Afro-Minimalist Jewelry. Handcrafted with Purpose
Jewelry designed in Oslo & handmade in Africa following generations of craftsmanship
We work against fast fashion, thoughtless consumption, and cultural erasure.
Welcome
I am Celia, Founder and Creative Director of ORIAKU. I was born and raised in Paris by a single African mother who was a seemstress. I grew up seeing her draw and make clothes for big French designers. She is the reason why the "small hands" behind the glamour are so important to me.
I moved to Norway 8 years ago to purse a career in tech, and was immediately charmed by Scandinavian design.
I am grateful for you to witness the return to my creative heart. Just like Alice, I have crossed my Wonderland, and I feel like I am back home now. I hope you enjoy the blend of my backgrounds reflected into these designs.
With love.
FAIR PAY
We design in Oslo and handcraft in Africa (Senegal and Kenya) with full transparency. Every artisan is paid fairly, and every piece is made in small batches to ensure respect for people and materials.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
We always aim for 40% of profits to go directly back to our artisans and their families. By choosing our jewelry, you support education, livelihoods, and opportunities in local communities.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
We build slowly and intentionally, focusing on lasting value instead of fast trends. From responsibly sourced brass to small-batch production, our growth is designed to reduce waste and respect the planet.
FAIR PAY
We design in Oslo and handcraft in Africa (Senegal and Kenya) with full transparency. Every artisan is paid fairly, and every piece is made in small batches to ensure respect for people and materials.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
We always aim for 40% of profits to go directly back to our artisans and their families. By choosing our jewelry, you support education, livelihoods, and opportunities in local communities.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
We build slowly and intentionally, focusing on lasting value instead of fast trends. From responsibly sourced brass to small-batch production, our growth is designed to reduce waste and respect the planet.
A gift to remember
Oriaku Holiday Calendar
A seven-boxes journey through African craftsmanship and taste. Each drawer reveals a piece of handmade jewelry, paired with premium African snacks awarded in France for their excellence.(French award Prix Epicure for gourmet craft).
I just LOVE my new ring! It is so nice to know the meaning behind it as well.
My new earrings are a show stopper! Definitely coming back to this store, love them
Such a unique design. I feel so special when I wear my ring, thank you!
Hard not to buy everything! Love the shop.
The Bantu Set
A study in quiet strengh
FAQ
How does pre-ordering work?
Pre-orders accelerated for Christmas!
When you pre-order, your piece is reserved before it’s officially released. Each item is handcrafted with care, and your order is prioritised in our production queue. You’ll receive your jewellery within 15 days, guaranteed.
Is pre-ordering safe?
Yes. Pre-ordering guarantees that your Oriaku Studio piece will be delivered to you within 15 days (in time for Christmas!). You’ll receive email updates throughout the process so you know exactly when to expect your order.
How do I care for my jewelry?
To keep your piece looking great:
- Avoid prolonged water exposure
- Store is in a dry place, preferably a pouch
- Secret tip! Use lemon and a soft cloth to brighten it up whenever necessary
Will my skin turn green?
Our jewelry is perfectly safe for the skin. We only use nickel-free brass, which is gentle even on sensitive skin.
Most of our customers wear our pieces every day with no issues—and they love how the brass warms to their skin over time, creating a beautiful, lived-in glow.
If you're highly sensitive, applying a little clear nail polish to the inside of the piece (for earrings) can act as a gentle barrier.
I am not African. Can I wear your jewelry?
Of course!
Our Afro-Scandi aesthetic celebrates cultural connection—not imitation.
By wearing our jewelry, you're not just making a style statement—you’re supporting fair trade, sustainable practices, and African craftsmanship. It’s cultural appreciation, not appropriation.
If you can't find what you're looking for, we are just a chat message away.
BEHIND ORIAKU
CELIA was born and raised in Paris, France. She moved to Norway a few years back in order to pursue a career in a big tech company. She started craving for more creativity and authenticity in her life...and Oriaku was born.
ABDOU was the first person she called. In the heart of Dakar, Senegal, Abdou is a jeweller with many years of experience. His hands carry generations of skill - shaping each design that Celia sends meticulously.
The Story Behind the Jewels
Our jewels are more than design. They carry symbols of Africa. We bring timeless traditions into designs made accessible for all.
The Story of the Cowrie Shell
From Currency to Crown
Learn more about this symbol of wealth, protection, and feminine power. A heritage we carry into each design.
The Fulani Earrings
A historic design from a special tribe
Discover the story of these earrings,
symbols of beauty and identity.
The Oriaku Journal
Why Handmade Matters
Handmade matters because a human hand shapes more than metal. It shapes meaning. In Abdou’s workshop in Dakar, focus guides every movement. He guards his attention. A moment of distraction can injure him, so presence becomes part of the craft. His discipline shows why handmade is different. Each piece carries time, intention, and identity. It connects you to the person who made it and to the culture that formed the skill.
Cultural appropriation?
You don’t have to be African to wear African-inspired jewelry.
You just need to value beauty with meaning.
Why I created Glowing Jewels (Now ORIAKU)
Who said African craft could not be minimalist? Discover the story behind the creation of Glowing Jewels.
