Golden Roots: Stories from Caribbean Jewellers

Through the lens of jewellery, 'Golden Roots' explores overlapping themes of immigration, tradition, and inter-generational experiences. This knowledge-sharing and networking event platforms five accomplished jewellers of Caribbean heritage and origin as they discuss the worlds past and present that inform their work today. A tapestry of Caribbean culture, history, artistry and skill, this celebratory event is an opportunity to seek inspiration for your own path, ask practical questions and connect with other members of the jewellery industry in our multicultural capital city.

The evening will centre on an inspiring panel discussion, an interactive Q&A session and a drinks reception; your chance to mingle, form meaningful connections and enjoy the flavour of Caribbean-owned cocktail bar, Buster Mantis.

To Jewellery Collective members: Please contact us on hello@thejewellerycollective.com for access to your 50% ticket discount. Thank you!

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The Panel

Kassandra Gordon (moderator)
Kassandra is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and fine jeweller who through a journey of self-discovery found inspiration to channel the experience, texture, and voice of herself and her community into her craft. She is the first jeweller of residence at Kensington Palace. For Kassandra, her work has become more than creating bold and unapologetic pieces; her story lives in what she creates, which is often inspired by the legacy of British-Jamaican culture and the juxtaposition of European and West-Indian tradition.

As an artist working across visual arts, film, jewellery liveness and audio, Kassandra has curated an impressive portfolio, featuring in Vogue, The Financial Times and Oprah.

Mairi Millar 
Mairi is a Caribbean artist based in London. Born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, her work explores the beauty of nature’s discarded and “collaborating with chance,” creating works from found natural objects. Primarily through the language of jewellery, these forgotten or finished objects are elevated to the state of a relic. Mairi Millar is an alum of The Rhode Island School of Design (2018) and The Royal College of Art (2021). She was awarded a residency (2021-22) at the Sarabande Foundation established by Lee Alexander McQueen.

Kareece Peters
Kareece is a British jewellery designer-maker of Jamaican and Dominican descent, based in East London. She aims to bring the world a portfolio of innovative and sustainable jewellery collections that anticipate and satisfy people’s desires, contribute to people’s self expression and inspire moments of joy. She creates jewellery in her studio using recycled precious metals and gemstones.

Her approach to design is an experimental and playful one. As a result, she’s been known to create jewellery that allows the wearer to play with it. Movement, sound and tactility are key elements in her creative process, hence the use of mixed mediums in some collections. Colour also plays an important role in Kareece’s jewellery, with her use of colour varying from subtle to bold and vibrant.

Darren Sherwood
Darren Sherwood’s journey in the world of jewellery began in the vibrant landscapes of Trinidad before he returned to the UK to pursue his passion for design. He honed his craft at Central Saint Martins and the Kent Institute of Art & Design, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Jewellery, Goldsmithing, and Silversmithing. His career took flight in London’s prestigious Mayfair, where he learned the art of diamond mounting from a former Cartier craftsman. This invaluable experience led him to work as a diamond mounter and CAD designer for renowned brands including Graff Diamonds, Garrard, and Stephen Webster. Over nearly two decades, Darren has collaborated with some of the most celebrated names in the industry, including Fabergé, Cartier, Boodles, Mikimoto, Asprey, and Phillips Auctioneers, establishing himself as a highly respected figure in diamond mounting and 3D CAD design. In 2016, Darren embarked on a new chapter by launching his own brands: Sherwood Jewellery, a brick-and-mortar shop located in Purley, and Mr Sherwood, a bespoke brand showcased at prestigious events such as Goldsmiths Fair, Goldsmiths North, and Acquire in Harrogate. Darren’s expertise has been recognised through his designation as a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Jewellers, as well as a Freeman of both The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the City of London. He is also a prominent speaker and workshop leader for the Jewellery Valuers Association, a judge for the National Association of Jewellers, and an active committee member of The Goldsmiths' Centre

Melanie Eddy:
A renowned sculptural jeweller, with pieces held in public and private collections, Melanie Eddy was born and raised in Bermuda. She has a workshop based in the Goldsmiths' Centre in London. She is a Director of The Association for Contemporary Jewellery, a Maker Trustee for the Crafts Council, alongside other board appointments and serves in an advisory capacity for a number of industry organisations both in the UK and abroad.