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
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
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.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
