AWARD-WINNING
AFRICAN JEWELLERY
Yala is award-winning African jewellery for the modern woman, ethically and sustainably made in Kenya by artisans working in the informal sector. Winner of "Jewellery Brand of the Year" in the 2019 Sustainable Lifestyle Awards and the very first jewellery company in the U.K. to become a Certified B Corporation.
We create ethical jewellery that is created to last, with collaborators who are paid fairly and materials that are eco-friendly. Our small batch collections are made exclusively for us, and create as little environmental disruption as possible. Yala is the vision of Audrey Migot-Adholla, Founder and CEO. Born in Kenya and based in Bristol, U.K. with her husband, Audrey splits her time between the two countries. The brand is named after the town in Kenya where her late grandmother lived.
From beadwork to wax prints, Audrey turned her passion for accessories into Yala. It was her dream to create a business that worked with local artisans and showcased their skills across the world. Yala is the product of that dream. Our goal is to challenge the common misconceptions about Africa and its people through beautiful design, entrepreneurship, and creative talent.
Today, Audrey works directly with over 150 artisans in Kenya, ensuring they receive fair wages, safe and healthy work environments, and real recognition for their talent. She is passionate about ensuring true transparency across the production process, and a genuine connection between the people who created Yala jewellery and our customers.
SUSTAINABILITY & SUPPLY CHAIN
All our products are made using reclaimed and recycled raw materials by over 150 artisans, including a group of Maasai women who operate out of a Fairtrade certified workshop. Our brand goal is to improve the lives of the people (particularly women) in rural communities who make our jewellery through financial empowerment and skills training. We choose raw materials that can be ethically sourced, re-used, and recycled. We ensure each piece is traceable, from design to delivery.
Brass
Brass is a versatile binary alloy composed of copper and zinc. It is both a practical and precious metal, and makes for an ethical alternative to gold.
Our artisans source the brass we use from a variety of places, including waste facilities, before it is melted, poured, and hammered by hand. All the brass is free of nickel, lead, and cadmium — we make sure contaminants are removed in the recycling and purification process.
Gold
Gold jewellery components such as earring fastenings and necklace chains are made from 9ct gold and 14k gold fill. Our plated gold jewellery pieces are created through the process of electroplating 24k gold onto brass at a thickness of 1 micron.
