. 

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 2, 2015 at 3:40 am

      I agree MJ! I’ve always loved beaded jewelry, but these bracelets take it to another level. Can’t get over how talented these artisans are.

  23. These are such bold and beautiful pieces. I love that they are all so unique. Thanks so much for sharing! I hope I win this giveaway πŸ™‚

  24. All of the pieces you shared are beaufitul. My absolute favorite is the bracelet by Gifts with a story. I'll definitely check out their online store. 

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 2, 2015 at 3:32 am

      They have some really beautiful pieces and I love the fact that it’s a fair trade company. Makes such a huge difference when you know your money is going where it’s needed the most.

  25. Wow these pieces are so colorful and so beautiful! I love that you are giving exposure to African artists and entrepreneurs. I look forward to shopping in South Africa this fall!

  26. a. brown Says: June 1, 2015 at 11:15 pm

    I love these accessories. I have found some beautiful African inspired clothing but the jewelry will take it to another level! Glad I stumbled upon this blog. 

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 2, 2015 at 1:43 am

      We’re glad you did too! Stay tuned for more great products from talented entrepreneurs this month…

  27. Wow, these accessories are all beautiful! Thanks again for shining light on these amazing African artists/businesses. 

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 1, 2015 at 7:08 pm

      Aren’t they though? I love checking out what different designers are doing. I always find that it inspires me to get creative in other ares of my life. Glad you enjoyed the post!

  28. I pinned this! I love all of the pieces they are all so talented! I would love to wear accessories inspired and created from the Motherland! 

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 1, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks for the pin! Yes, I want all of them too…lol! We’ve got some serious talent.

  29. Wow! These pieces are all so lovely! I tend to play it safe when it comes to accessories, but I'm trying to break out of that. Thanks for sharing such great designers!

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 1, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      It’s always great to leap out of your comfort zone to try something new, only to wonder what took you so long! Hope you find some inspiration here to get you to do just that Amber πŸ™‚

  30. Wow, these photos are beautiful and I love the fashion! I also love fashion myself, these are amazing and the way they are styled also makes a huge difference πŸ™‚

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 1, 2015 at 6:32 pm

      Thanks Olivia. Hopefully the photos give you some inspiration for your summer styling!

  31. I'm seriously crushing on these accessories! That necklace would be the perfect complement to a basic white button down and jeans or it could pull together an African inspired look with an ankara maxi. Oooh, the possibilities!

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 1, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      T, I knew you would love this post! And I definitely know The Style Medic would know exactly how to style this beauty πŸ™‚

  32. This was an awesome post! I love all the jewelry featured, the pieces are all gorgeous and unique. I reeaallly love the necklace that you're giving away!!! 

    • Oh, and I said it on the other post about the dolls, but I love them (of course)! πŸ™‚ 

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: May 31, 2015 at 11:14 pm

      Lol Kasi! So glad you love the necklace. It’s sometimes hard to find really unique accessories that don’t look like anything else you’ve already seen. All these designers/companies have some beautiful pieces. Good luck on the giveaway!

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