There are few countries more closely associated with natural diamonds than Botswana.

For decades, the country has played a significant role in the global jewellery industry, supplying some of the world’s finest natural diamonds. Yet while Botswana is recognised for its gemstones, far fewer designers have emerged to tell the country’s stories through contemporary fine jewellery. That is something Laone Rahele hopes to change.

Born and raised in Botswana, Rahele has built his career by combining international design experience with the traditions, landscapes and cultural identity of his homeland. Rather than viewing jewellery simply as something to wear, he sees each piece as an opportunity to preserve a story, creating collections that reflect the people, places and memories that have shaped him.

His approach has already taken him from Botswana to Milan and into one of the jewellery industry’s most recognised names. After winning first prize in the De Beers Group Shining Light Award, Rahele was awarded a scholarship to POLI.Design in Milan before joining De Beers London as a Junior Designer, where he contributed to projects including the Oppenheimer Award Pin.

Today, through Rahele Jewellery, he is bringing those experiences together to create collections that combine contemporary design with the heritage of Botswana, introducing his work to a growing international audience ahead of Milan Jewellery Week this October.

A Career Built on Opportunity

Every designer has a moment that changes the direction of their career.

For Rahele, it came in 2018 when his mother recognised his artistic ability and encouraged him to explore jewellery design. What began as a creative interest quickly developed into a profession, driven by a desire to create jewellery that carried meaning as well as beauty.

During his early studies, Rahele entered the De Beers Group Shining Light Awards, a competition that has helped launch the careers of emerging jewellery designers across southern Africa. Winning first prize not only recognised his talent but also opened the door to a scholarship at POLI.Design in Milan, one of Europe’s leading design institutions.

Studying in Milan introduced him to a wider world of luxury design. Alongside jewellery, the programme explored accessories, eyewear, footwear and product design, encouraging students to think beyond individual pieces and consider the broader role of creativity within luxury brands. Through a partnership with Liberty London, Rahele also gained valuable insight into heritage, craftsmanship and storytelling from one of Britain’s best-known retailers.

His education was followed by an opportunity to join De Beers London as a Junior Designer, where he worked on live projects and developed a deeper understanding of the design process. From initial concepts and CAD modelling to gouache rendering and working alongside goldsmiths, the role offered first-hand experience of how fine jewellery moves from an idea on paper to a finished creation. Among those projects was the De Beers Group Oppenheimer Award Pin, inspired by the compass as a symbol of direction, purpose and transformation.

Each stage of that journey added another layer to Rahele’s experience, but it also reinforced something more personal. While Milan and London refined his technical skills, Botswana remained the source of his inspiration. Today, the stories, traditions and landscapes of his homeland continue to shape every collection, giving Rahele Jewellery an identity that is both deeply personal and internationally relevant.

A contemporary diamond ring and matching bracelet from Rahele Jewellery, showcasing Laone Rahele’s refined approach to modern fine jewellery design

Designing From Botswana

For many designers, inspiration comes from seasonal trends or changing fashions. For Rahele, it begins much closer to home.

Every collection created by Rahele Jewellery is rooted in Botswana, drawing on the country’s culture, traditions and natural landscape to create jewellery that feels both contemporary and deeply personal. Rather than recreating historical objects, Rahele reinterprets familiar symbols and stories through modern design, allowing each piece to carry a connection to its origins while appealing to an international audience.

That philosophy can be seen throughout his portfolio. Birds native to Botswana, traditional architecture, ceremonial dress and cultural objects all become starting points for new ideas. The aim is not simply to reference the past, but to create jewellery that keeps those stories alive in a new way.

Among the most recognisable examples is the Tukwi Collection, inspired by the traditional Tukwi head wrap. Rather than replicating the form itself, Rahele studies its flowing structure and symbolic meaning, translating its distinctive folds into contemporary jewellery through clean geometry and refined craftsmanship. The collection also reflects the Tswana philosophy of Botho, a concept centred on humanity, respect and community, bringing cultural values into a modern design language.

Drawing from the Tukwi head wrap, this Pendanttranslates its symbolic folds and cultural significance into fine jewellery forms.

The Sebaga Collection takes a similarly thoughtful approach. Inspired by Botswana’s traditional dibaga beads, which have long symbolised protection, identity and purpose, the collection reimagines their rhythm and significance through diamonds set in gold. The result is jewellery that acknowledges tradition while presenting it through a contemporary aesthetic suited to today’s collector.

In Sebaga, the essence of dibaga is expressed through a clean line of diamonds set in solid gold. The design echoes the structure of traditional bead strands while offering a modern, elegant interpretation suited to mid‑range luxury. Sebaga reflects my commitment to storytelling through jewellery connecting cultural symbolism with accessible, beautifully crafted design.

Nature also plays an important role in Rahele’s work. The Letlere brooch celebrates the vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller, one of Botswana’s most striking birds, combining rubies, yellow tourmalines, enamel and a white diamond to capture its colour and character. Elsewhere, Sanctuary of Solitude takes inspiration from the remarkable structure of birds’ nests, while Lerako reflects the circular form of the traditional Tswana hut, exploring ideas of shelter, memory and home through contemporary jewellery design.

Although each collection tells a different story, they all share the same intention: to create jewellery that connects people with Botswana’s cultural heritage while demonstrating how traditional inspiration can find new expression through contemporary fine jewellery.

