Ntando recalls an early childhood memory of watching a man use a single file to create a ring from the bolt of a tap. He was so intrigued that he began his studies at the Natal Technikon DUT, before apprenticing at Geneve (now Browns). Having always worked with his hands, jewellery manufacturing was the perfect fit.

His ideal medium is platinum, citing its malleability as a window into anything imaginable. Ntando describes his style of jewellery as contemporary, natural, for the collectors and the everyday wearers.

To aspiring jewellers, Ntando advises participation, getting involved, taking everything on and being on the lookout for inspiration everywhere. Ntando’s favourite SA city is vibrant, hustling Joburg, which in his opinion would only be bettered with Durban weather.