Jenna Clifford, an inspiring businesswoman, designer and beloved local icon has passed away, taking with her, her sparkle, but leaving behind a decades long legacy that will shine on.
Johannesburg, South Africa (21 May 2025) – Late last year, we had the pleasure of meeting Jenna Clifford, when she was honoured as a local and lekker participant in the ‘My Barbie Story’ book. The iconic designer wasted no time in sharing her own story and with it, left us in awe of her cander and fearless personality.
Jenna made no secret that her life started rougher than most, but she fearless forged her way forward and became one of the country’s most beloved jewellery designers. Rubbing shoulders with global diplomates, local sports stars and even our very-own Nelson Mandela; Jenna had a way of connecting with everyone.
Her journey into design started in the 1980s, but through her dedication and passion, officially launched the brand of Jenna Clifford Designs in 1992. She has been a stalwart of the industry ever-since.
Beyond her defining career with beautiful jewels, Jenna was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and equality. This was the Jenna we met and grew to admire; outspoken and encouraging women to claim their space. In 2008, she was honoured as the South African ambassador and torchbearer for the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 3: Call to Action Global Campaign, a defining moment in her advocacy for women’s rights.
Philanthropy has always been a part of Jenna’s ethos. “I took up the torch, and I make changes where I can”. From working to fight breast cancer, supporting non-profits, running mentoring programmes and more, helping create awareness for the causes closest to her heart was a big part of her life.
She has helped raise funds as a tribute to all the South African women who have overcome challenges and gone on to inspire others.
While the walls of her studio were lined with images of the whose-who of the world, it was the family photos scattered between those larger than life images that spoke the loudest. It was clear her family was the thing that made her feel most proud.
In a statement shared by her beloved daughters, who gave thanks to all the kindness, love and support sent to the family during the short but fierce cancer battle, they reiterated what we got to learn in a short space of time; that Jenna Clifford was more than a designer, she valued kindness and care above all. She nurtured the spirit of Ubuntu and unearthed the beauty in others.
“Our mom was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many. To hear and read your stories — to see our mom through your eyes—has been incredibly moving and truly comforting. She touched so many lives with her kindness, her unstinting generosity of spirit, and her steadfast belief in the transformative and redeeming power of love.
Mom cared deeply for others, poured love into countless lives and lived a life of self-sacrifice. Her character was magnetic, she was inspiring and she believed passionately in supporting others to realise their inherent potential. Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger. She was at her happiest when she was supporting others to achieve their dreams.
Mom’s greatest legacy is one of joyful giving. She was deeply generous with her time, her inspired ideas and her love. She always gave happily, freely and without hesitation.”
Jenna passed away peacefully on the 20th of May 2025, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. Rest beautifully, Jenna.
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