Years ago, they were studying graphic design at the Central University of Technology and College in
Bloemfontein. Today, a young Rustenburg-based pair of jewellery designers are a step closer to dazzling
audiences on the world’s biggest stage after being announced as finalists in South Africa’s premiere platinum
jewellery design & manufacturing competition, PlatAfrica.
It’s been a steep learning curve for Mandlenkosi Moses None and Nnete Koketso Mokgothu, whose company,
Mo Nkosi & Nnete Jewellers, is based at The Platinum Incubator in Rustenburg. They’ve entered PlatAfrica
four times before – twice as students and twice as professionals individually. This time though, with their
joint entry, they’re confident that their unique weaving and wirework techniques will catch the eye of the
judges for the ultimate prize.
“In previous PlatAfrica competitions, we entered separate pieces. This year, we joined our creative forces to
craft a single piece that we believe brings the competition’s theme of hope to life. There are lots of
interlocking elements that symbolise unity, and the citrine stone we used symbolises warmth, new hope and
new beginnings,” said the couple.
The winners of PlatAfrica get a cash prize and media exposure. But the jewel in the crown, as it were, is the
opportunity to participate in an all-expenses paid design workshop at PGI India to learn more about the design
and manufacturing of platinum jewellery in the world’s fastest-growing market for this product. Candidates
are also eligible to participate in the design sourcing process for the prestigious PGI India brand, Evara.
This gives the contestants, and the broader industry the opportunity to benchmark themselves against
international standards, while giving South African creative talent a sense level they need to be at to be part of
this growing global market.
While the couple is already building a small business creating customised pieces for a growing customer base,
the dream is to become one of South Africa’s leading platinum jewellers.
“We’ve always been fascinated by platinum. It’s an incredibly difficult metal to work with, so there aren’t a
lot of jewellers that work with it, and our preferred techniques of wirework and weaving are quite unique. But
there’s a clear niche in the market for platinum jewellery,” said the couple.
Platinum is a precious metal that is a popular commodity investment. According to the Platinum Guild
International’s Q2 Platinum Jewellery Business Review 2022, the metal makes up more than half of all
jewellery sales in Japan, and it’s rapidly gaining ground in countries like India and the United States. The
report also indicates that platinum jewellery sales in the US alone were 23% higher in the first quarter of 2022
than the same period in 2021.
And how do they overcome the challenge of being partners in life as well as business? “There are always
going to be differences in the design process and how you interpret a brief. But the important thing is that we
always come to a common point, and we work from there!” says the couple.
Joining None and Mokgothu as finalists in this year’s professional category are Aimee Bredenkamp from
Prins and Prins Diamonds, Jane Merrifield from Tuesday’s Child Jewellery Design, Rajesh Shah from J Hind
Jewellers, Sifiso Khumalo from Sivana Africa, Ann ten Cate from Van Deijl Jewellers, Chris van Rensburg
from Studio C Manufacturing Jewellers, Samantha Vincent from Durban University of Technology, Kim Nel
from Van Deijl Jewellers and Louis Koen from The Jewellery System.
