Events & AwardsJul 11, 2022
BIJC’s First Design Competition Ends With a Brooklyn Bridge Proposal MajorsApr 27, 2023
BIJC Seeks Love Stories in Second Annual “Together by Design” Contest
Couples are invited to share their story for a chance to win a custom yellow diamond engagement ring.
Applicants can submit their love story on the BIJC website by June 9 for the opportunity to win a custom engagement ring and proposal photoshoot.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is hosting its second annual “Together by Design” contest, inviting couples to submit their love story for a chance to win a custom yellow diamond engagement ring. Applications are open now until June 9.
Couples, or one partner, can upload their story on the BIJC website. Applicants must be residing in the United States and not already married or engaged.
Submissions will be judged by a panel of experienced jewelry professionals. A winner will be notified by June 30.
The prize platinum ring will feature a cushion-cut 1.44-carat VVS1 fancy yellow diamond, valued at a minimum of $15,000 USD.
Kealeboga Pule, owner of Nungu Diamonds in South Africa, donated the yellow diamond. The materials to create the engagement ring are donated by Platinum Guild International USA, Anza Gems and B&B Fine Gems.
The love story contest judges are Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler; Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101; Eric Ford, buyer of precious jewelry at Neiman Marcus; Tanya Dukes, jewelry writer; and Lisa Garris, vice president of human resources at GIA.
Related stories will be right here …
Couples, or one partner, can upload their story on the BIJC website. Applicants must be residing in the United States and not already married or engaged.
Submissions will be judged by a panel of experienced jewelry professionals. A winner will be notified by June 30.
The prize platinum ring will feature a cushion-cut 1.44-carat VVS1 fancy yellow diamond, valued at a minimum of $15,000 USD.
Kealeboga Pule, owner of Nungu Diamonds in South Africa, donated the yellow diamond. The materials to create the engagement ring are donated by Platinum Guild International USA, Anza Gems and B&B Fine Gems.
The love story contest judges are Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler; Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101; Eric Ford, buyer of precious jewelry at Neiman Marcus; Tanya Dukes, jewelry writer; and Lisa Garris, vice president of human resources at GIA.
After the winning love story is selected, “Together by Design” will open the second phase of the contest, where jewelry designers will submit ring ideas inspired by the winning couple’s story. A separate panel will judge this portion of the contest, and the winning design will be brought to life and gifted to the couple.
The “Together by Design” contest demonstrates the incredible connection that a love story can have on an engagement ring,” says BIJC President Annie Doresca. “Through both phases of the love story contest and jewelry design competition, our intent is to increase representation in the bridal sector and promote emerging designers, all while celebrating love.”
The winning couple will also receive a free proposal photoshoot.
The design portion of the contest prize package sponsors are the Gemological Institute of America, GRS, Jewelers of America, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The nonprofit, dedicated to the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry and watch industry, originally launched the program in October 2021.
It concluded with love story winner Brooklyn-native Rom proposing to his girlfriend, Samantha in view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the site of their first kiss.
New York couple Rom and Samantha won the love story portion of the inaugural “Together by Design” contest last year, receiving a custom engagement ring designed by Patricia Carruth of Michigan’s Your Personal Jeweler.
The ring was a 14-karat three-stone diamond ring that featured a 1.31 center stone and a tiny, intricate replica of the bridge to represent the past, present and future of the couple’s love.
It was designed by winning designer Patricia Carruth of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, Michigan.
The center stone was donated by Leo Schachter, and the gold and accent diamonds were both donated by Rio Grande.
"Brooklyn is where my heart is! When I look at my ring, I am reminded of our love story and my home. It's the most perfect ring! The diamonds are brilliant with excellent clarity just like my love for Rom and the future I see for us,” said Samantha. “We have grown a lot as individuals and as a couple the past five years. Every time I look at my ring, I feel like my heart grows more and more in love and in gratitude.”
For more information and full rules about entering the 2023 contest, visit BIJC's website.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect applicants cannot be engaged or married. The original version of this story stated contest applicants could be engaged.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design AtelierDiscover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las VegasThe “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship RecipientMeredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%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.
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand AmbassadorThe actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade ReportsThe company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat RubyThe 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.
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein DiamondsThe diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
