Written by JOHN MUBAMBE
At GemGenève 2025, a remarkable voice from Zambia’s North-Western Province joined the global celebration of fine gemstones and jewellery.
It was the voice of the young women of Nsanshi Art, a jewellery school based in the rural mining town of Solwezi. Working with copper and silver from their own region, these students transcended adversity to tell their story — a narrative through jewellery.
Founded by the Kansanshi Foundation and Kansanshi Mining PLC, and nurtured by co-founder Michele Scholtz, Nsanshi Art made its international exhibition debut from 8 to 11 May 2025, at the invitation of Nadège Totah, curator of the Village des Designers at GemGenève.
This introduction was facilitated by their partnership with the Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA), whose President and founder is Longo Mulaisho Zinster, a Zambian.
This momentous journey from Solwezi to Switzerland was about much more than just sparkle. It was about a cultural narrative — sculpted in Zambia’s copper and silver — finding a global voice.
A Teacher’s Spark: Fusing Creativity with Purpose
At the heart of Nsanshi Art is jewellery teacher Michele Scholtz, an understated woman who calls herself a mentor and midwife to talent.
"We don’t just teach skills," said Scholtz. "We help students discover their value."
What began as a modest workshop in 2020 blossomed into a thriving creative hub, producing collections inspired by Zambia’s heritage, natural beauty, and even mining tools — repurposed into wearable works of art.
"Each piece tells a story," Scholtz explained. "One design might reflect the rhythm of a local drum, another the layered textures of the Zambezi River. We’re crafting identity into every necklace and ring."
As they prepared for their debut at GemGenève, Scholtz shared what the opportunity meant:
"We hoped to raise awareness, share our story, and build international partnerships. But most of all, we wanted people to see that true craftsmanship can come from places often overlooked."
On what she hoped the Nsanshi pieces would communicate: "That women, even from the most difficult circumstances, can create beauty, earn independence, and thrive through their art. Every piece is a voice."
And her personal measure of success for this journey: "If we inspired even one person to start a similar initiative, or if our students found further education, internships, or simply felt truly seen and heard — that’s success."
Mining ESG into Meaning: A Vision Beyond Extractives
For Arnold Malambo, ESG Manager at Kansanshi Mining PLC, Nsanshi Art represented a model for sustainable development, not just a corporate social responsibility project.
"Zambia is known for its copper, but we want to be known for what we do with it," Malambo said.
By channelling mining benefits into creative education and economic inclusion, Kansanshi Foundation empowered local youth to forge new futures — using files, hammers, and torches instead of drills.
"Jewellery-making offers a tangible path to livelihood," Malambo noted. "Success in Geneva meant recognition not just for Nsanshi, but for the creative spirit of Zambia’s youth. It proved that mining can fund creativity — and creativity can strengthen communities."
This vision also led to collaborations with organisations like the Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA), bringing Nsanshi Art into conversations about how ESG initiatives can support non-mining activities while still utilising mineral resources.
Rising Stars: Meet Aphia Hangili
Aphia Hangili, a top graduate of Nsanshi Art, was originally meant to travel to Switzerland, but a last-minute issue prevented her from making the journey.
Though she could not attend in person, her work and story remained part of the exhibition — a powerful testament to the resilience and potential of rural talent when given the right mentorship and tools.
En Route from Jaipur and Milan to New York and Geneva
Nsanshi Art was not new to international exposure. JGAA was instrumental in providing the platform they needed. In 2023, with JGAA’s support, the initiative participated in the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Congress in Jaipur, India. In early 2024, their partnership saw Nsanshi Art exhibit at Milano Fashion & Jewels in Italy.
At Milano, the women of Nsanshi submitted an innovative piece — their modern interpretation of traditional waist beads — crafted from Kansanshi Mine’s copper. Their work was selected for exhibition, thanks to Dr Alba Cappallieri, Director of the International Master in Jewellery & Fashion Accessories at the Politecnico di Milano.
Support also came from Roxanne Simone, a British-Caribbean metalsmith who tutored the students through their first international exhibition process, with the support of Alexandra Hart, a US goldsmith and Director of Jewellery Education and Training at JGAA.
Longo Mulaisho-Zinsner, Founder of JGAA and a proud Zambian, shared: "I have been humbled and proud of the resilience of the young women of Nsanshi Art. Their story deserves to be known. They have vast potential."
She further connected Nsanshi with K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery in London, founded by Katrin Spranger and Kelvin Birk, to ensure the students’ exposure to world-class techniques and cross-cultural exchange.
Kelvin Birk, who worked closely with the students, praised their talent: “The great thing about what these students are learning is that they’re acquiring the ability to create something unique — something with their personal imprint. That gives their work value beyond the mass-produced or generic.”
Longo also attended the “Expand Horizons” International Gold and Diamond Conference organised by Initiatives in Arts and Culture in New York in July 2024, with a key focus on introducing the audience to Nsanshi Art.
A Message for Zambia and the World
Nsanshi Art’s story is one of transformation. From copper mined deep within Zambia’s earth to jewellery that embodies cultural pride and resilience, disadvantaged youth have been shaped into artisans of global relevance.
At a time when the world seeks ethical, sustainable, and culturally authentic jewellery, Nsanshi Art’s participation in GemGenève 2025 was both timely and significant.
As Scholtz reflected: "We didn’t just take jewellery to Geneva. We took a piece of Zambia’s soul."
Representing Zambia at the show were Michele Scholtz, an experienced coppersmith and mentor; Pamela Chanda, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Gender Officer at Kansanshi Mining PLC.
Their presence at GemGenève stood as a testament to the authenticity, skill, and resilience of Zambia’s emerging artisans — and to the profound beauty that can arise from even the most modest beginnings.
