Jewellers Of Colour: Connecting BAME Jewellers In The Jewellery Industry

Today we chat to Banita, a jeweller and founder of 'Jewellers Of Colour', an Instagram page with the aim to educate, inspire and create a voice for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) jewellers. In this interview, we get to know Banita and her experience in the jewellery making industry, the challenges she has faced and learn more about how Jewellers Of Colour is making a difference, alongside other inspiring jewellers and creatives. We also ask Banita, what more can be done in the industry and elsewhere to support the BAME community.

At Kernowcraft, our small business is committed to doing more to support BAME jewellers and continue to educate ourselves and support initiatives within the jewellery making industry and elsewhere. If you are a BAME jeweller, who would love to share your work and feature in our 'Meet The Jeweller' series please get in touch, we'd love to share your story and designs.

Hi Banita, firstly tell us how you discovered jewellery making!

I had trained to become a corporate lawyer but was a ‘compulsively’ creative person and desperately missed having an outlet. I had spent my student life painting and writing poetry, from the doodles that covered my notes down to how I chose to spend my spare time lost in drawing with my headphones on.

I was seduced by the first diamond I had ever touched/seen in real life and got so lost in learning about the processes and mystery of jewellery that I quit my job in law (which in hindsight was surprisingly fearless for me!) I enrolled in a jewellery making course in Hatton Garden and 8 years later, jewellery still has that same hold on me now.

Tell us about your handmade jewellery and what techniques you love to use

I am currently in the middle of making my first collection in 7 years. After starting my own brand I began working for other jewellers and only had room for bespoke commissions for years. I work in precious metals and am currently experimenting with incorporating up-cycled plastic into my fine jewellery as a way of ‘capturing’ this nasty material in a more desirable form.

You founded 'Jewellers Of Colour' on Instagram - a place to connect BAME jewellers. Tell us the inspiration behind this

I did a count of how many jewellers I personally knew who were BAME and after 8 years in the trade I only knew 5. I also had a number of experiences that I was always reluctant to identify as passive racism in jewellery. I wanted JoC to be a place where I could connect and celebrate the work and stories of BAME jewellers, so that collectively we can talk more about shared experiences and tackle topics that we haven’t broached in the industry yet.

I also want JoC to be a platform where we can shout about opportunities in the trade. During Covid-19, so many incredible grants and pledges of support were made by the industry bodies, but considering how few JoC I had met to date, I wondered whether or not these ‘lifelines’ were even reaching their inboxes.

Can you share any great initiatives out there to help BAME jewellers right now?

The Black Jewellers Hardship fund as launched by Kassandra Lauren Gordon, in partnership with The Goldsmiths Company, was an incredible initiative and feat of determination and action on Kassandra’s part. Applications are now closed but please keep tabs on Kassandra’s profile for more information on this initiative and the work that she is doing.

Please also follow @bijulesincubator - a great platform that is collating a lot of the work that is going on across the industry in gaining better representation and parity in the trade for BIPOC jewellers.

What content can we expect when following your page?

Beautiful jewellery by talented craftspeople, topics of conversation that discuss more subtle cultural and ethnic issues in the trade and a visually more ethnically diverse experience of the trade.

You said over on Instagram "I love my trade but I am almost always the only person of colour in the room" - what impact do you think this has on yourself and other BAME jewellers who experience the same thing?

You can’t shake the thoughts that keep you questioning why you are the only person of colour in the room. I know we are a minority, but in some instances, it can be extreme and not reflective of the industry at all. Questions of inclusivity, the feeling of not being good enough and accessibility are all constant worries. Let me ask you this - if I made a set of grillz in pure gold, beautifully finished and pave set with precious stones, a perfect fit for my client (which is no easy feat when you consider this is an intersection between jewellery and dentistry): would this piece of work be considered as fine jewellery, of the highest level of craftsmanship in the industry by those who set the standards of quality (tutors, curators, magazines, industry bodies, bloggers)? If there is doubt, or you haven’t ever considered grillz as high-end, then you need to ask yourself why.

What advice can you give to other jewellers and businesses in the industry on how to support BAME jewellers?

Listen to and read the content that has recently been written by BAME jewellers and creatives as this will go some way towards understanding the issues that are barriers to entry. I have links to a few articles listed in my bio written mainly by Black jewellers which are definitely worth reading. Is your business / do you come across as approachable and inclusive? Can we do anything to call out racism or be an agent for change where we see it exists?

Please share with us 3 jewellers you are loving right now!

Emefa Cole @emefacolejewellery – her experience in the ancient Kingdom of Ashanti with Master Goldsmiths is such a privilege to be able to see.

Cut & Hang @cutandhang – Bold and strikingly simple earrings with actual personality.

Marcus Osbourne of @mybespokejewellery – incredible wax carved jewels and a contagious positivity!

Cut & Hang

Marcus Osbourne

How can the jewellery industry keep the conversation going with the Black Lives Matter movement?

Apologies for the overused phrase, but it truly needs to be a movement and not a moment. It should be a collective effort. I think it’s been noted plenty that there are many examples of brands showing support by posting the black box on their feed, sharing BLM material or promoting Black businesses and names, but are returning to their ‘normal’ content now. I just think when people or brands make statements they should realise that their integrity is at stake if they don’t follow up or stick to their word – and it’s the consumers that should call them out for that. As for the trade itself, we as jewellers are consumers too and should apply pressure on the businesses, suppliers and organisations that we work with to stick to their word, or to at least ask the right questions about inclusion, diversity and equality before you part with your money.

What progressions would you like to see in the jewellery industry in the next few years?

Greater representation of BAME jewellers in the press and with seats at the table which will come with greater participation. I’d love to see more BAME apprentices – it’s an incredible route to entry for young jewellers.

Marcus Osbourne

Emefa Cole

How can a jeweller get in touch if they have something to share?

Please message me on instagram @jewellers_of_colour and I’ll check out your work and would love to speak with you!

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.