Sotheby’s opens an exhibition introducing black jewelry designers

Sotheby’s New York will premiere on Friday the first exhibition featuring only black jewelry designers.

Called “Brilliant & Black: Jewelery Renaissance,” the exhibition will be open to the public until September 26th and then sold directly online until October 10th, featuring 21 black jewelry designers on the world stage.

A total of 63 works are on display, including signature pieces and custom creations dedicated to the exhibition. Exhibit designers include the top black jewelry makers working today, as well as the historic jewelers Art Smith and Winifred Mason Chenette.

Artists include Harwell Godfrey, Shola Branson, Winifred Mason Chenet, Lorraine West, Marei New York, Mateo New York, Lola Fenhirst, Jariet Oloyé, Maggi Simpkins and Shola Branson. In the meantime, the styles of interest are very diverse, priced at $ 1 million and made with a variety of skills and techniques.

This initiative was pioneered by Black Jewelery writer, editor and stylist Melanie Grant following the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. She aimed to spotlight talented black designers, focusing on unique works.

When she shared the idea with Sotheby’s jewelery director Frank Everett, the wheels started moving almost immediately.