WatchesSep 11, 2024
These Are the Watches Women Want, Says Chrono24Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.
SourcingJun 12, 2020
De Beers Backs Calls to Take Down Founder’s Statue in UK
Hundreds of protestors are demanding Oxford’s Oriel College remove the statue of Cecil Rhodes.
Oxford, U.K.—Protestors have taken to the streets in the U.K. to demand the University of Oxford’s Oriel College tear down a statue of De Beers founder Cecil Rhodes, and De Beers supports them.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler Friday, the company said: “Symbols matter, and we will not achieve equality, social justice and healing unless those bearing symbols of inequality, injustice and pain take them down.
“Cecil Rhodes was one of our founders in 1888. We reject what he stood for, and while we can’t rewrite that history, we can bear the responsibility of history to build a better legacy.”
The company said Rhodes “would not recognize the De Beers of today, and we’re very proud of that.”
“The men and women of De Beers, the majority of whom are citizen-owners of the company across southern Africa, have worked for decades to build a positive legacy that has tangible and lasting benefits for the communities in which we live and work.”
The move to remove Rhodes comes as protests ignite around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and following the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.
In the U.K., the movement has “reignited a debate about monuments glorifying Britain’s imperialist past,” Reuters reported.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler Friday, the company said: “Symbols matter, and we will not achieve equality, social justice and healing unless those bearing symbols of inequality, injustice and pain take them down.
“Cecil Rhodes was one of our founders in 1888. We reject what he stood for, and while we can’t rewrite that history, we can bear the responsibility of history to build a better legacy.”
The company said Rhodes “would not recognize the De Beers of today, and we’re very proud of that.”
“The men and women of De Beers, the majority of whom are citizen-owners of the company across southern Africa, have worked for decades to build a positive legacy that has tangible and lasting benefits for the communities in which we live and work.”
The move to remove Rhodes comes as protests ignite around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and following the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.
In the U.K., the movement has “reignited a debate about monuments glorifying Britain’s imperialist past,” Reuters reported.
Embed from Getty Images
Rhodes, an English businessman, was a central figure in British imperialism at the end of the 1800s, encouraging the empire to take control of vast areas of southern Africa.
Rhodes attended Oriel College, where his statue is currently located, in the 1870s. After his death in 1902, he left Oxford money and endowed the sought-after scholarships that still bear his name.
This isn’t the first time protestors have called for Oriel to remove the Rhodes statue.
The current movement is part of a campaign called “Rhodes Must Fall,” started in 2015 in South Africa—resulting in the removal of a statue at the University of Cape Town—and then adopted in Oxford by those who say he represents white supremacy and that his views don’t align with the university’s inclusive culture.
Oriel College refused to take down the statue then.
In a June 9 statement addressing the recent protests, the school said it believes in the message of Black Lives Matter and supports the right to peaceful protest, but told the BBC it has not changed its stance on the statue.
Rhodes attended Oriel College, where his statue is currently located, in the 1870s. After his death in 1902, he left Oxford money and endowed the sought-after scholarships that still bear his name.
This isn’t the first time protestors have called for Oriel to remove the Rhodes statue.
The current movement is part of a campaign called “Rhodes Must Fall,” started in 2015 in South Africa—resulting in the removal of a statue at the University of Cape Town—and then adopted in Oxford by those who say he represents white supremacy and that his views don’t align with the university’s inclusive culture.
Oriel College refused to take down the statue then.
In a June 9 statement addressing the recent protests, the school said it believes in the message of Black Lives Matter and supports the right to peaceful protest, but told the BBC it has not changed its stance on the statue.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“The power of education is a catalyst for equality and inclusiveness. We understand that we are, and we want to be, a part of the public conversation about the relationship between the study of history, public commemoration, social justice, and educational equality. As a college, we continue to debate and discuss the issues raised by the presence on our site of examples of contested heritage relating to Cecil Rhodes.”
Some public figures have spoken out against the removal of such monuments, arguing they reflect history and should be used to start discussions.
But demonstrators argue that the statue of Rhodes shouldn’t have a place of pride on the façade of Oriel College, overlooking the town’s main drag.
According to a CNN report, on Tuesday protestors took a knee, put their fists in the air and observed a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, representing the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck, ultimately killing the 46-year-old father.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than 164,000 people had signed a petition on Change.org to have the statue taken down.
Some public figures have spoken out against the removal of such monuments, arguing they reflect history and should be used to start discussions.
