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Jewelry Kills

Personal Connection


"Gold all in my chain, gold all in my ring. Gold all in my watch. Don't believe me, just watch." - Trinidad James

Hip-hop culture has grown considerably-an artistic style born out self expression and creativity. Along with jewelry, gleaming in the sun, symbolizing identity and ambition. From thick and heavy chains to custom made golden grills. Jewelry is used to communicate success and defiance. During this era of fashion, accessories in Black pop culture showcased pride and confidence. Many artists like Lil Yachty or Pharrell Williams often make this bold jewelry a part of their look. Transforming big and bold jewelry to it being a fashion statement that has influenced many others.

Lil Yachty Pharrell Williams

Behind every diamond that dazzles and the gold that gleams when the sun hits it just right, there is a story of injustice and poverty. In many pieces of jewelry, people have used it to express not only themselves but where they've come from and the hardships they have gone through. Jewelry serves as an element that connects cultural, status, identity, and spirituality. For example, "Women often used beads or fabric scraps to create necklaces or bracelets that echoed African aesthetics, serving as a portable piece of home while living unimaginable hardships". During this time, Africans were enslaved and being taken away from their traditions, customs, and homelands to be subjugated to suppression caused by colonial systems. Not to mention, many Africans are still facing this suppresion and cruelty. In places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, children and adults mine for cobalt and gold under extremely dangerous conditions. Often facing harassment, sexual abuse, and lung cancer based on substances like radon.

While people suffer day after day, enduring injuries that require urgent attention, mining corporations continue to profit thousands of dollars on people lives and making a living off of other's demise. Furthermore, they leave this planet in worse shape than it already is, leaving behind destruction and a crumbling economy. Communities are being pushed out of their ancestral lands and promised jobs that barely match the labor they invest, offering wages insufficient for proper survival. These individuals have families, children to feed, yet they’re left with scraps after risking their lives, being surrounded by polluted waters and unusable land. However, this injustice can stop if consumers become aware of their actions and if mining companies have proper regulations that won't risk the livelihoods of adults and children.

Final Statement

Jewelry in Black culture has always been more about fashion-pride, defiance, and a voice. But how can we make that sustainable?

  • By using recycled metals, it skips the need for mining and reduces environmental harm and energy.
  • Buying second-hand/vintage jewelry provides that same iconic look without creating a demand for new materials. Not only that, but often thrift stores have incredible and unique pieces.
  • If you want the sparkle and shine of diamonds, look into lab grown diamonds. They do not involve child labor.
  • Support Black-owned jewelers that are eco-conscious.