Sotheby’s Brings Back ‘Brilliant & Black’ Selling Exhibition
The exhibition is larger in scale this year and has a new theme, Enlightenment.

For last year’s event, Sotheby’s partnered with jewelry writer, 2022 Gem Award winner, and curator Melanie Grant to highlight the skill, imagination, and craftsmanship of Black jewelry designers from the 1950s to the present.
The second edition of the exhibition will open at Sotheby’s London gallery later this month, coinciding with Black History Month in the U.K.
The auction house again has partnered with Grant for “Brilliant & Black: The Age of Enlightenment,” which is set to be even bigger than last year’s New York show, offering more than 70 pieces from 25 contemporary designers.
The returning designers from last year’s exhibition are: Melanie Eddy, Lola Fenhirst, Harwell Godfrey, Sheryl Jones, Vania Leles, Angie Marei, Satta Matturi, Johnny Nelson, Jariet Oloye-Oduto, Jacqueline Rabun, Catherine Sarr, Maggi Simpkins, Karen Smith, Ten Thousand Things, Lorraine West, Thelma West and Castro NYC.
The man behind Castro NYC, Terry Castro, died unexpectedly in July, shocking the industry and leaving many mourning the death of a talented artist whose star was on the rise.
His work is being exhibited courtesy of his family.
New to the exhibition this year are eight designers: Disa Allsopp, Latoya Boyd, Shola Branson, Ndidi Eubia, Gina Love, Pascale Marthine Tayou via Elisabetta Cipriani gallery, Roxanne Rajcommar-Hadden, and Sewit Sium.
Sotheby’s said all the participating artists have created one new piece that is a nod to the exhibition’s theme, Enlightenment, a period Grant described as, “a time of growth, individualism and intellectual reason.”
In a release from Sotheby’s about the exhibition, she elaborated.
“So much of history repeats itself, and for me this second exhibition is about our expansion from that moment of conception in New York last September. In practical terms, this has involved inviting eight new artists to take part, bringing our roster to 25. As we forge ahead, having showcased the talents of old masters Art Smith and Winifred Mason last time, only contemporary artists will now be featured because this show is about the future and where we go from here.
“The tsunami of interest we experienced in Black creativity may be quieter now, but we cannot forget its lessons. There are fears that as things return to normal, our efforts to elevate Black design will be eclipsed by more recent events, but the work is too good and, once seen, never forgotten … We are in a period of enlightenment. A modern enlightenment exploring the depth and breadth of our talent today for all those who don’t have a voice or opportunity to do so themselves.
“I want to thank all the collectors who continue to support us and to Sotheby’s, to whom I am eternally grateful. The best is yet to come.”
All the jewels will be on display at the Sotheby’s New Bond Street Galleries from Sept. 22 to Oct. 2. A smaller selection of pieces will remain available for viewing through the end of October.
They all will be available for purchase in person or online through the Buy Now marketplace at Sothebys.com.
The Latest

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.


The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.

Hollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.

The New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Making its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.























