SourcingFeb 08, 2022
Rio Tinto Workplace Report Reveals ‘Deeply Disturbing’ CulturePolicies & IssuesFeb 10, 2022
Signet Executive to Lead Second BIJC IDEA Session
Chief Diversity Officer and Senior VP Reggie Johnson will head a panel discussion on bias and racism in retail settings on Feb. 16.
Reggie Johnson is chief diversity officer and senior vice president at Signet Jewelers. He will lead a panel discussion on racism in retail settings on Feb. 16.
New York—A high-ranking Signet executive will lead the second session in the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s new education program, slated to take place next week.
Reggie Johnson, Signet Jeweler’s chief diversity officer/senior vice president, will guide a panel discussion titled “Encounters with Bias and Racism.”
The discussion will feature four panelists sharing first-hand accounts of times they have been the victims of biased and racist behavior as both retail employees and retail customers, and how each encounter could have been avoided.
The panelists are: Kecia Caffie, president of Signet’s Banter by Piercing Pagoda; Karen Smith, metal artist and founder of We Wield the Hammer; Jeffery Bolling, owner and designer at Jeffery B. Jewelers; and Malyia McNaughton, designer and CEO of Made by Malyia Jewelry.
The session, which will take place on Zoom, is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Eastern.
Registration is available here.
In addition, the session will be recorded, and the replay will be available through July.
Related stories will be right here …
Reggie Johnson, Signet Jeweler’s chief diversity officer/senior vice president, will guide a panel discussion titled “Encounters with Bias and Racism.”
The discussion will feature four panelists sharing first-hand accounts of times they have been the victims of biased and racist behavior as both retail employees and retail customers, and how each encounter could have been avoided.
The panelists are: Kecia Caffie, president of Signet’s Banter by Piercing Pagoda; Karen Smith, metal artist and founder of We Wield the Hammer; Jeffery Bolling, owner and designer at Jeffery B. Jewelers; and Malyia McNaughton, designer and CEO of Made by Malyia Jewelry.
The session, which will take place on Zoom, is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Eastern.
Registration is available here.
In addition, the session will be recorded, and the replay will be available through July.
BIJC launched its training program, called I.D.E.A. (inclusion, diversity and equity for all), earlier this year.
Diversity and inclusion expert Risha Grant led the first session, “Get Rid of the BS,” on Jan. 19. In it, she talked about the importance of recognizing one’s own biases, confronting them, and being an ally.
The recording of Grant’s talk is available for replay now via the BIJC website and, as with Johnson’s session, will remain accessible through July.
BIJC is offering the Jewelry Industry I.D.E.A. Training Program in partnership with the following industry organizations: the American Gem Society, Buyers Intelligence Group, Ethical Metalsmiths, Jewelers Board of Trade, Jewelers of America, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, Responsible Jewellery Council, and the Women’s Jewelry Association.
BIJC formed in the summer of 2020 amid the racial reckoning that started in the United States and spread worldwide.
It is the first international nonprofit membership organization for the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement RingsFasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of TreesThe “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas EmissionsLate last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.
Weekly QuizFeb 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment ServiceThe secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's DayThe limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond DistrictOne of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ WatchThe brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond CollectionThe jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New CollectionThe collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to NashvilleThe trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ CharmFrom the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another WritedownThe moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2025
Registration Opens for Stuller’s Bench Jeweler WorkshopThe workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New OwnersTwo attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.
MajorsFeb 06, 2025
Oscar Heyman Employee Celebrates 60 Years With the Company Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
Hamilton Jewelers Revamps Palm Beach BoutiqueThe fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday SeasonIn its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in FebruaryCelebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.
