About

The Story Behind Thula Jewellery

My name is Jessica Wilkinson, and I am the founder and maker behind Thula Jewellery. I live in Somerset West, just outside Cape Town — and it is here, in my studio, that every single piece is brought to life by hand.

A Journey That Started in Port Elizabeth

My love for jewellery-making began when I started my first apprenticeship. From the very first time I held a hammer and felt metal yield beneath it, I knew this was my calling. I went on to formalise that passion with a qualification in Jewellery Design & Manufacturing from Port Elizabeth College — a programme that gave me the technical foundation to work with precision and confidence. I then went on to do 3 apprenticeships under various goldsmiths, it is through this experience of working under highly experienced and capable goldsmiths that I really learnt the skill of metal smithing. 

That was over 16 years ago. Since then, I have never stopped learning, refining, and creating - through the ebb and flow of life, getting married, motherhood, I have kept my passion for making jewellery alive.

Thula Jewellery — Est. 2009

Thula Jewellery was born in 2009, and in August 2025 we celebrated our 16th year in business. What started as a deeply personal creative pursuit has grown into a studio where custom, handmade jewellery is crafted for people who want something truly their own — not mass-produced, not off a shelf, but made with intention and care.

Made by Hand, From Scratch

Every piece of Thula jewellery is hand-forged in solid sterling silver. I work directly with raw metal — shaping, texturing, soldering, and finishing each piece from scratch in my Somerset West studio. There are no moulds, no shortcuts, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike. When you wear a Thula piece, you are wearing something that has been touched, shaped, and considered at every stage by a single pair of hands.

The Custom Ordering Process

Ordering a custom piece from Thula is a collaborative experience. I take the time to understand what you are looking for — whether it is a specific design, a meaningful symbol, or simply a feeling you want the piece to evoke. From there, I work through the design and crafting process with care, keeping you informed along the way.

Because each piece is made to order, I ask for your patience and trust — and in return, I promise you something made with genuine skill and heart. Many of my customers come back again and again, and that means everything to me.

Why Thula?

Thula means "be still" or "be calm" in Zulu. It is a word that speaks to the quiet intention behind everything I make — jewellery that is unhurried, considered, and lasting. I hope that when you wear a piece from this studio, you feel a little of that stillness too.

Thank you for being here. I would love to make something beautiful for you.

— Jessica