Creative profile 03 / 10Beaded jewellery · Glenwood, Durban
Introducing03 / 10

Isimodeni

“Modern” in isiZulu.

Sterling silver and glass beadwork that holds the colour and geometry of traditional Zulu jewellery inside contemporary, everyday pieces.

Discover the story
Model wearing the Mafu necklace by Isimodeni Jewellery
Mafu necklaceSterling silver · Beads
Zulu beadworkSterling silverBespokeEveryday jewellery

Ancient colour,
modern metal.

Isimodeni means “modern” in isiZulu. Nomfundo Dlamini founded the studio after graduating from the Durban University of Technology, leaving commercial jewellery work because she wanted to keep creating.

The work fuses traditionally crafted Zulu beadwork — its colour, vibrancy and geometric simplicity — with sterling silver frameworks for earrings, necklaces and rings. Each piece is meant to last generationally, not as costume but as jewellery for any occasion.

Nomfundo takes an unapologetic approach to colour. The studio has shown at Décorax, the Durban Business Fair, Africa Travel Indaba, SARCDA, Maison & Objet, CAEXPO and New York Now, and has been published in 500 Beaded Jewellery.

Craft jewellery that lets people be bolder.

Isimodeni plans that future by making high-quality beaded jewellery that combines ancient Zulu aesthetics with modern design — then uplifts others through connection and storytelling.

Thread colour into identity.

A future where carefully crafted beaded jewellery threads colour, vibrancy, beauty and boldness into a person's life, while staying intertwined with the design future of South Africa and the world.

Silver holding
colour.

Handmade sterling silver and glass-bead pieces from the Isimodeni company profile, including work published in 500 Beaded Jewellery.

Isimodeni products page showing necklaces, rings and earrings
Selected jewellery
Mafu necklace of orange and lime beaded discs on sterling silver
Mafu necklace
Coral-inspired floral beaded necklace
Coral-inspired necklace
Heart of Hearts beaded sterling silver ring
Heart of Hearts ring

What the label
stands for.

01

High-quality craftsmanship

Cutting, forming, soldering, stone-setting, polishing and beading — the full metalsmith's sequence, finished with needle, thread and glass beads.

02

Longevity

Pieces intended as generational treasure, not a season's accessory.

03

Sophistication

Understated, wearable jewellery that still carries the boldness of traditional colour.

Isimodeni Creations company profile cover with orange beadwork

Nomfundo
Dlamini

For ready-to-wear pieces and bespoke commissions, Nomfundo works from Glenwood, Durban.

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