MajorsSep 10, 2021
Tiffany Partners with Beyoncé, Jay-Z on ScholarshipsMajorsOct 08, 2021
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.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
