MajorsJan 30, 2024
6 Retailers Chosen for New JA, BIJC Business Program Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2024
First Responders Win BIJC’s Second ‘Together by Design’ Contest
The couple won a bespoke engagement ring set with a 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond and designed by Michael Hogan.
First responders Nana, left, and Jennifer won the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s second “Together by Design” contest. As the winners, they received a bespoke yellow diamond engagement ring created by designer Michael Hogan.
New York—It’s a story perfect to share ahead of Feb. 14.
A pair of first responders who met during training and later reconnected are the winners of the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s (BJIC) second “Together by Design” contest and competition.
The future groom, Nana, was the one who entered the “Love Story” portion of the contest, sharing details of how he met his now-fiancée, Jennifer, while the two were attending an EMS training academy.
They initially were just friends but after graduation, they reconnected and became more.
Phase two of Together by Design challenged jewelry designers to sketch a bespoke ring based on the couple’s love story as well as the dates, symbols, and landmarks Nana listed as being special to the pair.
Michael Hogan, of Michael Hogan Jewelry, won the competition and, with Nana’s input, refined his sketch to create a one-of-a-kind platinum ring centered on a Gemological Institute of America-graded 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond.
A pair of first responders who met during training and later reconnected are the winners of the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s (BJIC) second “Together by Design” contest and competition.
The future groom, Nana, was the one who entered the “Love Story” portion of the contest, sharing details of how he met his now-fiancée, Jennifer, while the two were attending an EMS training academy.
They initially were just friends but after graduation, they reconnected and became more.
Phase two of Together by Design challenged jewelry designers to sketch a bespoke ring based on the couple’s love story as well as the dates, symbols, and landmarks Nana listed as being special to the pair.
Michael Hogan, of Michael Hogan Jewelry, won the competition and, with Nana’s input, refined his sketch to create a one-of-a-kind platinum ring centered on a Gemological Institute of America-graded 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond.
The engagement ring designer Michael Hogan crafted for the winning “Together by Design” couple, Nana and Jennifer, incorporated personal elements, like the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island and three sapphires symbolic of the couple’s shared faith in God.
The ring on Jennifer’s hand after she said “yes” to Nana
“The creation of this ring draws profound inspiration from the couple’s narrative, weaving in the significance of their special place at Coney Island, [with] the Roman numeral date they value discreetly placed at its base, [three] sapphire gemstones representing their spiritual journey, and the Ferris wheel delicately etched on its inner circumference,” Hogan said.
“Each element holds deep personal meaning meticulously intertwined within the design. That’s why I call it ‘Elements of Love;’ it encapsulates these cherished symbols that resonate intimately with their story and emotions.”
Nungu Diamonds donated the yellow diamond, while Platinum Guild International USA donated the metal used to create the ring.
While Nana and Jennifer went home with a bespoke engagement ring, the winning designer’s prize package included $5,000 cash, various scholarships for continuing jewelry education, and one-year memberships to BIJC, Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Launched in 2021, Together by Design was conceived by BIJC to spotlight Black love and award an emerging Black jewelry designer.
Nellie Barnett, GIA’s manager of corporate communications, led the Together by Design committee.
She was assisted by Adrianne Sanogo, G.G.; Amanda Gizzi, director of PR and events at JA; JA Chief Financial Officer Annie Doresca; Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, director of membership and marketing at JVC; Grace Barretti, senior marketing manager at Greenwich St. Jewelers; GIA Vice President of Human Resources Lisa Jones; Rebecca Moskal, PGI’s vice president of marketing; and Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler.
All the Together By Design judges are BIJC members.
Love Story contest judges included Graff and Jones along with jewelry editor and writer Tanya Dukes, and Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101.
Sanogo, Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry, Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, and Christian Bolling of Christian Stoné judged the jewelry design portion of the competition.
For more about the BIJC, visit the organization’s website.
To see a video of Nana’s proposal, check out BIJC’s YouTube channel.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
