Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
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.
“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
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.
