There’s a creative optimism that fuels Akunna Nwala-Akano, one deeply rooted in the ceremonial elegance of her Igbo heritage. She carries the quiet confidence of someone raised around heirloom gold bangles, passed from one generation to the next, and grandmothers who marked life’s milestones with handcrafted adornments.
Born the youngest of three daughters to a professor father and an administrator mother, Akunna spent much of her early childhood on a university campus—an environment that nurtured curiosity and cultivated her sense of purpose.
But it was her grandmother who nurtured her earliest love for fine jewelry. Much of Akunna’s upbringing was steeped in Igbo traditions and values.
“Coming from a family with a royal lineage, heirlooms were a big part of our lives—treasured pieces passed down from our grandmothers to our mothers, and then to us,” she says. “My earliest cultural influence came from my grandmother, who was an avid collector. The moment she had a granddaughter, it became tradition to create something meaningful from her cherished possessions.”
She recounts how her grandmother would take a piece from her elaborate chandelier, crafted from intricate gold components, and have it transformed into a dainty pair of earrings. It became a rite of passage: each daughter in the family had her own signature earrings, gold bangles, and necklaces. That, Akunna says, was her first and perhaps most defining introduction to jewelry.
Akunna studied law and practiced for a few years, eventually building a professional path across corporate banking and hospitality. After twelve years, she left to run her own business, managing salons and spas under the Kuku’s Hair brand. But it was founding Akano Diamonds that truly allowed her to harness her creative instincts.
The Brand: Akano Diamonds
Like many modern ventures, Akano Diamonds began during the pandemic. Initially designing pieces for herself and friends, Akunna was struck by the response.
“I thought if people could appreciate what I’m doing on a small scale, imagine what could happen when I go all out,” she says.
The brand was originally named Diamond Eternal Jewelers (DEJ), but the name didn’t resonate with her. She wanted something that reflected her heritage. “Akano” felt right—rooted in her identity and rich with cultural weight. Today, she weaves her Igbo heritage into the very fabric of her designs, embedding symbols and stories in every piece.
“There’s ‘Nku’, which means ‘wings,’ and ‘Akupe’, inspired by the shape and elegance of a fan. We also have Adaeze, a fine jewelry collection that explores form and texture through shapes and materials like mother-of-pearl. I want to celebrate my language and heritage through my brand,” she says.
Reshaping Akano’s Struggles
“In the beginning, one of the main challenges was finding skilled craftsmen who could truly interpret my designs while maintaining the integrity of the diamonds and gemstones,” Akunna explains.
Quality and authenticity were non-negotiable from the start. She needed everyone working on the brand to understand that vision. Today, her biggest challenge is visibility—getting Akano Diamonds in front of the right eyes in a saturated market—while also grappling with design theft.
“It’s heartbreaking to pour so much time and effort into perfecting a design, only to see it copied, often with inferior materials that don’t reflect the intention or quality of the original piece,” she says.
Still, she believes Akano fills a gap the global jewelry market has yet to see. Her cultural grounding remains her most powerful creative force.
“I’m offering the global market pieces that blend timeless elegance with a bold, fierce African essence,” she says. “We create jewelry that embodies sophistication while celebrating the richness and strength of African culture.”
A Great Future for Akano Diamonds
Her vision for Akano Diamonds is audacious and crystal clear: to see her brand represented in every major jewelry district, with a prestigious presence in places like Place Vendôme in Paris.
“I envision Akano pieces adorning the necks of jewelry icons worldwide—becoming a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Ultimately, I want to see Akano gracing the center spreads and covers of high-fashion magazines, solidifying its status as a global leader in fine jewelry,” she says.
Nature plays a deep role in her creative rhythm. “My environment is a constant source of inspiration,” she adds. “Whether it’s the geometry of a space, the mood it creates, or even a random scroll through social media—everything contributes to how I create.”
The Beautiful Moment Brought by Akano Diamonds
Akunna remains deeply grateful for the doors Akano continues to open. Among the standout moments was attending the BAFTA pre-awards party, and then the ceremony itself—adorned in her own creations.
“It was the kind of moment that would live rent-free in my memory,” she says. “People kept turning to ask, ‘What jewelry are you wearing?’ That moment did something to me. It made my heart sing.”
For someone who began creating pieces for herself, then friends, it was more than validation—it was a turning point.
But accolades alone don’t fuel her.
“I’m always trying to beat my last piece,” she says. “That’s how I stay inspired. I want the next design to feel braver, more intentional, more refined than anything I’ve done before.”
There’s no formula. Just instinct, discipline, and the quiet pressure she places on herself to keep evolving—one piece at a time.
Photos courtesy of Akano Diamonds