Makems Jewellery, an innovative Abuja-based jewellery company, captivated the city of Abuja with its 2024 annual jewellery exhibition, showcasing a stunning array of trendy, handmade and imported jewellery products.
Held on December 7 at the Glowing Ages Academy, Kaura District, Abuja, the event attracted fashion enthusiasts, potential clients and stakeholders, offering a vibrant platform to experience the fusion of artistry and functionality in jewellery design.
The expertly curated exhibition featured an exceptional collection of jewellery, ranging from contemporary designs to timeless vintage treasures. Items on display included Makems’ signature handmade pieces, earrings, long necklaces, jewellery sets, bangles, bracelets, rings and male accessories. A highlight of the event was its emphasis on promoting local content, resonating with the Federal Government’s initiative to prioritise indigenous production and reduce import dependency.
Addressing attendees, Makems’ director of business development, Miss Temitope Adejare emphasised the brand’s commitment to leveraging local resources for jewellery production. She noted that the company has risen to the challenge of high import costs driven by currency exchange rates by sourcing materials locally to create unique, high-quality pieces.
“Considering the exchange rate challenges, imported jewellery has become increasingly expensive. At Makems, we have embraced local materials, producing beautiful and durable jewellery that our customers adore. Each piece we design is unique; no two pieces are the same. This distinctiveness has been well-received and is a major draw for our exhibitions,” Adejare explained.
She highlighted the meticulous effort Makems invests throughout the year to curate an impressive collection of locally manufactured jewellery alongside select imported designs. “While imported pieces are available, our Nigerian handmade collection has drawn the most attention. These locally crafted pieces are not only more durable but also exude a unique charm that resonates with our clients,” she said.
Adejare underscored the importance of maintaining quality standards, a key factor in winning customer trust for Nigerian-made products. “Many shy away from local products due to compromised quality. At Makems, we’ve ensured that our locally crafted jewellery meets and exceeds quality expectations, offering durability and appeal that rival imported items.”
On affordability, Adejare pointed out that pricing in local currency makes Makems products more accessible to Nigerian consumers. She expressed optimism about the company’s long-term goal of exporting its locally manufactured jewellery, a move poised to enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and bolster the local economy.
“By producing locally, we are not only making high-quality jewellery but also contributing to job creation across the value chain. Our operations have already employed many Nigerians, and as we expand, we aim to export these products, positively impacting the naira-to-dollar exchange rate,” Adejare added.
Makems is also leveraging technology to reach a broader audience. Its online presence across social media platforms allows customers to explore and purchase products conveniently, further cementing its reputation as an accessible and customer-centric brand.
The business development director reiterated the company’s ambition to become a household name in Nigeria’s jewellery industry. “Our vision is to establish Makems as a leading indigenous brand, aligning with the government’s policy to deepen local content. We aim to improve value addition and offer durable, stylish and affordable jewellery that meets the diverse needs of Nigerians across all social divides.”
Visitors to the exhibition took advantage of the opportunity to purchase unique jewellery pieces for the festive season while networking with like-minded individuals. For many, the event was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of artistry, innovation and the transformative potential of local content in Nigeria’s economy.
As Makems continues to grow, its commitment to quality, uniqueness and local empowerment sets a benchmark in the jewellery industry, embodying the vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive Nigeria.
