An open letter to the Jewellery Industry regarding Racism

18 Jun 2020

Yesterday Kassandra Lauren Gordon wrote and published an open letter to the UK Jewellery Industry, in which the Jewellery Designer identifies industry issues with regard to Racism.

The Letter  was published yesterday (17th June 2020) and includes the following extract:

 

A lot of you feel strongly about the recent events in the US, as the protests following George Floyd’s death have raised much deeper issues of inherent racism, and people of all races have started to speak out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. As a Black woman, it was a particularly tough week for me.

I am an ethical fine jeweller, using Fairtraide gold, and have my own brand Kassandra Lauren Gordon, through which I offer collections and bespoke commissions. My work is sold at stores across Europe and I’ve participated in many events, including IJL and the Islington Wedding Fair, and have had four solo gallery shows at Craft Central.

After studying in Hatton Garden and having spent the past nine years in the jewellery industry, I have to admit that – if I’m honest – I am not shocked by the lack of response to the recent events that have affected me so deeply, which I would call a humanitarian crisis. It smarts all the more after watching the industry mobilise so quickly and effectively in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In my opinion, the jewellery industry is not as diverse as it could be, and it is not inclusive for Black people. I will go even further and even say that the industry is not welcoming to Black people.

Kassandra Lauren Gordon, Jewellery Designer

 

Download Letter

In response to Kassandra's letter, the Association has published the following statement.

 

At the National Association of Jewellers, we’d like to publicly acknowledge the open letter regarding racism in the jewellery industry written and published by Kassandra Lauren Gordon. In her letter Kassandra highlights racist issues in the industry, much of which we at the NAJ recognise and have discussed, and continue to discuss, at National Committee level as part of participation and inclusion. However, we recognise that discussion on its own is not enough and have therefore invited Kassandra to be part of this discussion, in an attempt to move to industry action.

NAJ Statement regarding Kassandra Lauren Gordon's open letter

 

 

 

Source: Kassandra Lauren | The NAJGordon