, presented by antique dealer Siegelson at the Masterpiece Fair in 2017, was made by Afro-Caribbean jeweller Art Smith in 1948.
Terry Castro, the designer and jeweller behind Castro NYC, believes the problem is not a lack of talented Black jewellers, but rather their lack of recognition, whether through ignorance or prejudice, by the media, by stores and by clients themselves. “Whether it’s conscious or sub-conscious, it all works together to reduce our visibility,” says the American jeweller, who is based in Istanbul.
She herself has built a brand that champions sustainability, diversity and artisanal craft “to lift up those who are marginalised”. She is also a founder, alongside Yale University and Management for Leadership Tomorrow, of a career advancement programme that provides minority professionals with networking and mentoring opportunities. “I believe that initiatives like these are crucial for the future of the industry,” she says.
Exceptional talent and craft.