Industry News

Catherine Marche Roxanna Rajcoomar-Hadden

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.

Developed 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

collaborate with each other. Roxanne and the team she put together gave us invaluable advice which will nurture our future for many years to come. A huge thank you to RRH Academy and peers from the bottom of my heart.” Catherine Marche

“I feel extremely lucky to have had this wonderful journey; I've learned a lot from Roxanne’s team and all the amazing speakers. I also feel the priceless value is having the opportunity to meet my fabulous classmates – everyone has been generous, wise and love sharing. It's a good start for me, and I will keep going with the spirit of our RRH Diamond Academy family.” Qiang Li

Meanwhile, remote attendee, Boitshoko Kebakile, who joined the group from Botswana, added: "The RRH Diamond Academy was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. The entire two weeks were meticulously curated to deliver much needed guidance for emerging fine jewellers. I was also struck by how genuinely inclusive this programme was. In this regard, from my core, I applaud and thank Roxanne RajcoomarHadden and the Natural Diamond Council for truly bridging the diversity gap, as they set out to."

Among the other leading figures in the jewellery industry who offered mentorship over the course of the 10 days, were Gem-A CEO Alan Hart, designer Alex Monroe, ethical jeweller Pippa Small, Beanie Major (jewellery stylist and advisor), PR Emma Beckett, Tim Holloway (head of creative at Graff), production specialists from Hatton Garden workshops, Tanika Wisdom (jewellery buyer at Matches), fine jewellery photographer Simon Martner and key media names Melanie Grant, Annabel Davidson, Rachel Garrahan and Katerina Perez.

Subjects covered included Design & Manufacturing Processes, Responsibility & Sourcing, Pricing, Selling B2B, Branding & Marketing, Photography tips and tricks, Press Outreach and Online Assets.

A follow-up course for 2022 is currently under discussion.

Boitshoko Kebakile joined remotely from Botswana