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This is hands down one of the best places in Joburg to shop for local artisanal gifts. The market focuses on promoting eco-conscious and sustainable crafting practices and supports a varied collection of talented makers working in a range of mediums, from beads to basketry, ceramics and jewellery.
Here's a look at some of the many beautiful handmade gifts on sale at Bryanston Market.
JEWELLERY
Silverstream Gemstone
All hand-made and every piece a one of a kind design, this popular stall specialises in jewellery that incorporates gemstones such as amber and aquamarine, made into rings, pendants and bracelets. Run by Rod and Anne Wolfson, who have been in the jewellery business for 40 years, they have been selling their jewellery at Bryanston Market for an astonishing 32 years, making them one of the oldest traders in the market!
NQ Jewellery
NQ Jewellery joined the market in 2016, led by Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Nqobile Nkosi, who also sells his locally made jewellery through gift shops at the airport. He uses his Bryanston Market stall to help newcomers in the jewellery industry who are training at the NQ Jewellery refinery, allowing them to showcase their creations to new audiences and get more experience in the sales side of the industry.
Inbar
For something more glitzy Inbar's jewellery is made with top quality Swarovsky crystals, locally sourced semi-precious stones and pewter, gold and rose gold plated pewter. Designs are also custimisable with a wide range of styles including chains, pendants and charms, bracelets, armlets, rings and earrings.
Alaires
Pretty and more than affordable Georgena Alaires' stall specialises in freshwater pearls, the only 'gem' that comes directly from nature ready to use. The freshwater organic pearls used in Alaires designs are sourced from China and India and as well as making jewellery (including custom designs) Georgena also offers re-stringing services.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Hand-painted gift cards by Michael Unga Ekandji
A gift card with a difference, Michael Unga Ekandji‘s handpainted gift cards are little artworks with vibrant colours and references to traditional African art. Ekandji was taught by his father to paint in 1994 and his favourite mediums include acrylic and oil paints.
Decorations by The Sonika Collection
The Sonika Collection was founded in 2008. Each one-of-a-kind piece is cast, hand-painted and glazed locally, with recurring themes including the baobab tree (considered sacred in many African cultures) and South Africa’s wildlife. She also specialises in tableware painted with patterns inspired by a variety of African cultures. Sonika Nayar encourages visitors to view each piece as “a journey of self-discovery rather than see the piece as a novelty.”
Ceramic Design & Artwork
Renowned, multi-award-winning ceramic artist Peter Mthombeni's stall is one of the most eye-catching in the market. Known for his stylish and colourfully glazed crockery sets, decorative pieces and statement tableware, his unique ceramics can be found in collections of the Gallerie II Venturio in Belgium, the Toronto Museum, Pretoria Art Museum and Johannesburg Art Gallery.
Hand-painted ceramics by Infinite Design
Infinite Design‘s handmade, hand-painted ceramics feature intricate textured detailing with quirky designs that make perfect housewarming gifts like this cool African mask-inspired wine cooler that master craftsman Bheki is seen painting here.
Handmade candles by the Candleworks
The Candleworks specialises in individually made hand-crafted candles, using the finest waxes, and essential oils and fragrances, as well as beautiful handmade bamboo candle holders.
Handwoven Zulu basketry from Ubuntu Crafts
Ubuntu Crafts specialises in colourful traditionally hand-woven Zulu baskets and also makes an array of toys and other decorative pieces such as photo frames and windchimes.
Margaret Nokothwane's Ndebele beadwork
Margaret Nokothwane has been making and selling her traditional Ndebele beadwork since 1980. She makes bracelets, necklaces, beaded aprons, traditional Ndebele dolls, and other ornaments and also has a wealth of knowledge to share about the traditions of the Ndebele culture.
Beadwork from Rainbow Artz
Rainbow Artz was co-founded by three brothers who each specialise in constructing amazing creations from wire and beads and from recycled materials. They also offer custom-made services.
Birds Of Paradise
Khulasni's remarkably delicate and whimsical birds of paradise are lovingly handmade from clay, wood and seed pods and are among the most instantly eye-catching of the many distinctive gifts that can only be found at Bryanston Market.
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