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.
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
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

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.


Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.