This ring is handcrafted in sterling silver and resembles a single overlapping petal that is designed to embrace the finger.
Dunja Pantic always harboured a desire to create jewellery and she started Niiunia in 2019 when she met Godfrey Manyuke, experienced goldsmith. Godfrey studied sculpture at university and honed his jewellery-making skills with an apprenticeship. He has worked as a goldsmith at a local workshop since 2002. Of Serbian heritage, Dunja grew up in Zimbabwe and studied design in Florence and New York. Both Godfrey and Dunja are inspired by nature and traditional African jewellery, which influences the striking shapes of their pieces. Their designs are primarily made using sterling silver, although they occasionally use recycled metals from old jewellery pieces or cutlery. In his practice, Godfrey also works with indigenous gemstones. A proud moment for him was when his son became his apprentice.
Read the full interviewPhoto: Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation
This ring is handcrafted in sterling silver and resembles a single overlapping petal that is designed to embrace the finger.
Photo: Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation
This ring is spun from a piece of never-ending sterling silver wire. When worn it resembles a piece of wire that is entangled around the finger.
Photo: Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation
This double-finger ring is handcrafted in sterling silver. When worn, the slightly folded disc gives the effect of a butterfly that has landed on one’s fingers for a pause.
Photo: Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation
This semi-circular bracelet is made in sterling silver. The open endpoints of the semi-circle comprise two slender vertical bars that run parallel to each other.
Photo: Wonai_Haruperi©Michelangelo_Foundation
These large, flat oval shaped earrings are sculpted in sterling silver and are designed to resemble an elephant when seen from the back.