For centuries, in Africa, jewellery has been an intrinsic part of life, signifying African rites of passage, folklore, and symbolism. This cultural heritage has evolved and now features prominently in the showrooms and catwalks of prestigious shopping districts in London, New York, Paris, and other affluent precincts globally. These designs draw inspiration from the continent’s rich culture, and the diverse array of gemstones and bullion found beneath African soils brings these designs to life as both wearable jewelry and investment pieces. Consequently, African culture and resources are significant contributors to the US$200 billion jewelry industry.

Despite this, black female jewelers, both on the continent and in the global diaspora, remain on the periphery of this billion-dollar industry. It is with this background that AWIMA a webinar on 26 August 2020. The webinar explored the systemic barriers that hinder the success levels enjoyed by jewellers of non-African descent. It examined issues of race, gender, and sexism in an industry that uses terms such as “craftsmanship” and “liverymen,” reflecting a profession steeped in various cultural norms.