C1v1l Jewelry, founded by Blakely Thornton, is a minority-owned jewelry company and investment fund that supports minority-owned businesses. With The Civil Fund, the jewelry brand is on a mission to reinvest 20% of its profits in businesses owned by women and minorities.
The direct-to-consumer brand debuted its first pieces with a "mini drop" of 500 pieces in the fall, and consumers can look forward to regular drops from the brand each quarter. Some of the pieces that are currently available from C1v1l Jewelry include minimalist slip-on cuffs for men made with precious metals and mesh link necklaces that are easy to layer with other pieces.
The new face of the disruptive jewelry brand is Slick Woods, who Thornton describes as "the celebrity’s celebrity."
Minority-Owned Jewelry Lines
C1v1l Jewelry Reinvests in Underrepresented Founders
Trend Themes
1. Minority-owned Investment Funds - Opportunity to create more investment funds that support minority-owned businesses in various industries, especially those that are traditionally underrepresented.
2. Direct-to-consumer Jewelry Brands - Disruptive innovation potential for online-only jewelry brands that cater to diverse audiences and promote values of inclusivity and social responsibility.
3. Minimalist and Layerable Jewelry - A growing trend in the jewelry industry is the demand for simple and versatile pieces that can be worn alone or stacked/layered to create a personalized look.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to partner with minority-owned jewelry lines and leverage their social impact mission to attract socially conscious consumers.
2. Investment - Opportunity for investment firms to focus on investing in businesses owned by women and minorities, as well as launching funds that specifically target underrepresented industries and communities.
3. E-commerce - Disruptive innovation potential for online retailers that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their product offerings and marketing strategies, particularly in the jewelry and fashion categories.