Applications Open For Jewellery Students: RRH Diamond Academy

21 Jul 2021

British jeweller Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden (RRH) has joined forces with the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) to launch RRH Diamond Academy, a mentoring and networking programme developed to help ten talented emerging designers from diverse backgrounds break into the fine jewellery industry. 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. This programme has been created to drive inclusivity and change the status quo.

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It is a chance for emerging designers, of any age, who have a talent for diamond jewellery design to pursue their dreams of becoming successful fine jewellers.

Applications will be evaluated by a judging panel which includes:

• Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden
• Melanie Grant, Luxury Editor at The Economist 1843
• Rachel Garrahan, Jewellery Editor at British Vogue
• Annabel Davidson, Jewellery Editor at Vanity Fair
• Raluca Anghel, Head of External Affairs and Industry Relations at Natural Diamond Council

Over the 10-day programme, successful applicants will hear from the best in the industry covering everything from how to build a brand and navigate the design process, to how to source materials ethically, manage the manufacturing process and run a successful PR and marketing campaign.

The course will be divided over two separate weeks and has been designed to nurture talent and offer unique access to invaluable education, contacts and resources that will help arm the chosen designers with all the necessary knowledge to launch careers in an industry where they may have faced challenges to have their talent noticed.The course will feature daily mentorship from leading figures in the world of jewellery.

Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden says

“starting a career in the fine jewellery industry was a challenging journey with many hurdles. With very little representation in the industry, I struggled to see where I fitted in! I strongly believe the fine jewellery category needs to look for more talent from diverse backgrounds to drive a new creative vision in the designs we are seeing. I am looking forward to sharing all I have learnt on my own journey.”

Lisa Levinson, Head of Marketing and Communications UK at Natural Diamond Council says

“We recognise that it can be difficult to break into the diamond industry. Through this programme we want to make sure that designers with talent and drive from all backgrounds can pursue their dreams without any obstacles. We are really looking forward to seeing the talent that comes through and hope to help launch the careers of the next super star diamond jewellers.”

Melanie Grant, Luxury Editor at The Economist 1843,

"We need to hear all the voices in our industry for it to evolve and continue to appeal to a global audience. That is simple business logic."

Rachel Garrahan, Jewellery Editor at British Vogue said,

"There are too many barriers to entry for people of diverse backgrounds who want to enter the jewellery industry. I'm excited to be able to play a small part in helping Roxanne create more opportunities for exciting young talent, and hope that as an industry, we can create a more level playing field in the long term."

Application dates

Applications open on Monday 12 July 2021
Final application date Monday 9th August 2021

Academy dates

Monday 13 to Friday 17 September 2021 (week one)
Monday 11 to Friday 15 October 2021 (week two)
at Goldsmiths Centre on 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD

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Source: Natural Diamond Council