Africalis is more than a jewelry brand – it is a celebration of talent, lifelong skills and dedication to community upliftment.
Meet our founders
Mano Christelis
Inspired by his childhood memories at his father’s sweet factory in Johannesburg, Mano has been creating vibrant multihued resin beads for over 30 years making a distinct statement for jewelry in South Africa and internationally. Through carefully sculpted moulds and enjoying the fluidity of resin he brings fantastical shapes to life. With expert knowledge and decades of experience he dribbles and splashes colors to create translucent forms mimicking international abstract art. His jewelry reflects his imagination of a spinning Galaxy and a spiritual universe. He merges his talent into Africalis to expand his vision for an international audience.
Mano Christelis
Jessica Deutsch
As Director of Public Programs at Sotheby’s, New York and working internationally with her company Arts to Life, Jessica brings a refined eye and in-depth knowledge of art, design, fashion and jewelry to Africalis. She has led expert cultural travel programs defining excellence for collectors in all areas of the art marketplace through America, United Kingdom, Europe, Russia and South Africa. At Sotheby’s, she initiated jewelry study seminars, lectured extensively, and continues to explore the unique through precious jewelry as an art form. She has exhibited Mano’s resin jewelry in London, Paris, Milan and New York.
Jessica Deutsch
Gerald Judelman
Gerald Judelman brings his business acumen and extensive knowledge of management as retired shareholder and director of a leading international project management company in the construction industry to Africalis. As a dedicated art patron, he hosts exhibitions of emerging artists at his hotel, The Gateway Hotel, South Africa. He owns property in rural Mpumalanga, where he offers training and opportunities for skilled labour from the nearby village, demonstrating his commitment to empowering the local community. His focus has now extended to supporting talented young women to engage with Africalis.
Gerald Judelman
Artisans of Africalis
Young women from the rural village adjacent to our founders property are discovering and nurturing their talent and creative abilities in Africalis’ local workshop. Situated deep in the mountains, far removed from city life and employment opportunity, these women are now able to explore their creative abilities. Through training and assembling Africalis designs they have found new career paths and opportunity for personal growth. As we continue to expand this initiative we are committed to supporting and empowering them for defined roles in growing our brand and self realization.
