Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
This New Group Aims To Support Black Jewelry Professionals
Led by a board comprised entirely of Black professionals, the Black in Jewelry Coalition is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and opportunity.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is an international nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals in the gem and jewelry industry.
“Black people work in and support the gem and jewelry industry, yet there is disparity in our access to resources and opportunities,” BIJC President and co-founder Annie Doresca said. “Black in Jewelry Coalition was formed to break this cycle.”
“We have a shared experience of what it’s like to be Black in the jewelry industry and because of that, we can identify roadblocks—some we have personally faced—and create solutions, but most importantly, access,” Doresca said.
“I feel it is my duty to be part of this change, and I appreciate all the efforts and support by the jewelry industry to work toward this goal.”
The new nonprofit is launching strategic initiatives to help professionals in every facet of the jewelry industry.
For example, jewelry designers can look forward to a consumer-facing directory of Black jewelry designers and Black-owned jewelry design companies, as well as access to funding and resources for developing relationships with major distributors, manufacturers, miners and gem dealers.
Students will have access to exclusive scholarships and internships.
In addition, BIJC will develop programming and resources focused on establishing diversity in the hiring process—including senior leadership development—and closing the pay gap in the jewelry industry for those in the BIPOC community.
“The jewelry industry has been slowly awakening to realize that it has not been a hospitable environment for people of color, especially Black people,” said BIJC Vice President and co-founder Elyssa Jenkins.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition is needed now more than ever for all Black professionals in corporate, trade, jewelry design, mining, manufacturing and more—even Black consumers. Many of us have been working for quite some time toward these initiatives, both with and without our allies, so that there will be true change that stands the test of time.”
The Black in Jewelry Coalition board members are as follows.
— Annie Doresca, BIJC president; chief financial officer at Jewelers of America
— Elyssa Jenkins, BIJC vice president; director of membership and digital content at Jewelers Vigilance Committee
— Malyia McNaughton, BIJC treasurer; owner of Made By Malyia
— Lisa Garris, BIJC secretary; human resources director, Lab & Research, North America at the Gemological Institute of America
— Adrianne Sanogo, BIJC chair of education; Graduate Gemologist
— Lisette Scott, BIJC events chair; owner of Jam + Rico
— Miya Owens, BIJC corporate outreach chair; associate counsel and director of mediation at Jewelers Vigilance Committee
— Nellie Barnett, BIJC communications chair; manager of media and public relations at the Gemological Institute of America
— Reginald Johnson, BIJC nominations chair; chief diversity officer and senior vice president NA Field Human Resources at Signet Jewelers
To learn more, become a member or donate, visit the Black in Jewelry Coalition website.
The Latest
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.