South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford dies at 65
Jenna Clifford, a renowned South African jewellery designer, died on Tuesday after an advanced stage cancer diagnosis.
The 65-year-old was surrounded by her family in her final moments.
Known for her exceptional craftsmanship, she built a global jewellery brand and inspired others with her generosity and creativity.
Jenna Clifford, a globally recognised South African jewellery designer, died on Tuesday evening after battling cancer, and was surrounded by her family in her final moments.
According to the jewellery heavyweight's family, the 65-year-old was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer earlier this year. Despite her courageous fight, she died on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, with her loved ones by her side.
'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that our beloved mother, Jenna Clifford, has passed away,' her family confirmed in a statement. 'Earlier this year, mom was diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. She undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength, and endless gratitude. Sadly… we knew that her remaining time with us would be limited.'
Her family, who broke the news on Wednesday, described Clifford as a 'one-of-a-kind' woman who dedicated her life to generosity, creativity, and supporting others.
'She was loving, kind, generous, and brave. Everything mom did, she did with integrity and love,' the statement read.
Clifford, who established her jewellery business, which bore her name in 1992, was known for her unique designs and exceptional craftsmanship.
Her brand grew to attract a huge clientele not only in South Africa, but also internationally, including iconic personalities like Céline Dion.
Her legacy was further commemorated in 2024 when her brand celebrated a collaboration with Mattel's Barbie. This partnership created a jewellery line that embraced individuality and inspired people to pursue their dreams while living authentically, according to the company's website.
The collection featured a unique selection of staple pieces, including diamond rings, pearl necklaces, and earrings.
Beyond her thriving business, Clifford's impact extended outside her art of jewellery design. Her magnetic personality and unwavering belief in people's potential touched the hearts of many who describe her as a source of encouragement, inspiring those around her to dream bigger and achieve their ambitions.
'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,' her family said.
As the family reflects on her remarkable journey and legacy, they expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support Clifford received throughout her career.
The family also said that plans are underway for a private family funeral, with a public memorial in Johannesburg to honour of her life to be announced soon .
'Our family will be coming together for a small, private funeral in the days ahead. We know how many lives our mother touched, and we'll also be hosting a memorial gathering in Johannesburg to honour and celebrate her life with those who loved her,' read part of a family statement. 'We'll share details of this memorial in due course.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
an hour ago
- News24
Sparkle, sophistication, and celebration at the Johannesburg Cap Classique Champagne & Bubbles Festival 2025
SPONSORED: J.C. Le Roux is South Africa's original home of sparkling wine and the proud headline sponsor of this year's event – and they did not disappoint Last weekend, on 24 and 25 May, J.C. Le Roux showcased the elegance of their flagship Cap Classique Scintilla at the Inanda Polo Club, where the Johannesburg Cap Classique Champagne & Bubbles Festival took place. It was a fully immersive experience that blended refining toasting traditions with celebratory energy and curated tasting moments. From the moment guests arrived at the J.C. Le Roux stand they were invited to reflect on what they were celebrating, whether it was a win, a shift, or simply showing up. Guests could choose from a series of sentiment-driven ribbons as they entered, each one a nod to one of the million reasons South Africans raise a glass in toast today. Then the celebration unfolded into special moments that captured the spirit of J.C. Le Roux's legacy, one that is proudly rooted in Stellenbosch yet made for every corner of the country. 'J.C. Le Roux champions sparkling wine in every form, from elegant rituals to vibrant experiences. At this year's festival, J.C. Le Roux's fully immersive sparkling wine showcase was designed to turn every moment into both a memory and a celebration,' says Siphokazi Solani, BTL Brand & Events Executive for the Wines Category at Heineken Beverages South Africa. Guests enjoyed personalised sparkling wine tastings led by passionate pourers, each designed to showcase the variety, flavour, and character of J.C. Le Roux's popular range. These tastings were accompanied by fascinating insights into the Cap Classique method, which J.C. Le Roux has made proudly local with its Scintilla variant. Festivalgoers also had the opportunity to be introduced to the art of the pour – from tilting the glass at just the right angle to preserve the bubbles, to holding the stem correctly, ensuring the wine remains perfectly chilled. These small touches transformed every J.C. Le Roux tasting into a celebration of craft and care, reinforcing J.C. Le Roux's belief that every moment deserves to be celebrated. The Sparkle Mirror In addition to its signature flavours, J.C. Le Roux brought its signature flair. The brand's beautifully designed 'Sparkle Mirror' installation offered a chance to capture the celebration in slow motion, with lights and music enhancing every frame. Guests could unwind in the floral-themed photo lounge, an inviting space to sip, snap, and savour with friends. With movements as light and playful as the bubbles in J.C. Le Roux, the dancers added a touch of sparkling fun from 13:00 to 