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Nonyem Abena Ibeneme

Nonyem Abena Ibeneme

Handcrafted jewelry in West Africa

"I am attracted to the fact that I am in a world of my own when creating pieces, and I'm overjoyed to see people who I do not know wearing my jewelry… it's like you are wearing a part of me."

"I was born in 1960 to a Nigerian father and Ghanaian mother in Lagos, Nigeria. I grew up both in Nigeria and in Ghana over different periods of my life. I went to law school in Nigeria. I worked in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in a private legal firm, in a bank in Nigeria and later on, one in Ghana. I dedicated over ten years of my life to practicing law, serving my nation and people. During this period I also got married and had a daughter.

"1993 was a turning point in my life. After some soul-searching, I was ready to lead a more relaxing lifestyle and follow my growing passion as an artist, as well as spend more time with family.

"I have been following art for years, especially jewelry art, but I never really took time to create and enjoy it. I could put together accessories beautifully to match an outfit. I also kept an eye out for interesting jewelry on my travels – I was so intrigued by the different techniques and very unique designs.

"I managed to acquire quite a jewelry collection over the years, but what really set things in motion for me was when I inherited antique beads from my mother after her passing. It was the sign I had been waiting for, so I began on my creative journey. It was rather spontaneous and, as soon as people started admiring what I was wearing to occasions and events, I knew I was on the right path.

"I am a self taught artist, very observant. and I browse the web, magazines and books to learn more each day. My creative inspiration comes from within mostly, and also from nature. I look at what people wear and listen to what they say about a piece of jewelry to improve on my designs.

"In terms of materials, I use everything that catches my fancy and I particularly like to incorporate recycled materials in my designs. I am constantly seeking to do what nobody has done. This is the challenge for me, to create unique items and art to wear. I am attracted to the fact that I am in a world of my own when creating, and I'm overjoyed to see people I do not know wearing my jewelry… it's like you are wearing a part of me.

"I work with two permanent artisans at my workshop. Occasionally, I also teach and work with young women who have dropped out of school and have no other opportunities to earn decent wages and be productive in their lives. It gives them a sense of worth and gives them an opportunity to continue their education, if they choose to, after they have saved their earnings over a period of time. I have so far helped three young women who have moved on to continue their education.

"In the past, I have promoted my designs internationally, and I have participated in numerous trade shows and exhibitions locally and internationally, including the Tendence Lifestyle show in Frankfurt (2008). I love participating in such fairs to share my art with the world and also experience and see the different art and crafts of the world. My handcrafted jewelry can be found both in Nigeria and Ghana.

"When I am not busy working, designing or creating, I like to read and cook. I also participate in local church activities, charity work and spend time with my daughter who lives with me.

"Working with you has ignited waning passions, energized me toward creativity, and motivated me to believe in a bright future ahead, especially after feeling discouraged given the conditions of the international market.

"My dream for the future is to continue creating new designs and grow progressively, so that in the next five years my work is known worldwide."

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Microcredit Financing

Empowering Women

Profound Impact

Caring for Children

59 items by Nonyem Abena Ibeneme

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

13

Angie

From Wells Maine USA

Verified Reviewer

02/15/2021

"These are unique!"

Great quality!

Purchased Item:

Peach Allure, Modern Recycled Glass Bead Earrings

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Amanda

From New Orleans, LA

Verified Reviewer

09/17/2019

"Love These Simple Earrings!"

I love that these have a little weight to them, so they do not swing too much, but also arent too heavy. The matte finish of the glass beads makes them subtle. A favorite of mine!

Purchased Item:

Pretty Taupe, Handcrafted Modern Recycled Glass Dangle Earrings

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Celeste

Verified Reviewer

05/17/2019

"Exquisite!"

This bracelet is beautiful. It is finely detailed, carefully hand-crafted, lightweight & comfortable to wear. I bought it to wear to a beach-side wedding, and its perfect. Thank you for a beautiful and earth-friendly piece!

Tags By Celeste

Eco-friendly vegan

Purchased Item:

Sophisticated Earth, Bamboo bracelet

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Carline

Verified Reviewer

03/17/2018

"Beautiful calabash necklace and bracelet"

These two statement pieces are so well-made. They arrived very quickly and each was packaged in a lovely cloth gift bag with a note to describe the items and the inspiration for the artist. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful jewellery!

Tags By Carline

Orange Neutral

Best Uses

Ideal as a gift for all women!

Purchased Item:

Tropical Fun, Dried Calabash Beaded Necklace

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Wendy

Verified Reviewer

03/02/2018

"Light weight & elegant earrings"

These earrings are gorgeous and delicate and not too heavy. Very happy with them :)

Purchased Item:

Bamboo Delight, African Fair Trade Bamboo and Wood Bead Earrings

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Knoble Duff

From Boca Raton

Verified Reviewer

01/07/2018

"Not practical"

These look really cool but they are hard to wear as they do not hang properly. I think this light weight material is not a good choice for long hair. But they are cute.

Purchased Item:

Tropical Fun, Dried Calabash Dangle Earrings

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