South African iconic jewellery designer Jenna Clifford has died. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Jenna Clifford, the iconic jewellery designer, philanthropist, and founder of the Jenna Clifford brand, has died at the age of 68.
She died peacefully on the evening of May 20, 2025, surrounded by her family.
In a heartfelt statement released by her daughters, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, the family shared that Clifford had been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer earlier this year.
Despite undergoing treatment with "unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength and endless gratitude," the severity of her illness meant her time was limited.
“Mom’s greatest legacy is one of joyful giving,” the statement reads. “She was deeply generous with her time, her inspired ideas and her love. She always gave happily, freely and without hesitation.”
Clifford’s life and work touched thousands across the globe. Known for her exquisite jewellery designs that blended timeless elegance with powerful personal symbolism, she created more than just adornments, she crafted stories and legacy pieces that connected people to moments, milestones, and each other.
Her namesake brand, Jenna Clifford, became synonymous with quality, authenticity and meaning, a direct reflection of the woman behind it. But it wasn’t only her craftsmanship that earned her a special place in people’s hearts.
Clifford was widely admired for her unwavering commitment to empowering others, especially women, through mentorship, education, and entrepreneurship.
“She was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many,” her daughters wrote. “Her character was magnetic, she was inspiring and she believed passionately in supporting others to realise their inherent potential.”
Her legacy lives on in her family, her business, and the countless lives she uplifted through her generosity, belief in others, and enduring faith in the power of love.
The family will hold a private funeral in the coming days and plan to host a memorial gathering in Johannesburg to celebrate Clifford’s extraordinary life. Details of the memorial will be shared in due course.
Clifford is survived by her daughters, who will continue to honour her legacy and steward the family business she built with love, vision, and integrity.
IOL Lifestyle