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.
The Latest
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
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 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
