Katiico Jewellery
Hello, I'm Kate Bruce - a University of the Arts graduate and the Jeweller and founder behind Katiico Jewellery. Born in London to Ghanaian parents I take contemporary British design elements and blend them with materials that reflect my Ghanaian heritage - creating the artful, contemporary Katiico collection. One of the greatest elements in the collection is Aggry Beads, the very bead that my ancestors used to produce – which were considered so valuable that they once substituted currency in Ghana (and which are still held in high esteem in the country today). Aggry Beads are with the people of Ghana throughout every stage of their life – worn by both genders. There are beads for naming ceremonies (with beads given to babies for protection), beads for the transition into coming of age and even part of Royal regalia for state engagements. Made from glass, each Aggry Bead is completely unique and made from the same process that has held strong since the 1600s.
Katiico Jewellery is a Prince’s Trust Supported Business, I am driven by the passion to remain authentic to the history behind Aggry Beads whilst using jewellery as a platform to be emotive and depict my own steep sense of heritage.