'Design and the rarity and quality of gemstones are everything to me. My love for diamonds stems from the feeling I get when I am wearing them; one of timeless elegance, femininity and strength,' says Akunna Nwala-Akano, founder of Akano Diamonds (formerly known as DEJ), the Lagos-based high-jewellery house, that draws deeply from her cultural heritage and lifelong belief in the transformative power of jewels.
In the space of three years, Akano Diamonds has grown from being an inner-sanctum secret of Nigeria’s jewellery cognoscenti to a growing presence globally, with celebrity clientele and a soon-to-open flagship store. Akano Diamonds’ recently released high-jewellery pieces came with the twin mandates of seducing clients and presenting the case for the renaissance of the jewellery landscape on the continent. 'Of course, I have experienced people assuming that high and fine jewellery coming out of Africa would not be up to standard, would be poorly made, would not be anything to reckon with, and it is always a pleasure to surprise.'
