Renowned South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford passes away after battle with cancer
Clifford's three daughters, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, confirmed she died on Tuesday (20 May) night.
Renowned local jewellery designer Jenna Clifford has died at 65 after a battle with cancer, her family confirmed in a statement.
Clifford's three daughters, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, confirmed in a joint statement that Clifford passed away 'peacefully' on Tuesday night (20 May), surrounded by her family and close friends.
Clifford founded her signature jewellery brand in 1992, becoming a force in the fashion world over the last three decades.
The statement honoured Clifford's memory, legacy and iconic presence. It reads...
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that our beloved mother, Jenna Clifford, has passed away. 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, the severity of her illness meant that she and we knew that her remaining time with us would be limited. On the evening of 20 May 2025, surrounded by her family and completely enveloped in our love, she passed away peacefully."
"Our mom was a one-off; she was charismatic and absolutely unique. She was loving, kind, generous and brave. Everything Mom did, she did with integrity and love.
“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.”
Shayna, Chanelle and Summer promised to continue with their mother’s legacy and said the family will host a private funeral and memorial in Johannesburg with those who loved her.