From a garage in Soweto to a factory at Rand Refinery
Local jeweller makes his mark internationally.
NQ Jewellery launched their factory at Rand Refinery, Industries West, last Thursday.
The business was founded by jewellery designer Nqobile Nkosi in Soweto in 2007.
“My mom could not afford for me to continue with my education, but luckily I was introduced to jewellery design and that was the foundation which led to where NQ Jewellery is today,” said Nqobile.
“Over the years the sacrifices I had to make to get here were unbearable.”
Nqobile saved R20 000 to start up NQ Jewellery in Soweto, and he raised the money by washing cars in the streets, and selling sweets and cakes.
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In 2009 NQ Jewellery won the Jet Community Award.
The Jet Community Award is awarded to organisations that have made a difference in the lives of the underprivileged.
When NQ Jewellery received the Jet Community Award, it was the start they needed to help them move out of the garage in Soweto, and today into a factory at Rand Refinery.
“It is very exciting because it is not every day that you see a local jewellery designer from Soweto occupying a factory at Rand Refinery, which is also known for its rich history,” said Nqobile.
NQ Jewellery has also received the following awards:
• Gauteng Business Leader Award.
• SAB Kickstart Award.
• Euronews Hope Fund Award.
“All the money NQ Jewellery received from the awards is invested into the growth of the business,” said Nqobile.
The factory works with raw materials that are mined in South Africa.
“All our products are handcrafted and manufactured by highly skilled workers just behind these doors,” said Nqobile.
“There are eight staff members on a busy day, and four staff members on a slow day, and they all equally contribute to NQ Jewellery being a success.
“I am proud to say that we are not just distributing locally, but we are distributing internationally as well.”
NQ Jewellery has also introduced 3D printing into their manufacturing, which includes 3D designs as well.
“Technology may be taking over, but technology needs people to operate it,” said Nqobile.
The company also designs and manufactures medals, trophies and sculptures, as well as jewellery.
Nqobile added that even though the diamond industry is dying, South Africa has the resources and the skills to be bigger and better.
“We need to turn to our brothers and sisters and buy locally,” said Nqobile.
Nqobile was surprised at the number of people who came to the opening of the factory.
They took people on a tour of the factory, which included seeing staff members at work creating jewellery and sculpting.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.
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