Survey of Black Jewellers 2020

The results of the UK's first national Survey of Black Jewellers

The UK's first national Survey of Black Jewellers has been carried out by Private 2 Public Ltd on behalf of Kassandra Lauren Gordon, a jeweller and activist, supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre. It follows Kassandra’s open letter to the jewellery industry in June 2020 about the lack of diversity and inclusion for black people in the industry.

The survey looked at the experiences of racism black people said they faced in the jewellery industry, as well as the skills, barriers and opportunities black jewellers needed to grow their businesses and improve their practise. 94 black jewellers responded to the survey, conducted between 25 August and 8 September 2020.

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Survey of Black Jewellers 2020 infographic

This infographic and short animated film highlight key findings from the survey, which found that 51% of respondents had experienced racism in the jewellery industry.

This short animation explores people's experiences of racism and discrimination and may be distressing or triggering.

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What’s it like being a black person in the UK jewellery industry?

These images and short animated film share the experiences of black people in the UK jewellery industry.

"We are literally the first in our families to enter the jewellery industry."

"I was getting treated differently to everyone else."

"It's basically lots and lots of small instances, well micro-agressions."

"I made the decision to not put me on my own website."

"There is a perception that urban or rapper jewellery is lower down on the scale"

This short animation explores people's experiences of racism and discrimination and may be distressing or triggering.

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Kassandra Lauren Gordon Social Research Report

Challenges faced by black jewellers working and studying in the UK jewellery industry

Kassandra has also undertaken and authored a social research study – Challenges faced by black jewellers working and studying in the UK jewellery industry. It identifies and documents the challenges facing black jewellers in the UK. 11 black jewellers were interviewed. The study revealed six themes: experience of racism in the jewellery industry, education and training, the press, social capital, supply chain, and resilience. Recommendations are offered to redress the problems that featured in the research.