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

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.


Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.