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.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
