24
Industry News
The Jeweller
Roxanna Rajcoomar-Hadden
Catherine Marche
Earlier this year, we reported on an inaugural mentoring programme, powered by the Natural Diamond Council and hosted by the Goldsmiths’ Centre. The course, now completed, is declared a success.
D
eveloped by British jeweller Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden, the programme was to help 11 emerging designers from diverse backgrounds break into the fine jewellery industry. As she joined forces with the Natural Diamond Council, she explained “It can be challenging to get into the exclusive world of fine jewellery design if you do not have the contacts, resources or opportunities to realise your passion.” She created the programme to “drive inclusivity and change the status quo.” Commenting on the course after it ended, mid-October, Roxanne said: “I wanted to normalise jewellers from diverse backgrounds in the fine jewellery category
The RRH Diamond Academy and ensure that knowledge and social mobility isn't their barrier. I created this 10-day programme with the support of the Natural Diamond Council, based on my journey, with the hope to support others on theirs. It was great to work with jewellers from diverse backgrounds who will bring fresh concepts to the category, inspired by different cultures and experiences.” Lisa Levinson, head of marketing and communication at the Natural Diamond Council, added: "The appeal of diamond jewellery comes from its genuine connection with the wearer. The Natural Diamond Council believes that to create that connection, the jewellery design – and the designer – needs to represent all our human diversity. The RRH Diamond
Academy is one of the initiatives we are supporting to remove the barriers to entry into the diamond industry, and it has been fantastic to see the great impact Roxanne and the mentors have created in just two weeks." Chosen by a five-strong panel of judges, the lucky 10 successful applicants were Anna Harvey, Blessing Adedoyin, Boitshoko Kebakile, Carol Cole, Catherine Marche, Daryl Albert, Denise Louise, Ozlem Gunes, Qiang Li, Sameena Mawji and Stefania Indelicato. “I feel privileged to be part of an amazing cohort of diverse and talented individuals. The experience has been very enriching – not only increasing the wealth of our knowledge but also giving us the chance to share and
