The Leigh Avenue Story | South African Handcrafted Jewellery
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Time to read 3 min
Every brand has a beginning, but Leigh Avenue’s story was born from pure creative instinct: a deep love for colour, texture, and transformation. What started as a quiet passion project has become one of the most beloved names in South African handcrafted jewellery, where each piece tells a story of artistry, authenticity, and feminine strength.
A Spark of Creativity: The Early Days
I’m Leane Kirkel, founder and creative director of Leigh Avenue Jewellery. My journey began long before Leigh Avenue became a brand. It began in high school, with a handful of beads, a vivid imagination and a spark that refused to fade.
I still remember my matric dance - the shimmering, oversized necklace I designed and crafted myself. It wasn’t just an accessory; it was a declaration of individuality. That necklace marked the start of something much bigger - a lifelong devotion to creativity and craftsmanship that would eventually grow into one of South Africa’s most loved handcrafted jewellery brands.
Back then, I spent hours exploring forgotten corners of old buildings, sifting through trays of second-hand jewellery from small local vendors. Amongst the dust and history, I found beauty in pieces that told stories through their imperfections. I became fascinated with how colours, shapes, and textures could transform emotion into something tangible. It was in those moments that the seed for Leigh Avenue was planted.
A Journey Through Art, Texture, and Time
As I moved into my early twenties, my creative journey took an exciting turn. Collaborating with full-time artists expanded my understanding of design and texture, teaching me how to push boundaries beyond conventional jewellery-making. I began experimenting with unconventional materials -metals that whispered, stones that spoke and textures that felt alive beneath my fingertips.
Every creation was an experiment in self-expression through pieces that mirrored my own evolution as an artist and woman. These early works, often sold to family and friends and at local flea markets, became my first true connection with the people who would one day become loyal Leigh Avenue customers.
That relationship between creator and wearer - that spark of shared emotion - is what defines the soul of South African handcrafted jewellery. Each design is not just something to be seen but to be felt.
From Garage Beginnings to a National Brand
In 2018, I turned my garage into a creative sanctuary. With tools spread across a makeshift table, and music filling the air, Leigh Avenue Jewellery was born. It was built on authenticity, artistry and a simple yet powerful vision: to create jewellery that feels as good as it looks.
Those early years were filled with late nights, trial and error, and the unwavering belief that something beautiful was taking shape. From those small beginnings came a brand that now represents the best of South African handcrafted jewellery - pieces infused with emotion, design integrity and a distinctly local soul.
Almost a decade later, Leigh Avenue stands proud as a full-scale jewellery manufacturer. Every collection is designed and crafted locally, celebrating colour, form and individuality while maintaining the intimate touch of handcraftsmanship that defines our story.
Jewellery that Feels, Remembers, and Inspires
At Leigh Avenue, jewellery is more than a fashion statement. It’s a reflection of personality and presence. It’s the soft jingle of bracelets that accompany laughter, the quiet shimmer of earrings that frame a smile, the sentimental weight of a charm bracelet that carries memories of love, joy, and transformation.
Each piece of South African handcrafted jewellery we create is designed to tell a story - one that begins in the hands of the maker and continues with the person who wears it.
Our collections are inspired by the world around us, by the hues of an African sunrise, the contrast of ocean blues against golden sand, and the timeless beauty found in our unique African Heritage. Yet what sets Leigh Avenue apart is the blend of contemporary design and nostalgic craftsmanship -the kind of elegance that feels both current and eternal.
Because at Leigh Avenue, jewellery isn’t just worn.
It’s felt. Remembered. Loved.
About Leigh Avenue
Leigh Avenue is a handcrafted design and manufacturer of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charm jewellery in South Africa.
We source jewellery material, manufacture and find inspiration both locally and abroad. Leigh Avenue is uniquely positioned to consistently and continually develop, design and supply wonders of jewellery art.
The Author: Leanne Kirkel
Leanne Kirkel is the founder and designer behind Leigh Avenue, where her lifelong love for beauty and meaning finds its home. With an Honours degree in Fine Arts, creating wearable pieces of art felt like the most natural extension of her creative spirit.Leigh Avenue is more than a brand for Leanne - it is a place where her heart, imagination, and artistry meet.Beyond her creative world, Leanne is a wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She is involved in every corner of Leigh Avenue, lovingly holding the team together with the same care and intention she pours into her designs.