Black in Jewelry Coalition Launches ‘Together by Design’ Contest

New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition is hosting “Together by Design,” a contest celebrating 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.