7 Ways to Increase Inclusivity of the LGBTQI+ Community in the Jewellery Industry

The Jewellery Collective was built on a foundation of inclusivity, with diversity at its core. Our events are always designed to be safe and supportive spaces where people of all backgrounds can network, learn from each other, and build relationships with new people. As Pride month 2024 comes to an end we wanted to provide our community with some thoughts and tips on how to show allyship not just this month but all year round.

There are many different ways we, as jewellery makers and brands, can make members of the LQBTQ+ community feel more supported and seen, not only when they are our customers but also our peers in the industry.

Use inclusive language

Use gender neutral language in your communications and marketing. Don’t limit yourself by using only heteronormative language like ‘bride and groom’ for wedding-related marketing and website content. At Christmas broaden your gift guides to include gender neutral terms as well, rather than just “gifts for her”, “gifts for him”. There are so many opportunities to stop and consider the language you use.

Think about the models that you work with

Do you always work with classically beautiful white female models? Could you instead work with trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming models? Or models of other races and sizes for that matter. If you offer wedding and engagement rings, do you have images or content around same sex couples on your website and in your marketing?

Include your pronouns

Wear a pronoun badge in places you might interact with customers, such as in your shop or at any events or fairs that you are participating in. If you interact with customers online, include your pronouns on you insta page, Zoom username, email signature. This allows those with differing identities to feel comfortable using their own pronouns too.

Amplify the community

Highlight your LGBTQIA+ values on your website, social media profile by posting about them, or in person by displaying a pride flag or sticker in your window. Not just during Pride month but all year round! Some brands are getting it very right when it comes to showing inclusivity on their websites, including Jessica Finn and Stephen Einhorn.

Demonstrate openess

You can update your Business Profile on Google to show customers that your business is a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Get instructions on how to do this here.

Listen and learn

Show that you are open to feedback on how you can be more inclusive. If you receive negitive feedback use it as an opportunity to learn and do better. 

Support your peers in the community

Shop or help promote other queer own brands inside and outside the jewellery industry. We thought we would take this opportunity to highlight some incredible craftspeople from our industry. Go check out jeweller Lukas Svyba, jeweller and artist John Moore, jeweller Mark Newman and blacksmith Annie Higs. If you know of any other LGBTQ+ makers or jewellery professionals we would love to hear about them, comment below to share.

Adapting to be more inclusive can be a very easy change to make and it can have a massive impact on those around you. Happy Pride 2024 everyone!