But demonstrators argue that the statue of Rhodes shouldn’t have a place of pride on the façade of Oriel College, overlooking the town’s main drag.
According to a CNN report, on Tuesday protestors took a knee, put their fists in the air and observed a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, representing the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck, ultimately killing the 46-year-old father.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than 164,000 people had signed a petition on Change.org to have the statue taken down.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsSep 11, 2024
Take a Sip of Marrow Fine x Adalina’s $13K MartiniThe smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2024
Lab-Grown, Natural Diamonds to Be Focus of AGS Confluence Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.
Brought to you by
How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
MajorsSep 11, 2024
Brilliant Earth Expands International E-CommerceCustomers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.
Weekly QuizSep 05, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2024
Gems Keep Giving Reorganizes, Taps Hayley Henning as Board ChairThe organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).
IndependentsSep 10, 2024
Industry Technology Visionary Jeff High Dies at 60The Gemvision founder is remembered as a passionate mentor with a deep love for God.
Brought to you by
Watch: Natural Diamonds: A Great (but Often Untold) Geology StorySupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
CollectionsSep 10, 2024
Foundrae’s Latest Collection Harnesses the Glow of the Golden HourThe “Golden Hour” collection was designed to “inspire and encourage reflection,” said the brand.
MajorsSep 10, 2024
Ludacris, Jessica Alba Star in New Movado CampaignMovado has named five new brand ambassadors, featuring them in its new “When I Move You Move” campaign.
TrendsSep 10, 2024
Carol Woolton To Release New BookThe jewelry historian discusses the history and cultural significance of jewelry throughout time and across the globe.
AuctionsSep 09, 2024
US Senator Dianne Feinstein's Jewels Going to AuctionBonhams will offer more than 70 pieces of the late dignitary’s jewelry next month.
CollectionsSep 09, 2024
Hearts On Fire Debuts New Campaign, DesignsThe “Love, Unleashed” campaign is an ode to love, featuring 16 new designs from Hearts On Fire’s “Vela” collection.
CollectionsSep 06, 2024
The ‘Fabergé x Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Collection is Scary ChicIt’s showtime for these jewels, inspired by the motifs and color palette of the new Tim Burton film.
FinancialsSep 06, 2024
Movado Lowers Guidance as Q2 Sales SlipCEO Efraim Grinberg pointed to a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly in the watch category.
CollectionsSep 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lizzie Mandler’s ‘Liquid Gold’ HoopsInspired by a 19th century sculpture, Mandler transformed gold into liquid for these earrings.
CollectionsSep 05, 2024
Bella Hadid Is Chopard’s New Brand AmbassadorThe model and entrepreneur stars in two new Chopard campaigns.
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Nordstrom Family Offers to Buy Namesake Retailer for $3.8BMembers of the founding family partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to possibly take Nordstrom private.
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates Elsa Peretti’s Bone CuffThe iconic design has joined a lineup of notable pieces featured in the jeweler’s “With Love, Since 1837” campaign.
MajorsSep 05, 2024
Former Chopard, Frederique Constant Executive Tapped to Head CadarRalph Simons is now CEO of the jewelry brand started by fashion designer Michal Kadar and her husband, Avraham Kadar, in 2015.
ColumnistsSep 04, 2024
Creative Connecting: Why ‘Experience Content’ Matters Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen say it’s all about giving your social media feeds a human touch.
TrendsSep 04, 2024
Taylor Hill, Soo Joo Park Star in New Messika CampaignThe models and friends of founder and artistic designer Valérie Messika showcase the brand’s jewelry in the “Back to Icons” campaign.
MajorsSep 04, 2024
Bloomingdale’s to Highlight Italian Jewelry in New Campaign“From Italy, With Love” will showcase Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, and other Italian brands.
CollectionsSep 03, 2024
Zales, Prince Debut US Open-Inspired CollectionThe jewelry retailer will also have a diamond-set tennis racket on display at the tournament.
IndependentsSep 03, 2024
Ylang 23 Relocates, Expands Dallas FlagshipThe retailer has moved into a 3,200-square-foot space at The Shops of Highland Park.
TrendsSep 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Sapphires for SeptemberThe month’s birthstone is vibrant in every color.
WatchesAug 30, 2024
Breitling Marks 140 Years With Special Editions of 3 Classic WatchesThe special editions of the Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat are equipped with a new perpetual calendar movement from the brand.
