Inspired by the Swahili Coastal traditions of Makrame weaving, we designed our first signature “Ndoto Collection” bracelet in 2015. Ndoto means Dream in Kiswahili. It was ours to create a universal collection that would support our mission of promoting local value addition with an ancient Swahili craft.  

The Makrame style of weaving is truly an ancient craft: brought to the Swahili coast of Africa by dhow sailors who would weave using leftover thread on their journey here. In our creative process, we studied this craft in one of the oldest Swahili towns, Bagamoyo, from where our skillful artisans are from. We create our Ndoto collection using specialty threads and silver beads in order to make our creations of great quality.

Each gemstone in our Ndoto collection, is sourced directly from East-African small-scale miners, to whom we offer a wider economic opportunity by buying gemstones with lesser demand. Therefore, we like to think of the Ndoto collection as a vector of empowerment for our miners and their families. Each gemstone in our collection is cut and handmade in our lapidary, guaranteeing full traceability and quality from source to jewellery.