The Letlere brooch design by Laone Rahele takes inspiration from Botswana’s vibrant Lilac-breasted Roller, combining coloured gemstones and enamel to celebrate one of the country’s most distinctive birds

Looking Ahead to Milan Jewellery Week

The next chapter for Rahele Jewellery will take place in the city where much of the designer’s professional journey began.

From 24–26 October 2026, Laone Rahele will exhibit at Milan Jewellery Week, presenting his latest collections to an international audience of retailers, collectors, media and jewellery professionals. For the designer, it marks another milestone in a career that has already seen him progress from winning the De Beers Group Shining Light Award to studying in Milan and working for De Beers London.

During his time at De Beers London, Laone Rahele contributed to the design and development of the De Beers Group Oppenheimer Award Pin, taking the project from concept and CAD modelling through to the finished piece

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the Tukwi Collection, Sebaga and other designs inspired by Botswana’s culture and heritage, while gaining a deeper understanding of the stories that influence each collection. Rather than simply showcasing finished jewellery, the exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the thinking behind the designs and the journey that has shaped the Rahele Jewellery brand.

As interest in jewellery with a strong sense of provenance and authenticity continues to grow, Rahele believes there is an opportunity to introduce a different perspective to the international market—one that celebrates Botswana not only as the home of exceptional natural diamonds, but also as a source of contemporary jewellery design.

For retailers looking to discover emerging talent, collectors seeking distinctive contemporary jewellery and members of the international jewellery trade visiting Milan Jewellery Week, the exhibition provides an opportunity to meet Laone Rahele in person, explore the collections and learn more about the inspiration behind the brand.

Appointments during Milan Jewellery Week are welcomed, offering visitors the chance to discuss the collections, future collaborations and the vision for Rahele Jewellery as it continues to grow internationally.

Building the Future of Rahele Jewellery

While Milan Jewellery Week represents an important milestone, it is part of a much longer journey for Rahele Jewellery.

The brand has been built around the belief that fine jewellery can celebrate culture while remaining contemporary, creating pieces that carry personal meaning without losing their appeal as modern luxury. Every collection reflects that philosophy, balancing refined design with stories rooted in Botswana’s heritage.

As the brand continues to grow, Rahele hopes to introduce his work to a wider international audience, building relationships with collectors, retailers and galleries who value originality, craftsmanship and design with a clear sense of identity. His ambition is not only to showcase Botswana’s creative talent on the global stage, but also to demonstrate how jewellery can become a lasting expression of culture, memory and place.

That journey has already taken him from Botswana to Milan and into one of the world’s leading jewellery houses. Today, through Rahele Jewellery, those experiences come together in collections that reflect both where he has been and where the brand is heading next.

For visitors attending Milan Jewellery Week this October, it will be an opportunity to discover a designer whose work is shaped by international experience, while remaining firmly connected to the country that continues to inspire every collection.

Whether exploring the sculptural forms of the Tukwi Collection, the symbolism behind Sebaga or the wider portfolio, each design offers a glimpse into the stories that have influenced Rahele’s creative journey and the future direction of his brand.

“I’ve always believed jewellery should tell a story. Every collection begins with Botswana, because that’s where my own story began.”

Laone Rahele - Rahele Jewellery, Founder & Creative Designer

Laone Rahele - Rahele Jewellery

The Jewels Club Take

Every year, thousands of new jewellery collections are launched around the world, yet few arrive with a story that feels genuinely personal. What makes Rahele Jewellery stand out is not simply the design of the finished pieces, but the thinking behind them.

Rather than following seasonal trends, Laone Rahele has built his collections around the culture and traditions that have shaped him. Whether drawing inspiration from Botswana’s traditional dibaga beads, the sculptural form of the Tukwi head wrap or the country’s natural landscape, there is a clear thread running through his work. It gives the brand a recognisable identity and a sense of authenticity that many emerging designers spend years trying to establish.

There is also an interesting balance between international experience and local inspiration. Training in Milan and working with De Beers London provided Rahele with a strong technical foundation, yet his decision to look back towards Botswana for creative inspiration gives the collections their individuality. Rather than following established luxury narratives, he is creating work that reflects his own experiences and cultural background.

As consumers continue to look for jewellery with greater meaning and provenance, brands that combine craftsmanship with genuine storytelling are becoming increasingly relevant. Rahele Jewellery offers a perspective that feels considered, personal and connected to place, while demonstrating how contemporary fine jewellery can celebrate heritage without becoming traditional in its appearance.

With Milan Jewellery Week providing the next opportunity to introduce the collections to an international audience, it will be interesting to see how the brand continues to evolve as more collectors, retailers and industry professionals discover Laone Rahele’s work.

Discover More

Laone Rahele will present his latest collections during Milan Jewellery Week, taking place from 24–26 October 2026, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and stories behind Rahele Jewellery in person.

Collectors, retailers, buyers, journalists and industry professionals interested in learning more about the brand or arranging a meeting during the exhibition are encouraged to get in touch ahead of the event.

Find out more about Rahele Jewellery

Website: raheleltd.design

Email: laone@raheleltd.design

Instagram: @rahele_kaelo

Milan Jewellery Week
24–26 October 2026 milanojewelryweek.com

Appointments can be arranged in advance throughout the exhibition.

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