Interview With The Director of The Jewellery Village: Nqobile Nkosi. Nqobile Nkosi stands out not only for his craftsmanship but for his vision to uplift others in the industry. As the founder of The Jewellery Village at Montecasino, Johannesburg, Nkosi has transformed his passion for design into a thriving platform that celebrates South African artistry and entrepreneurship. What began as a dream to showcase his own brand, NQ Jewellery, has evolved into a space where local designers and small businesses can shine alongside established names. We recently had a chat with Nqobile to discuss the mission and vision of The Jewellery Village and the launch of its new range. Read all about it below!

Tell Us About the Launch

We are excited to be launching a new range of silver and gold jewellery, all designed by South Africa’s premier designers. The silver and gold used in our creations are of world-class quality, supplied by Rand Refinery to all our SMMEs.

Origins of the Brand

The idea for The Jewellery Village started in 2021 at an organic market, where we began to grow our presence slowly. During the lockdown, there were not many programmes aimed at assisting fine jewellery manufacturers, so I began a mentorship programme and partnered with The South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator, as well as Rand Refiners.

What Sets The Jewellery Village Apart

What makes The Jewellery Village different from other jewellery companies is our commitment to local manufacturing. While 90% of jewellery sold in South Africa is not made locally, we are proud to say that 90% of our jewellery is locally made. Every design is unique and manufactured by South African jewellery designers.

Brand Message and Values

Our brand stands for using locally and ethically mined gold and silver to create jobs for the youth, while producing beautiful, high-quality jewellery.

Target Communities and Audiences

We aim to reach both local and international communities with our products and message.

Partnerships with Local Suppliers

Yes, all our suppliers are South African jewellery designers. We are dedicated to uplifting local talent and small businesses within the industry.

Personal Journey and Influence

My personal experience has greatly influenced the identity and design of our brand. I started my first business, NQ Jewellery Designed Services, in Soweto after selling sweets and cakes to save up enough to start a jewellery business. This journey has shaped my commitment to mentorship, community development, and the growth of South Africa’s fine jewellery industry.