Our Company · Est. 2008
From a R2,000 founding investment to one of South Africa's leading precious metals refineries — a legacy built on passion, precision, and purpose.
The Isabella Jewellers Story
Isabella Jewellers & Refiners (IJR) is not just a business — it is a legacy built on resilience, passion, and an unshakeable belief that excellence has no ceiling. Founded in 2008 by master goldsmith and rough diamond evaluator Isabella Kobela with just R2,000 and extraordinary determination, IJR has grown from a modest jewellery-making venture into one of South Africa's leading independent precious metals refineries and bespoke jewellery manufacturers.
Isabella's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by her father — a craftsman whose hands built something from nothing. That same spirit led her into an industry where opportunities for Black female entrepreneurs had historically been limited. She did not just enter it. She transformed it.
In 2012, Isabella's daughter Meiki Ngcengeni joined as CEO, bringing expertise in Transport and Supply Chain Management. Together, they have built an enterprise that unites artistry with strategy — earning national recognition from the Sunday Tribune, EWN, CNBC Africa, IOL and 702's The Money Show.
Who We Are
Based at the Jewellery Manufacturing Park in Kempton Park, Gauteng, IJR is a proudly South African, 100% Black Women-Owned enterprise and a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor. We are a registered precious metals refinery operating under all required licences and in full compliance with South African law.
We serve a nationwide client base of jewellers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and individuals, supplying high-purity 24ct gold, platinum, silver, and custom gold alloys alongside world-class refining, smelting, and jewellery manufacturing services.
Through the De Beers Enterprise Development Programme and our own in-house learnership initiatives, we train the next generation of South African goldsmiths — from traditional hand fabrication to advanced CAD jewellery design.
To be South Africa's leading independent precious metals refinery and bespoke jewellery manufacturer — setting the benchmark for quality, ethics, sustainability, and service excellence.
To refine excellence. We recover and recycle precious metals responsibly, craft jewellery that reflects beauty and integrity, and support the industry with ethical refining, superior metals, and bespoke solutions.
Featured by IOL/The Star, EWN, CNBC Africa, 702's Money Show, Crown Publications and Mining Review Africa — recognised nationally for their entrepreneurial journey and industry leadership.
Governance & Compliance
We operate with full legal compliance and industry certification. Click the highlighted cards to view the official documents.
Press & Media
Isabella Jewellers & Refiners and its founders have been featured across South Africa's leading business, trade and news publications. Here is what the media is saying.
In 2008, Isabella Kobela took a leap of faith with just R2,000 and her burning ambition. This in-depth feature traces the remarkable journey of two women who built a full-scale refinery and jewellery manufacturing business — and the lessons they share for young female entrepreneurs.
Read Article →Stephen Grootes of 702's The Money Show interviews Meiki Ngcengeni on growing a jewellery business from R2,000 into a full-scale design, refining and recycling operation — and the sacrifices made to build a generational legacy.
Read Article →CNBC Africa's Prudence Makhubalo speaks with Meiki Ngcengeni, CEO of Isabella Jewellers & Refiners, on the vibrancy of South Africa's jewellery sector — from traditional gold and diamond mining to contemporary design — and IJR's unique position within it.
Read Article →Isabella Jewellers & Refiners was selected as one of five companies in De Beers' Enterprise Development Programme — a rigorous incubation focusing on jewellery manufacturing, refining and design. This article details how the partnership accelerated IJR's growth into a nationally recognised refinery.
Read Article →An in-depth look at how De Beers' beneficiation programme selected Isabella Jewellers & Refiners — alongside four other businesses — to form the 2020 cohort, expanding the programme beyond cutting and polishing into full jewellery manufacturing and precious metal refining.
Read Article →A direct announcement from Isabella Design Jewellers confirming their selection for De Beers' prestigious Enterprise Development Project — a programme designed to facilitate growth and transformation of diamond beneficiation across South Africa.
Read Article →Whether you need refining services, metal supply, or a bespoke jewellery piece — our team is ready.