15:00, daily. These pop-up performances reflected the soul of the brand – joyful, expressive, and always ready to celebrate. The theme for this year's festival, Sophisticated Floral Chic, found a natural home in J.C. Le Roux's elegant aesthetic. Every detail, from glassware to décor, had been considered to elevate the guest experience and deliver something both polished and personal. The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival 2025 delivered an unforgettable weekend of elegance, energy, and effervescence and J.C. Le Roux was at the heart of it all. From the personal celebration ribbons to the artful tastings and personalised flutes, every element of the brand's presence brought its core belief to life: that every moment deserves bubbles. As guests toasted under winter skies, danced alongside the J.C. Le Roux queens and captured their sparkle in the Magic Mirror lounge, J.C. Le Roux reaffirmed its place not just as South Africa's leading sparkling wine, but as a curator of joyful, meaningful celebration. Follow J.C. Le Roux for updates and more:
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
Ryan Lochte and his wife announce divorce after 7 years of marriage
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte and his wife, model Kayla Rae Reid, announced on Instagram Wednesday they are ending their marriage. TMZ reported Reid filed for divorce earlier this year, a decision that came "after deep prayer and reflection," she said. "I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life. I've been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing - not from fresh, open wounds," Reid wrote. "Sometimes we face trials we didn't choose or see coming. And in those moments, we're forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future. I've come to understand that staying isn't always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love - for those around me and for myself." Lochte then took to Instagram, saying the decision "hasn't been easy." "I want to take a moment to acknowledge what Kayla shared. This past year has brought major changes for both of us as we've come to the difficult decision to end our marriage. I'm deeply grateful for the life we've built together and especially for the love we share for our three children," Lochte wrote. "Although this decision hasn't been easy, I believe it's the right step toward peace and well-being for us both. I remain committed to healing, growth, and co-parenting with care and respect as we move forward. Thank you to our family and friends for your continued support - it truly means a lot as we begin this new chapter." The couple got engaged in 2016, the same year Lochte was involved in a controversial incident at a gas station during the Rio Olympics. Lochte initially claimed he and his teammates were robbed at gunpoint, but it was determined those with the guns were actually security guards at a gas station where the swimmers had urinated outside a bathroom. Lochte eventually lost four major sponsorships, and USA Swimming suspended him for 10 months. Lochte won his sixth and final medal in Rio, a gold as part of the 4x200-meter freestyle. Reid was the Playboy Playmate of the Month for July 2015. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
News24
8 hours ago
- News24
Legendary photographer and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard dies at 74
Photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard has died at age 74. He received numerous awards for his photography and contributions to music and tourism, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014. He founded espAfrika in 1997, which owns and manages the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, launched in 2000. Renowned photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard died on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74. According to photographer and family spokesperson Benny Gool, he died of 'natural causes.' Lombard received numerous awards for his photography and contributions to music and tourism, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014. As a photographer, Lombard captured historical moments such as 'the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the country's first democratic elections in 1994,' according to a press release from Gool. He founded espAfrika in 1997, which owns and manages the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), launched in 2000. Lombard directed the festival until 2014. He was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha and moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and then an industrial photographer, later working with Murray & Roberts. Lombard married Colleen Rayson in 1970, and the couple welcomed a family. Lombard's 'political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement,' according to the press release. He would go on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. 'His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC,' says the press release. 'In 1986, legendary exiled photographer Ernest Cole, who had not held a camera for over a decade, borrowed Rashid's and turned the lens on him - a gesture of deep respect and recognition.' Jazz was another great passion of his. He served as Fine Music Radio's station manager and became the programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio. After stepping away from the CTIJF, Lombard focused on digitising his archives, which his wife had previously managed. 'He later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource,' reads the press release. His daughter will now continue the archival work after his death. Lombard also published the photography book Jazz Rocks in 2010, edited by George Hallett, which contained his images. Lombard is survived by his wife, Colleen Lombard; his sister, Fazoe Sydow; his children, Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel; and his grandchildren, Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, Amir Uccio, and Stella Ahed.
