Trends

Designers, Industry Members Create FIT Jewelry Design Endowment for Black Students

TrendsJun 12, 2020

Designers, Industry Members Create FIT Jewelry Design Endowment for Black Students

With an initial $50,000 endowment, it’s named for Art Smith, the leading midcentury black jewelry designer.

20200612_ArtSmith.jpg
A combination of 50 jewelry designers, stores, and publicity and sales firms have partnered with FIT to provide scholarships for black students.
New York—Nationwide protests around inequality for black Americans sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody have inspired one group of jewelry industry members to take action in their own industry.

Spearheaded by jewelry sales and public relations firm For Future Reference and designer Brent Neale, a group of 50 brands have partnered with New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology on the Art Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

The endowment will create scholarships and mentorship opportunities for black students in the university’s esteemed jewelry design program.

The 50 companies involved so far have contibuted an initial $50,000. The endowment is accepting additional donations and will continue to do so in the future to provide ongoing support to black students.

The fund is named for Arthur “Art” Smith, one of jewelry’s most important midcentury modern designers.

Born to Jamaican parents in Cuba in 1917, Smith moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1920 and was one of only a few black students in his class at Cooper Union, where he studied sculpture.

He went on to work under black jewelry designer Winifred Mason, who served as a mentor, before opening his own downtown shop and studio.

During Smith’s career, he was featured in publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and was commissioned to design pieces for the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt.

He gathered in circles of New York’s most important black artists of the time, from various creative pursuits, like author James Baldwin, dancer and choreographer Tally Beatty, singer Lena Horne and painter Charles Sebree.

His work was the feature of several museum and gallery exhibitions, both during his lifetime and after his death in 1982.

Contributions to the endowment may be sent by check or wire. Contact Randi Molofsky for information on how to donate at randi@forfuturereference.com. 


The brands and companies that contributed the founding $50,000 endowment are: Alex Sepkus, Andrea Fohrman, Andy Lif, Anita Ko, Anna Sheffield, Brent Neale, Briony Raymond, Buddha Mama, Cathy Waterman, Dana Rebecca Designs, Danielle Gadi PR + CNW Group, EF Collection, Emily P. Wheeler, Eriness, ETC…, For Future Reference, Harwell Godfrey, IHPR, Jacquie Aiche, Jamie Wolf, Jemma Wynne, Jennie Kwon, JewelsByMoksh, June Simmons Jewelry, Lauren K, Lizzie Mandler, M. Spalten Jewelry, Margo Siegel PR, Marissa Collections, Marla Aaron, Marlo Laz, Mateo, Maya Brenner, Melissa Kaye, Michelle Orman, Muse, Nak Armstrong, Nancy Newberg, Pamela Huizenga, Prounis, Retrouvai, Sarah Hendler, Sidney Garber, Sorellina, Spinelli Kilcollin, Stacked x Reservoir, Stephanie Gottlieb, Twist, Walters Faith and Zoe Chicco.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Lab-grown diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining Sales

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

Zoë Kravitz in Rush Hour Collection
CollectionsMar 19, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s New Collection Elevates Office Wear

The “Rush Hour” campaign stars Zoë Kravitz in bold, wearable pieces designed to make a statement in the workplace.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy