Thirty Years of Living Craft
An enterprise built not on ambition alone, but on the quiet certainty that exceptional things take time and masterful craftsmanship.
A Zambian Heritage, Born of Conviction
Jewel of Africa was founded in 1992 by Dr. K. B. Sharma not as a commercial enterprise, but as an act of faith in Zambia's extraordinary natural wealth and the people gifted to transform it.
“Zambia's gemstones shine with their own natural beauty. Our role is simply to reveal their hidden brilliance.”
More than three decades on, that founding conviction continues to inspire. Today, Jewel of Africa proudly serves as a Zambian enterprise rooted in community.
What We Stand Upon
We let provenance speak louder than prestige. Every gemstone we offer is sourced directly from Zambian mines — ethically, responsibly, and with complete traceability. No vague claims, no hidden chains. Just full documentation and an unwavering commitment to transparency at every step. Because knowing where something comes from is as valuable as the stone itself.
We are committed to excellence in every step; from the careful selection of ethically sourced Zambian gemstones to the final polishing of each piece. We believe true craftsmanship demands patience, attention to detail and an unwavering dedication to quality that honours both the stone and the people who bring it to life.
Jewel of Africa is its people. We actively invest in the communities that make our craft possible through meaningful job creation, skills development, and long-term social initiatives. From the JOA Soccer Academy (established in 2010) to partnerships with UNHCR for refugee youth training and employment.
1992
Founded by Dr. K. B. Sharma in Lusaka with a mission to honour Zambia's gemstone heritage through world-class local craftsmanship.
His Excellency the late President Mwanawasa opens our new design studio & flagship store in the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka.
2003
2011
Opens USA Jewel of AfricaLLC as a result of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)incentives of tariff free imports of goods sourced in Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Zambian Vice President, Dr Guy Scott & Minister of Mines & Water Development, Hon. Chris Yaluma
2013
2017
Zambia’s 4th Republican President (Mr. Rupiah Banda) with Dr. Raj Sharma
Dr. Sharma with Prince Eze of Nigeria & Zambia’s 4th Republican President Rupiah Banda’s Visit
2018
2018
Zambia’s 6th Republican President Dr Edgar Lungu’s visit during the commemoration of Jewel of Africa’s 25th anniversary
King Mohammed VI, the 23rd monarch of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty visit.
2018 &2019
2021
Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, H.E. Ashok Kumar Visit.
Valentin Tapsoba, UNHCR Bureau Director for Southern Africa visits Jewel of Africa
2021
2022
Minister of Defence, Hon. Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma Hon. Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma & Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commander, Lt Gen Engineer Maliti Solochi visit to JOA.
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Geneva delegation visits Jewel of Africa.
2022
2022
Minister of Commerce, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga visit.
Minister of Mines (Hon. Paul C. Kabuswe) & Minister of Tourism (Hon. Rodney Sikumba) visit.
2022
2022
Minister of Small Medium and Enterprises Development (SME), Hon. Elias Mubanga.
His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia’s 7th and current President on an official visit of Jewel of Africa.
2023
2023
Preeta Law - Country Representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and Kofi Dwomo - Head of Sub Office, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, visit Jewel of Africa.
US Ambassador to Zambia, Michael C. Gonzales Visit.
2023
2024
Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima visit
Ministry Mines & Mines Permanet Secretary, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta visit
2024
2024
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), led by Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations in Geneva visits Jewel of Africa
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s 1st Republican President Visit
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s 1st Republican President Visit
"We design and create bespoke jewellery that honours nature's work. We preserve the beauty the earth spent millions of years creating — and we do so as a community, with the reverence that it deserves."
From mine to the world, we bring nature's rarest gifts to life with reverence and masterful craftsmanship.