By Christy Anyanwu
Eyakenoabasi Effiong-Bob, founder of Eno Basse Diamonds, is a civil engineer-turned-gemologist and goldsmith. She is outspoken about fake and synthetic gemstones flooding the Nigerian market and emphasises thorough certification to preserve value and uphold standards.
Recently, she launched signature pieces – multi-gemstone rings with ruby, sapphire and emerald — the three major gemstones after diamonds.
In this interview, she went down memory lane, talking about her business.
Is it right to call you a designer?
Yes, I’m a jewellery designer. I’m very particular about craftsmanship. I’m very particular about telling our African stories through design. I’m also very passionate about making pieces that last beyond us. So, all our pieces are made with diamonds and gold, platinum and gemstones, natural gemstones.
What stands out about your journey as a jeweller?
My mother was a big influence. I am a civil engineer. That’s what I studied. I got my master’s degree in management. I worked for an oil and gas company for a while but I have always loved and been fascinated by jewellery, especially because my mother used to sell gold back in the 1990s. And I was always fascinated by jewellery. I honestly did not think that was what I would be doing now.
Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have thought this was where I would be. But I’m so grateful for how far I have come, just thinking and expanding my mind; thinking out of the box has brought me far.
Was it your experience in engineering that brought you here or did you have to go and do something else?
I did courses. I trained in Italy as a goldsmith. I also trained in the Gemological Institute of America to be an expert in diamonds and become a gemologist. It has been years of practice, years of work to bring me here. And, of course, I’ve been designing jewellery. I’ve designed over 200 pieces of jewellery in the past five years.
As an expert, could you tell us how to preserve diamonds?
Diamonds are forever. They don’t need a lot of maintenance. What diamond does need is a little polishing and cleaning now and then. That’s why I say I’m so particular about jewellery that transcends us. Anything that cannot live forever is not something that I play with. Be it original, solid gold, platinum, diamonds or gemstones. They are things that cannot disintegrate. So, with diamonds, it’s just occasional cleaning and polishing that we do.
What maintenance practices would you recommend?
There is a weekly cleaning that you can do with a very soft toothbrush and a very mild hand soap or dish soap. Gently wash it with lukewarm water, not hot. That is just a way of maintaining it. What we do is offer deep cleaning services. As you probably already know, I’m a gemologist. I certify gemstones, I certify diamonds. I authenticate these gemstones. I’ve seen people buy all sorts of fake things and come to me to certify them. Sadly, it wouldn’t be the real thing. We do experience that and it’s very sad. I’m noticing that there are a lot of synthetic gemstones in the Nigerian market now. It’s getting saturated. It’s something that we should speak up more about.
That means people are unable to differentiate real and fake gems in the market?
I’ve had clients come to me with gemstones that are fake that they bought thinking they were natural. That does happen and people have to be careful. As I said, I’m a gemologist. I’m also a goldsmith. I’m very thorough about the items we give out. About the quality of our diamonds, of our gemstones, of our jewellery in general.
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