Every sparkle has a soul.

Crafted to Last, Designed to Stand Out

Personal. Bold. Forever Yours.

Made for now, meant to stay forever.

Designs that speak, stories that last.

 

Hi, I’m Benedicta Awere-Malik, the hands and heart behind Didi Rose Jewelry. Creating has been a core part of me for as long as I can remember. As a kid in Nigeria, I was braiding hair at 7, sewing by 11, and frosting cakes at 9 with recipes from my mom’s collection. My first foray into jewelry? Melting bits of electrical wire in palm oil to mimic coral beads (yes, I really did that!).

Just like any woman from Southern Nigeria, I have forever been captivated by jewelry. My grandmothers were huge gold and coral buffs and the pieces I make, to this day, are often inspired by those amazing women. For me, jewelry has always meant more than just adornment—it’s a connection. Heirloom moments continue to shape my creations, blending timeless beauty with a modern edge. It also doesn’t hurt that I love the way gold jewelry looks—especially against my dark skin. And silver? A close second—but let’s be honest, it’s a tie in my heart.

Fast forward to college, I started selling 18k gold jewelry as a side hustle and found myself immersed in the world of precious metals and gemstones, thanks to a Lebanese goldsmith who became my unexpected mentor. Layering necklaces, stacking bracelets—I was (and still am) all about bold, unapologetic pieces that tell a story all on their own.

After earning my diploma in Business Management in 2003, I revamped an old coral necklace from my grandmother’s funeral for fun. My friends caught a glimpse, loved it, and started asking for their own. That’s how Didi Rose Jewelry was born—named after my childhood nickname and love for roses.

But it wasn’t a smooth road. Early in my journey, I learned the hard way that not everyone respects originality when a company I worked with stole my designs. Instead of giving up, I took it upon myself to master the art of soldering and fabrication. From burning my fingers to smashing my thumbs (a lot), I taught myself the skills that make my work uniquely and wholly mine. 

By 2017, with access to tools and materials in the U.S., I dove deeper into the craft. Swarovski crystals led me to the dazzling world of natural gemstones, and I haven’t looked back since. Each stone tells a story, much like the pieces I create and people who wear them. 

Today, I design and handcraft jewelry meant to be lived in—pieces that are striking, imperfectly perfect, and built to last. Whether it’s the subtle shimmer of a gemstone or the edgy elegance of geometric forms, my goal is to create heirloom-quality designs that feel personal, bold, and unapologetically you.