In Lagos, a quiet revolution is underway in the world of jewelry. At the forefront of this movement is 2GROOMHANDMADE, an offshoot of the well-established 2GROOM brand founded by Ms. Ijeoma Okolo in 2013.

With flagship stores in Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Lagos, 2GROOM has built a strong reputation for handcrafted jewelry and accessories. 2GROOMHANDMADE expands this legacy, focusing on transforming locally sourced gemstones into fine jewelry and, in the near future, offering casting services to other retail brands across Nigeria.
“We have so many beautiful gemstones in Nigeria that leave our shores uncut,” said Ms. Okolo. “That reduces the value we could gain from them as a nation.”

Currently, 2GROOMHANDMADE specializes in custom jewelry fabrication using Nigerian-mined stones. By keeping production local, the brand helps retain economic value within the country, empowers artisans, and enhances Nigeria’s reputation for quality craftsmanship.

The future holds even more promise. Ms. Okolo envisions 2GROOMHANDMADE as the go-to casting house for independent designers and jewelry brands in Nigeria. “Many jewelers don’t have access to the equipment or training needed to scale their production,” she explained. “We are building a facility that provides affordable, high-quality casting and manufacturing services right here in Nigeria.”

Through services like lost wax casting, stone setting, CAD modeling, and custom manufacturing, the brand helps designers bring their visions to life without the need to outsource production overseas. This approach supports local businesses, ensures faster turnaround times, and reduces production costs.

The impact of 2GROOMHANDMADE is already visible. By partnering with local miners and gemstone cutters, the brand ensures ethical sourcing while contributing to job creation and the growth of the Nigerian gemstone industry. “It’s about building something sustainable,” Ms. Okolo emphasized. “We are helping the Nigerian jewelry sector grow, one piece at a time.”

Despite challenges such as the high cost of casting machinery and limited access to international training, 2GROOMHANDMADE continues to thrive. The company has achieved significant milestones, including acquiring essential metalsmithing equipment, gaining expertise in wax casting, and fostering collaborations with local artisans committed to ethical production.

Looking ahead, Ms. Okolo is determined to position 2GROOMHANDMADE as one of Africa’s leading jewelry casting houses. “We want to be the first name that comes to mind for ethically sourced gemstones and professional jewelry manufacturing in Nigeria,” she affirmed.

As the Nigerian jewelry landscape evolves, 2GROOMHANDMADE is leading the charge, proving that African craftsmanship combined with innovation can shine brightly on the global stage