Policies & IssuesNov 23, 2021
BIJC Has an I.D.E.A for Diversity Training in 2022 Events & AwardsMar 21, 2022
Michigan Designer Wins BIJC’s ‘Together by Design’ Competition
Patricia Carruth was chosen to craft the ring for the couple who won the love story portion of “Together by Design.”
Patricia Carruth, founder and co-owner of Your Personal Jeweler, is the winning designer in the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s “Together By Design” competition.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition just announced the winning designer in its “Together By Design” contest and competition.
The honor went to Patricia Carruth, founder and co-owner of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Launched late last year, “Together by Design” was established by BIJC to celebrate Black love and Black jewelry designers.
The two-part contest and competition started in October, asking U.S. 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.
A panel of judges comprised of BIJC members chose the most compelling love story from among the many entries.
The second part of “Together By Design” was open to jewelry designers, who submitted ring sketches inspired by the winning couple’s story. A separate panel of judges chose the designer who submitted the most compelling interpretation.
Judges of the design portion of the competition were: Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers; Ronke Nedd, founder and creative head at Rebecca Noff Designs Inc.; Sheryl Jones of Sheryl Jones Inc.; and Marla Aaron of Marla Aaron Jewelry.
The prospective fiancé then worked with the winning designer to create a one-of-a-kind ring.
“[This competition] entailed doing my favorite part of my business, creating a custom engagement ring based on a couple’s love story,” Carruth said in a press release. “I want them to feel like I’ve captured the essence of their love and translated it into a beautiful physical token for her to cherish.”
The ring’s center stone is a 1.31-carat, GIA-graded round diamond. While the exact design details are being kept under wraps until after the proposal, BIJC did reveal that the the 14-karat yellow gold ring has two radiant-cut accent diamonds.
“Carruth’s craftsmanship is seen in the details of the piece. It was designed with heirloom quality in mind,” said BIJC.
“At BIJC, we believe in ‘shining together’ and this competition did just that. It created a platform for a couple to share their love story and for Patricia to express her creativity to the max by bringing their story to life through her design,” said Annie Doresca, BIJC co-founder and president.
“What is most rewarding for BIJC is that throughout each area of this contest and competition, it showed representation of Black love and the talented Black designers in the jewelry industry.”
In addition to designing the ring, Carruth won:
— 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;
— A one-year membership in Jewelers of America; and
— A one-year membership in the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
“Having a community of industry professionals that looks like me means a lot. It’s something I don’t take for granted. When my grandfather entered the jewelry industry, he did not have a community like me,” said Carruth.
For more information about BIJC, visit the organization’s website.
Related stories will be right here …
The honor went to Patricia Carruth, founder and co-owner of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Launched late last year, “Together by Design” was established by BIJC to celebrate Black love and Black jewelry designers.
The two-part contest and competition started in October, asking U.S. 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.
A panel of judges comprised of BIJC members chose the most compelling love story from among the many entries.
The second part of “Together By Design” was open to jewelry designers, who submitted ring sketches inspired by the winning couple’s story. A separate panel of judges chose the designer who submitted the most compelling interpretation.
Judges of the design portion of the competition were: Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers; Ronke Nedd, founder and creative head at Rebecca Noff Designs Inc.; Sheryl Jones of Sheryl Jones Inc.; and Marla Aaron of Marla Aaron Jewelry.
The prospective fiancé then worked with the winning designer to create a one-of-a-kind ring.
“[This competition] entailed doing my favorite part of my business, creating a custom engagement ring based on a couple’s love story,” Carruth said in a press release. “I want them to feel like I’ve captured the essence of their love and translated it into a beautiful physical token for her to cherish.”
The ring’s center stone is a 1.31-carat, GIA-graded round diamond. While the exact design details are being kept under wraps until after the proposal, BIJC did reveal that the the 14-karat yellow gold ring has two radiant-cut accent diamonds.
“Carruth’s craftsmanship is seen in the details of the piece. It was designed with heirloom quality in mind,” said BIJC.
“At BIJC, we believe in ‘shining together’ and this competition did just that. It created a platform for a couple to share their love story and for Patricia to express her creativity to the max by bringing their story to life through her design,” said Annie Doresca, BIJC co-founder and president.
“What is most rewarding for BIJC is that throughout each area of this contest and competition, it showed representation of Black love and the talented Black designers in the jewelry industry.”
In addition to designing the ring, Carruth won:
— 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;
— A one-year membership in Jewelers of America; and
— A one-year membership in the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
“Having a community of industry professionals that looks like me means a lot. It’s something I don’t take for granted. When my grandfather entered the jewelry industry, he did not have a community like me,” said Carruth.
For more information about BIJC, visit the organization’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
