Events & Awards

BIJC’s First Design Competition Ends With a Brooklyn Bridge Proposal

Events & AwardsJul 11, 2022

BIJC’s First Design Competition Ends With a Brooklyn Bridge Proposal

The winning couple exchanged a 14-karat gold three-stone ring created by Michigan-based designer Patricia Carruth.

Rom popped the question to Samantha at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
View Slideshow
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition’s inaugural Together by Design competition ended in late spring with a proposal near a famous New York landmark.

Together by Design is a two-part competition BIJC created to celebrate Black love, elevate an up-and-coming Black jewelry designer, and increase representation within the jewelry and bridal industries. 

It launched in October 2021 with a call for couples to share their love stories for the chance to win a custom-designed natural diamond engagement ring.

After a committee of five judges picked the couple with the most compelling love story—a Brooklyn, New York man named Rom who wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Samantha—the call went out for designers to submit ring sketches based on elements of the couple’s love story, like where they had their first kiss.

A separate panel of four judges presided over the design portion of the competition, announcing Patricia Carruth of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, Michigan as the winner in March.

Over the next couple months, Carruth worked with Rom to create the perfect ring for the proposal, a 14-karat three-stone diamond ring representing the couple’s past, present and future.

Worked into the bridge of the ring is a tiny, intricate replica of the Brooklyn Bridge, a landmark that holds special meaning for the couple.

“Samantha and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn—Flatbush,” Rom explained. “We had our first kiss under the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge being incorporated within the ring serves as a constant reminder of our roots and the beginning of our love.”

It’s also where Rom popped the question, surprising Samantha at what she thought was a celebration for her graduation.

Watch: How ‘Together by Design’ Came Together 
The ring’s center stone is a 1.31-carat round brilliant diamond, and it is flanked by a pair of radiant cuts. 

Leo Schachter donated the center diamond for Together by Design, while Rio Grande donated the gold and the side stones. 

All Together by Design judges are BIJC members. 

The Love Story contest judges were Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler; Elyssa Jenkins- Perez, director of membership and digital content at JVC and BIJC vice president; Amina Sorel, Amina Sorel Fine Jewelry; Guerdy Abraira, owner of Guerdy Design; and Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101. 
 
Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers; Ronke Nedd, founder and creative head at Rebecca Noff Designs Inc.; Sheryl Jones, Sheryl Jones Inc.; and Marla Aaron, Marla Aaron Jewelry judged the design portion of the competition.

The Latest

AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood Auction

The Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.

MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail Operations

Massimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.

AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’

Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.

Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail Environment

The watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.

Weekly QuizMar 23, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COO

Adam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.

WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a Look

The watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.

Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

SourcingMar 23, 2023
Burgundy Diamond Backing Out of Ellendale Mine Deal

Burgundy has opted not to exercise its option to buy the mining claims Gibb River Diamonds currently owns.

GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary Cuts

Patented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.

CollectionsMar 22, 2023
Messika’s 2023 Campaign Pairs New Jewelry With Vintage Cars

Kendall Jenner once again is fronting the French brand’s campaign, joined by model and dancer Alton Mason.

Events & AwardsMar 22, 2023
Hari Krishna Exports Hosts Gala Amid UN Water Conference

The CEOs of Signet, Helzberg, and GIA spoke on a water conservation panel, and had lakes named in their companies’ honor.

Policies & IssuesMar 22, 2023
See Kwiat’s Bracelet for World Water Day

Sales of the sleek sterling silver and diamond design will go to nonprofit organization charity: water.

AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for Auction

Expected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.

ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM

With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.

Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry Companies

Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson Retires

Johnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.

Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?

Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI

Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and Family

The industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.

CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA Says

At JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.

CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s Dream

It highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.

Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From Gems

Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.

Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant Recipients

Here’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.

TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready Earrings

The designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results

The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022

In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.

Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems

See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy