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By Charlotte Diamond
Despite the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 crisis, the more than 3 months have proven to be an era of super calculation for all industries. Within the fashion industry, it gave us the opportunity to think deeply about the other people we represent and have never paid so much attention to. This is especially applicable in the top jewelry sector.
Randi Molofsky, co-founder of For Future Reference, the leading jewelry logo progression firm in New York and Los Angeles, knows that the barrier to access to the industry is superior: “BIPOC’s creators are traditionally underrepresented in the most important jewelry industry. Accessibility is the first step towards meaningful change: in targeted education, ongoing mentoring projects, and monetary assistance. Take, for example, the story of Arthur George “Art” Smith, the legendary mid-century black jewellery designer. As a student at La Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in the early 1920s, Smith was one of the few black academics in his class. Despite the insurmountable odds of her success, she turned to a network of mentors from the start, adding some other jewelry designer, Winifred Mason. These mentors encouraged him to run for Cooper Union and supported his career as a jewelry designer.
In honor of Smith and his history, last month For Future Reference announced the creation of the Art Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The donation, which was led by For Future Reference and jewelry designer Brent Neale and backed by 48 other brands in the most important jewelry industry, creates a $50,000 in scholarships for black academics as a component of the school’s jewelry creation program. Molofsky’s hope is that the donation and its effect on “inspire a new generation to see jewelry as a viable and sustainable career path.”
Large-scale projects, such as the Art Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, are a way to magnify blacks’ voices in the jewelry industry, but shoppers can also take direct and rapid action by purchasing black-owned brands. Below are 15 jewelry brands that are owned and designed through them to meet, love and buy now.
Jameel Mohammed, the Khiry spirit, has no parallel. After a prominent CEO told him that a luxury logo may only leave Europe, Mohammed, then an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, channeled his power to create a logo that celebrates the appeal, history and culture of the African diaspora. . Khiry’s ambitious jewels are sublime and recall the beauty of nature.
A gentleman. Thorne, founded and designed through Ashley Thorne, is a top jewelry line that emphasizes simplicity and portability, and draws influences from architecture and femininity.
Sasha Flynn’s jewelry logo, Adore Adorn, is deeply rooted in inheritance, the circle of relatives and love, and Flynn is animated through ancient pieces that were passed through his circle of relatives.
Bianca Abreu’s love of optics and delicacy is reflected in the jewels she designs for Aur Jewelry. Each room reacts to the settings smoothly and transforms the day.
Dan-Yell’s little jewels have strength. From pearl necklaces to finely decorated diamond earrings, Danyell Rascoe perfectly fuses vintage and modern elements into his creations.
Sade Mims has created a cult of his Edas logo, which gives away both jewelry and accessories. Mims aims to provide its consumers with durable reporting documents.
For those in need of ambitious and detailed jewellery, look no further than Harwell Godfrey. Founded and designed through Lauren Harwell Godfrey, the line features references to the 4 elements, sensitive engravings and the piece is dotted with precious stones.
The Mahnal jewelry brand, founded and designed through Shayba Muhammed, is a nod to the converting world in which we live. Inspired by Islam and Arabic culture, Mahnal encourages its users to adopt a slower and more intentional way of life.
Self-taught designer Matthew Harris founded Mateo in 2009 with an initial focus on men’s jewelry; however, a capsule collection for women was so successful that Harris re-edified Matthew in women’s jewelry. Today, Mateo is known for his top but minimalist designs and affordable price.
Hleziphansi Zita has imbued each and every piece of his brand, Nandi Naya, with his history and trajectory. Thanks to Nandi Naya, named after her eldest daughter, Zita connects her reports on her development in New York with African art and culture. Nandi Naya gives away jewelry for each and every occasion, from colorful pearl necklaces to earrings and sculptural rings.
Octave Jewelry, which is handmade through designer and founder Opeyemi Omojola, is through geometry, shapes and biological elements. The name of the medical clinic that Omojola’s mother founded and led in Nigeria, Octavian testifies of his mother’s strength and determination.
The priority of Serendipitous Project is to offer ethical, affordable and sustainable opportunities for fashion jewelry. Founder Sydney Ziems also uses antique and recycled jewellery and accessories to minimize the environmental effect of the fashion industry.
Sewit Sium’s eponymous logo focuses on stories, substance and statements. Sium believes jewelry can be difficult stories about the afterlife and who we are today.
Behind White/Space lies a confidence in sustainable practices and the elegance that ostentation. Designed through Khadijah Fulton with the fashionable woman in mind, White/Space jewelry is designed to be worn for years and are sensitive and powerful.
Years before Morgan Thomas conceived Yam, his mother brought him an e-book about jewelry making that sowed a seed on the young designer’s head. Founded in honor of Thomas’ late mom, the line features fun, portable designs.
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