Gemmologist starts a global directory of black jewellery professionals

23 Jul 2020

Image: Lezlie Bailey

Lezlie Bailey, a Gemmologist working in Hatton Garden, recently started a side-project called 'The List' - a much-needed resource bringing all the black jewellers, jewellery designers and makers in one place.

The List is the beginning of what will eventually become the most comprehensive global directory of black jewellery professionals. It's designed to be used by both consumers and members of our trade.

The project started after Lezlie, a woman of Bermudian descent, struggled to find other black jewellers, designers and makers online.

Speaking on the lack of diverse representation in the jewellery industry, Lezlie says,

"I realised that if I, a member of the jewellery trade, found it this difficult, so would potential customers. In order for black businesses to succeed, they must gain and retain visibility. It is vital to the black economy that the recent increased awareness seen on social media, in relation to supporting black businesses, continues to gain momentum.

"As the only black Gemmologist that I’ve come across, I’ve decided to make as much noise about it to get more of us interested in careers within our trade via The Ten Times and The List."

Reflecting on her past year in the jewellery industry, Lezlie adds,

"I have been lucky so far, in that I haven’t faced any discrimination on a personal level within the trade, but I am well aware that problems do exist. Even my first taste of the UK jewellery industry, during that week of work experience, which opened the door to such an incredible career, was tainted by racist comments."

The List is hosted on The Ten Times (10x), a website aiming to highlight and showcase people of colour within the jewellery trade, to encourage brands to make diversity a fundamental part of how they conduct business and above all, 10x is a place for Lezlie to share beautiful pieces and useful insights with fellow gem and jewellery enthusiasts.

Lezlie welcomes suggestions of professionals that can be added to The List, you can get in touch through her website or her Instagram page.

Explore The List

 

Source: Lezlie Bailey