• Akunna Nwala-Akano

    Akunna Nwala-Akano says her life is all about exploration—she did some when she was finding a way to use her experience in law and taxes along with her talents as an entrepreneur to develop a fine jewelry brand.

  • AKANO Diamonds

    To craft timeless, high-end, exclusive jewelry that celebrates the true African heritage and innovation while delivering unmatched value to our clients.

    These roles taught me discipline and people skills,

    Now based in Lagos, Nwala-Akano attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka and graduated from Nigerian Law School in 2005. She worked in the banking industry through 2010 and spent two years at the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service.

    “These roles taught me discipline and people skills,” she explains. “You have to be detailed. You have to be able to sit down and go through all of those accounts and numbers. You also have to have sharp people skills to manage your staff and customers.”

    “I want to celebrate my language and heritage through my brand,” Nwala-Akano says. Azano’s collections include Adaeze, which "

    Her jewelry brand was originally called Diamonds Eternal Jewellers, but she changed the name to honor her Igbo culture, and uses its stories and symbols in jewelry pieces. Her ultimate goal is to position Akano as a high jewelry house that captures the African spirit.

    “I want to celebrate my language and heritage through my brand,” Nwala-Akano says. Azano’s collections include Adaeze, which “explores form and texture through shapes and materials like mother-of-pearl,” she says.

    “Jewelry is not just about adornment. As an Igbo woman, it is spiritually and culturally significant,” says Nwala-Akano.

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