Our main jeweller Abdou works from his workshop in Dakar, Senegal.
Tools lie in a chaotic order. Heat, metal, and movement surround him. He once told us that he must stay fully alert while shaping each form. A slip can cut skin. A distraction can burn fingers. Precision keeps him safe. Attention keeps the piece honest. His work demands respect for the material and respect for his own body. This is why he approaches every item with calm, presence, and intention.
Handmade also creates dignity through work. When you know the person behind the piece, you see the value differently. You see the hours that build skill. You see the experience that guides each decision. You see the identity of the maker reflected in the final result. For Abdou, jewellery is not decoration. It is a link between past and present. It is a skill passed through generations. It is a way to support his family. It is a way to protect a craft that risks fading in a world of automation.
Handmade matters because it keeps culture alive. African jewellery carries stories, languages, and histories. When artisans work by hand, they keep these stories active. They show that tradition has relevance. They prove that heritage stands strong when supported with fair pay, visibility, and respect.
Handmade also matters for the wearer. You feel the difference. A handmade piece has small traces of life. These traces add character, not flaws. They show that a human shaped it with intention and care. They remind you that your jewellery comes from a real place, made by real people.
At Oriaku Studio, we choose handmade because it aligns with our purpose. We value origin. We value integrity. We value the people behind the work. Abdou’s story shows why this choice is not aesthetic. It is ethical. It honours skill. It honours culture. It honours the hands that shape every piece.
