Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
DOB: A late September day, late in the 20th century.
Occupation: Jewelry designer and entrepreneur.
Instagram: @thelmawestdiamonds
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria.
Studio location: Soho, London.
Describe what you make: I create things that I hope will make people happy. I love diamonds, and they feature in a lot of my work. I celebrate this glorious African gem by making fun, uplifting jewelry with a lot of sparkle, to compliment cool and quirky personalities.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: It’s always the last thing I’ve designed. Today, that’s my Asscher 8 earrings. They’re the perfect “business in the front, party in the back” piece for that woman who understands that style and duty go hand in hand. It’s a magical combination of brown ceramic, 18k rose gold, a beautiful, rare pair of Asscher cut diamonds, and a sprinkle of round brilliant diamonds for that extra pow factor.
Describe the problem your work solves: Let’s be real. Especially in the current context, I don’t solve any of humanity’s big problems. However, within our ephemeral world of artisan jewelry, I help stylish individuals collect one-of-a-kind, ethically sourced treasures. I curate collections that speak to the soul and mark precious moments.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m working on a crazy cool piece. Black ceramic, 18k gold and a mama of a rock: a 10 carat Asscher-cut diamond sitting pretty in the middle. I mean, is there any other way to say “I love you”? I’m also working on bringing more options to my Embrace line. Combining gemstones with funky metals.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’m launching my new website with an online store. It’s taking some time to put together, but we’ll get there. Sometime in the next month.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: An indoor jungle of plants, a foosball table, a hot chocolate machine, Candy Crush at my fingertips, an emotional rainbow by Ndidi Emefiele, a surreal portrait by Adjani Okpu-Egbe, Asa on my playlist, and my sparring partner upstairs.
What you do when you’re not working: I keep an eye on my growing belly, take care of two little creatures (9 and 7), get lost in a great book, indulge in standup comedy and happily welcome some more laugh lines, and look at treetops from my hammock while dreaming of jewelry.
Sources of creative envy: Senna, Fela Kuti, Ben Enwonwu, Grace Jones, Dave Chappelle, Basquiat, and Misty Copeland to name a few.
The distraction you want to eliminate: My unpredictable family drama from back home. Like my sister ringing me at 7 AM to ask me where to buy puff-puff and akara in Lagos. She lives there, by the way. I live in London. But I love them too much.
Concrete or marble? Wood.
High-rise or townhouse? Definitely my new Soho townhouse.
Remember or forget? Sorry, what did you just say?
Aliens or ghosts? Spirits. On the rocks.
Dark or light? I seek light.
