New mentorship for emerging jewellers from diverse backgrounds
The Natural Diamond Council partners with British jeweller Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden for a mentoring and networking programme that supports ten budding designers from diverse backgrounds to help them break into the industry
The Natural Diamond Council has announced a new programme designed to help ten emerging jewellers from diverse backgrounds break into the industry. RRH Diamond Academy is the result of a partnership between British jeweller Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden and the Natural Diamond Council, which has created the mentoring and networking programme specifically for those under-represented in the diamond industry.
Successful applicants on the ten-day programme will learn how to build a brand, where to start with the design process, how to source ethical materials and manage manufacturing, as well as getting tips on launching the subsequent PR and marketing campaign.
Applications, which close on 9 August, will be judged by Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden; Melanie Grant, luxury editor at The Economist’s 1843 magazine; Rachel Garrahan, jewellery editor at British Vogue; Annabel Davidson, jewellery editor at Vanity Fair; and Raluca Anghel, head of external affairs and industry relations at Natural Diamond Council. The winning applicants will join a course at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in September and October, Covid-19 regulations permitting.
‘Starting a career in the fine jewellery industry was a challenging journey with many hurdles,’ says Rajcoomar-Hadden of her own experience. ‘With very little representation in the industry, I struggled to see where I fitted in. I strongly believe the fine jewellery category needs to look for more talent from diverse backgrounds to drive a new creative vision in the designs we are seeing. I am looking forward to sharing all I have learnt on my own journey.’
Adds Lisa Levinson, head of marketing and communications UK at Natural Diamond Council: ‘We recognise that it can be difficult to break into the diamond industry. Through this programme, we want to make sure that designers with talent and drive from all backgrounds can pursue their dreams without any obstacles. We are really looking forward to seeing the talent that comes through and hope to help launch the careers of the next superstar diamond jewellers.’
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
Three sleek new design showrooms you need to see in Los Angeles
Three international design showrooms have started a retail design boom in Los Angeles. Here are the stores to put on your radar
By Carole Dixon Published
-
Brutalism in film: the beautiful house that forms the backdrop to The Room Next Door
The Room Next Door's production designer discusses mood-boarding and scene-setting for a moving film about friendship, fragility and the final curtain
By Anne Soward Published
-
How Leigh Bowery and the Blitz Kids defined 1980s subculture with make-up
As Leigh Bowery and the Blitz Kids of 1980s London are celebrated in a new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum, Isobel Van Dyke explores the hair and make-up looks that defined them
By Isobel Van Dyke Published
-
Art takes London: Tiffany & Co, Damien Hirst and artists take over Selfridges' windows
Four British contemporary artists celebrate Tiffany & Co's pioneering history with a series of storied window displays
By Anne Soward Published
-
Late summer jewels: what to wear at Golden Hour
Late summer signals a jewellery style-shift. These independent designers have got it covered
By Caragh McKay Published
-
All smiles: How a grillz jewellery making class in London became an international hit
What started as a passion project quickly exploded in popularity. We get the story behind the grillz-making workshop at Cockpit London
By Elisa Anniss Published
-
Emerging jewellery designers to get to know
These independent, new and emerging jewellery designers and brands from New York to Paris are firmly on our radar
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Jewellery designers share their most precious personal pieces
A host of jewellers give us a peek at the jewellery which brings them joy and solace
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Playing it cool: pearls are having a moment
We've been deep-diving into boutiques around the world to find the very best calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form. It seems jewellers have been busy rethinking pearls, with contemporary (and often affordable) results
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Eternity rings for the modern couple
Eternity rings, whether sleekly minimalist or sprinkled in diamonds, can be a chic and contemporary love token
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Alternative engagement rings with an edge
As the sales of engagement rings sky-rocket during lockdown, enjoy our off-kilter curation of edgy and unconventional engagement rings
By Hannah Silver Last updated