Kicking off our Pride Month series for 2025, this Q+A is with BAJ student Reem Grwan (she/her), exploring life at BAJ, being an LGBTQ+ artist, and advice for fellow creatives!

Can you please tell us about your journey as a creative/Jeweller so far?

My journey as a creative goes way back than my journey as a jeweller, in other words instead of dwelling on my creative past I would like to now talk about my baby jewellery journey. I have not been a jeweller for a long time but every moment of it has been a confirmation that it is the field I for a long time belonged to. To create something so delicate yet durable is a beautiful feeling as the creator of the piece. Something about jewellery is so poetic that when a piece is revisited, it automatically beautifies itself in a manner beyond words.

Do you find the jewellery industry to be a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ artists?

Traditionally I must say no, in fact this is an industry that has historically speaking only just about welcomed women let alone more diverse individuals. Saying that though, I believe BAJ has done a great job at welcoming people of all kinds and granting them equal rights and safety and access to safeguarding.

Where do you draw inspiration from? Do you think your identity informs your art?

Personally, if my art does not reflect my being in some way or another -I’m going to be dramatic about it- it would have deeply offended me. My art is me diluted, whether it is a ring or a poem or a dish I so carefully prepared and plated, it is the experience and the artistic process, and so if the final piece is not a reflection of me, then was it even me who created it?

Who are your favourite LGBTQ+ artists? 

Jessica Flinn, an ally with an ethos of ‘your inclusivity matters’.

If you had to describe your jewellery style in three words, what would those three words be?

Authentic

Abstract 

Geometrical

Do you have a favourite piece that you’ve made? If so, what makes it your favourite?

The Hoopoe stacking ring because the meaning behind it means the most. The Hoopoe bird is a bird that is going extinct, it is the guide to life (water) within the animal kingdom. Other than how great and important this bird is, the main and actual inspiration is that it is the meaning of my mother’s name. In Arabi,c the name ‘Wihad’ is an exact referral to this bird and its greatness and I wanted to create something that points out each feature of the bird. The sharp beak, pretty plumage and defined wings. Each feature has its own meaning too like the beak signifies overcoming challenges and the plumage is spiritual ascension and finally the wing transcends limitations. These are all parts I see in my mother and the piece is solely made as a tiny gesture of love.

What has been your favourite thing about the Level 3 Jewellery Design and Manufacturing diploma course at BAJ?

Making the box and soldering was one of my favourite projects because, as much as it was a difficult project,t it was in my opinion an all-round project from measurements to forming to soldering and the polishing.

Is there a particular technique or skill that you’re most drawn to?

Ring making and CAD. I love how intricate the computer-aided design is and how it opened up to more geometrical designs and a revolution in hollow jewellery.

Rings to me are a little oath or omen that has been taken as an important physical totum. Something that can be so sacred and so emotionally charged that it has the power of existing every single day looped around someone’s even pinky finger.

What would your advice be to someone considering coming to the British Academy of Jewellery?

Make the most out of every moment spent at BAJ. Don’t go so hard on yourself, creativity flows within fluidity.

Do you have any specific advice for LGBTQ+ creatives?

Nothing in particular, but the same as I always would say – you’re safe, so make the most of every moment.

Find out more about Reem here, learn more about our Level 3 Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma here, and view our previous Pride Month features here.