Why Modern African Women Are Choosing Brass Over 24K Gold
Posted by Adele Dejak on
Why Modern African Women Are Choosing Brass Over 24K Gold
From Ancestral Gold to Everyday Brass: A New Generation Embraces Authentic African Elegance
In Kenya, gold is more than a metal it’s a memory, a dowry, a whispered inheritance passed from grandmother to bride. 24K gold jewelry has long symbolized status, tradition, and wealth. From the glow of wedding ceremonies in Karen to the family heirlooms kept in safes in Muthaiga, gold has been held as sacred.
But as a new generation of African women redefines what luxury looks and feels like, the question arises: Is pure gold still the standard or is there a more expressive, more intentional alternative?
The Reality of 24K Gold: Prestige Meets Limitations
Let’s be honest 24K gold is beautiful. Its luster is unmatched, and its symbolism runs deep. Yet, many women are discovering its limitations in real life:
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Too soft for sculptural design: Pure gold is delicate and often can't hold bold, avant-garde forms without risk of bending or losing shape.
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High maintenance: It scratches easily and must be handled with extreme care, making it impractical for daily wear.
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Security risk: Wearing expensive gold in everyday settings, especially in urban hubs like Nairobi or Lagos, can feel more stressful than celebratory.
That’s why today’s woman balancing meetings, motherhood, activism, and art is reaching for a new kind of statement: one that’s just as powerful, but more aligned with her lifestyle and values.
Brass: Bold. African. Everyday.
Brass isn’t a compromise it’s a cultural comeback.
Used for centuries across African kingdoms for adornment, armor, and ceremony, brass holds deep ancestral roots. At Adele Dejak, we craft our brass pieces as a tribute to African heritage while designing for modern strength, beauty, and individuality.
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Durable & expressive: Unlike soft gold, brass can hold complex, sculptural forms. Think chunky cuffs, architectural earrings, or our signature Yanga Rings each piece becoming a wearable work of art.
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Affordable luxury: You don’t have to lock it away. Brass lets you wear bold designs every day without fear of scratches, theft, or over-polishing.
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Ethically made: Each piece is handcrafted in Kenya using recycled brass. By wearing it, you support African artisans and sustainable fashion.
Where Modern Women Are Wearing Their Brass Jewelry
Today’s African woman wears her story. And jewelry has become a conversation starter, not just a decoration.
Here’s how and where our clients style their Adele Dejak pieces:
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The Boardroom: Layer a pair of Lela Earrings with a structured blazer. Brass commands attention without saying a word.
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Weddings & Traditional events : Swap traditional gold for a striking neckpiece from the ATOTI Collection. Bold, beautiful, and proudly African.
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Gallery Openings in Nairobi or Paris: Our Richa Earrings are a favorite among creatives and collectors alike.
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Beach Getaways at the coast : Pair your kaftan with brass bracelets and the ocean. Effortless luxury.
It’s Not Just Jewelry. It’s Identity.
Choosing brass isn’t just a fashion decision it’s a declaration of identity. A celebration of African craftsmanship. A way of saying, “I define my luxury on my terms.”
We see this shift every day women walking into our concept store in Nairobi or shopping from London, New York, Johannesburg looking for pieces that speak to who they are now. Women who want more than just sparkle. They want substance. Story. Soul.
Final Word: Brass Is the Future of African Luxury
Brass is resilient, like African women. It’s bold, like our heritage. And it’s versatile, like the many roles we play.
At Adele Dejak, we don’t just design jewelry we craft legacy pieces that empower. If you’ve ever felt like gold didn’t quite express your voice, maybe it’s time to try brass.
Ready to discover pieces that tell your story?
