African Jewelry.
Handcrafted pendants, beaded necklaces, and brass work from Edo State, Nigeria and the diaspora. Every piece is made by hand. No two are identical.
What makes it African jewelry?
Not just where it ships from. The jewelry on City of Benin is made by African craftspeople working inside specific cultural traditions — brass casters in Benin City, bead workers in Lagos, pieces shaped by the lineage of the Benin Kingdom and the broader Edo craft heritage.
The Iyoba Pendant is small-scale sculpture — a portrait of Queen Mother Idia — hand-cast or hand-carved and strung on natural stone. The Iyoba Necklace in Edo Color is red coral and mixed stone from Luvv by Bella, a Lagos maker.
Materials
- Brass — cast using the lost-wax method, the technique behind the Benin Bronzes.
- Natural stone beads — obsidian, lava stone, hematite, tiger eye.
- Coral — traditionally worn by Edo royalty; still a marker of ceremony and significance.
Who makes it
Two makers on this site: City of Benin (production in Benin City, Edo State) and Luvv by Bella (production in Lagos). Both work in small batches. Both make pieces that are one of one.
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FAQ
Where is the jewelry made?
In Nigeria. The Iyoba Pendants are made in Benin City, Edo State. The Edo-color Iyoba Necklace is made in Lagos by Luvv by Bella.
Is each piece unique?
Yes. All our jewelry is handmade in small batches. Each pendant and strand varies slightly in color, weight, and detail. No two pieces are identical.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. US standard shipping is $5.99 (free over $150). We also ship to Canada, UK, Nigeria, Ghana, France, Germany, and more. International rates calculated at checkout.
What does the pendant symbolize?
The Iyoba Pendant portrays Queen Mother Idia — the first Iyoba of the Benin Kingdom, a 16th-century political and military leader. Her face is one of the most recognized images in African art.