A riot of colours in natural flavours: Amina’s designs whisper the songs of Africa

Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, who simply likes to be called Amina, has been storming her way into the gem and jewellery sector. Armed with her company, Mina Stones, which was formed in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, in 2015, she is creating undaunting ripples in the global jewellery arena. Bringing the essence of Africa and Nigeria, particularly, in her organic designs, Amina is a powerhouse when it comes to playing around with colours and stones. She spoke to The Retail Jeweller World about her inspirations and designs. Excerpts:

1. When did you discover your love for jewellery?

I’ve always been passionate about nature and all things rocks and green. I was so fascinated by them that I began collecting “odd looking” rocks from the age of 7, so it comes as no surprise that I love coloured gemstones. I also started making “accessories” with leaves and materials I could find around at this age. The designer has always been there—a nascent talent that I developed along the way

2. How would you describe your collections?

Each of my collections have a story behind them, and they are deeply influenced by African cultures and traditions.They are steeped in history and incorporate specially sourced gemstones and diamonds. 

3. What kind of designs do you think do well?

Working with coloured stones is always exciting. I have always loved to play with combinations and colours.

4. What inspires your designs?

Culture is very important to our brand. Our designs incorporate Nsibidisymbols — an ancient system of symbols indigenous to the south-eastern parts of Nigeria, Ife scarification is used as a form of beautification. We blend in shapes and textures that imbibe the Nigerian and African culture. Designs, for me, gives a precious piece its distinctive identity, which stands out and illustrates the influence from where it originated.

5. How would you describe your style?  What is your design language?

We combinedifferent styles to carve out one-of-a-kind pieces that are unique, and tell a story through its inspiration, the materials and the process used to create them. 

6. How do you think the jewellery industry in Africa has evolved with time?

The African jewellery sector has grown and is on an upward trend. More people are getting involved in the downstream sector and there have been many events that encouraged people to look inwards. 

7. Do you have any favourite metal or gemstone you like experimenting with?

I love working with gold, mainly because I grew up in a place where it was very much a part of our tradition and daily life. 

8. Talk to us about some of your most memorable collections.  What is your personal favourite till date?  

All my collections are very close to my heart as they are all influenced by our traditions and heritage. I will highlight the “Olaedo” collection and “Ife” collection though, because they are the most recent and incorporate hand-patterned markings on 18 karat gold. They also use uniquely sourced coloured gemstones and diamonds. 

9.What are your feelings about sustainable jewellery designing? How do you incorporate that in your work?

Mina Stones stands for sustainability and it is not just something we incorporate, but who we are. Being a pioneer in advocating for the mines to the market when it comes to fair trade and transparency, we are very much involved in helping bring value to communities from where these precious resources are sourced.  

10. Where do you think retailers and manufacturers need to improve when it comes to the jewellery industry in Africa?

There are so many areas, but I will highlight accountability and more collaborations towards a better industry for all. 

11. What is your advice for budding designers?

This is an amazing industry to be a part of. You can continue to work hard and perhaps find a mentor to guide them. Thereafter, it is a beautiful sector to be a part of. Be creative and chase your dreams. 

Courtesy: Retail Jeweller World News