Adinkra Symbol Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia Earrings, "Cola Nut"

“I am David Apim-Tetteh from Accra, Ghana. I am a proactive, focused and forward-looking person.

“I learned the practice of jewelry creation by attaching myself to a production house which I was not officially employed by, so any time the owner was approaching, I had to leave by jumping out of the window. Gradually I learned what I now know, although I have developed my skills over the years. I have been doing this work for the past 30 years. I recall when I bought my first milling machine; when offloading it from the vehicle, it dropped and smashed my feet. But the following day I was at it again and working.

“I use some of the traditional adinkra and other African designs and techniques to develop and produce my jewelry. I use silver and gold; both have their technicalities and cost challenges. I have to produce my own alloy and solder for my production. I generally buy from gold and silver merchants.

“I have donated a sculpture which is placed at the National Theater, and also one for my church. This is a social benefit to my local community. I never employ professionals; I prefer to train anybody willing to learn. I have trained several people through this approach.

“I have created designs for the crowns worn in the beauty pageants, using African themes and motifs. I like to socialize, to get to know the trends among the various classes of people so that I can develop products to meet their demands.”