Black in Jewelry Coalition Launches ‘Together by Design’ Contest
It is the organization’s first contest and was created to celebrate Black love and jewelry design.

The two-part competition kicked off this week with a call for couples to share their love stories for a chance to win a custom engagement ring designed around a 1.31-carat diamond donated by Leo Schachter.
From now through Wednesday, Oct. 20, couples residing in the U.S.—including those who are already engaged—can visit the BIJC website to share how they met and what they believe makes their love story unique. (Couples who are already married are not eligible to enter.)
A panel of judges, all BIJC members, will decide on the most compelling love story.
The judges are: Guerdy Abraira, owner of Guerdy Design; Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101; Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler; Elyssa Jenkins-Perez, director of membership and digital content at Jewelers Vigilance Committee and vice president of BIJC; and Amina Sorel, Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry.
Once the winning couple is selected, the second phase of the competition will open, with jewelry designers invited to submit ring sketches based on the couple’s love story.
A separate panel of judges will choose the winning design, and the couple will then work with that designer to craft a one-of-a-kind ring that is a physical representation of their love story.
The designer will also receive:
— A $5,000 cash prize;
— Scholarship for one 2-hour GIA online Continuing Education Seminar;
— Scholarship for one basic tuition at GRS for engraving or stone setting;
— Scholarship for one basic tuition at the New Approach School in Tennessee;
— One year of Jewelers of America membership; and
— One year of JVC membership.
The judges for the design portion of the contest, also all BIJC members, are: Marla Aaron, Marla Aaron Jewelry; Jalnar Dhanani-Wade, owner and designer of The Benchmark Collection; Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers; Sheryl Jones, Sheryl Jones Inc.; and Ronke Nedd, founder and creative head at Rebecca Noff Designs Inc.
“The ‘Together By Design’ contest highlights, celebrates, and elevates Black jewelry designers and love,” BIJC President Annie Doresca said.
For full contest rules, visit the contest page on the BIJC website.
Launched in summer 2020 amid the social awakening over racial inequity, BIJC is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.
To learn more about the organization, visit BlackinJewelry.org.
The Latest

Sponsored by Italian Trade Agency

David Prager virtually sat down with Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff to answer questions about the rollout of Tracr at scale.

Jewelry and objects belonging to Bette Midler, heiress Hélène Irwin Crocker Fagan, and Lady Sylvia Ashley were among the highlights.

When it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.

The company opted not to raise its fiscal guidance, citing a slowdown in the U.S. market as a key reason.


From “old-school” eBay to new kid on the block 1stDibs, we asked jewelers about their experiences selling jewelry in non-traditional places.

She has nearly 30 years’ experience in the gem and jewelry industry and a background in nonprofit management.

Advanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.

Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator chooses the pieces she’d most want to see in person.

Owner Steve Delzio shares his thoughts on retirement after nearly five decades in the jewelry industry.

“I Fear for This Boy” takes readers through the ups and downs of his business and is available for pre-order now.

“Today’s Wedding Jewelry Consumer” shares data about engagement ring market size, lab-grown and natural diamonds, and more.

Columnist Lilian Raji wants to walk you through the customer journey. But first, she’d like you to answer a few questions.

Several Couture brands have partnered with Platinum Guild International ahead of the jewelry trade show.

The jewelry company is moving into bridal just a month after branching out into the watch world.

The 2008 economic crisis, COVID-19, and sanctions on Russian goods have set the stage for an interesting decade for natural diamond supply.
The Generating Community Impact fundraiser on June 11 will feature Karine Bah Tahé of Blue Level Training.

Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.

The family-owned jeweler is relocating its Braintree, Massachusetts, store to a new space.

He will step into the retailer’s newly created role of chief development officer.

GemIntro is meant to give a broad introduction to gems and gemology.

Three industry experts discuss “recycled” gold vs. mined, their challenges and benefits, and how jewelers can navigate the area.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati put on stellar performances.

The New York jeweler made this incredible, colorful Art Deco bracelet featuring tropical birds in 1927.

From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.

One analyst cited rising diamond prices and the sanctions on Alrosa as contributing factors.

The two have partnered on a capsule collection.