Black in Jewelry Coalition Collective to Debut at JCK
The BIJC Collective will showcase fine jewelry and loose gemstones from six Black-owned brands.
The booth will feature jewelry and loose gemstones from six Black-owned brands.
“The BIJC Collective provides opportunities for emerging and established Black designers to showcase their incredible talent at trade shows, events and retail stores,” said Annie Doresca, BIJC president.
“We started the BIJC Collective in 2022 at JCK Las Vegas and thanks to the JCK Industry Fund, we were able to make this happen two years in a row.”
BIJC was one of nine organizations chosen by the JCK Industry Fund Committee to receive one of its annual grants.
The fund supports the jewelry industry by awarding grants to organizations that can significantly improve the industry.
The brands exhibiting at the BIJC Collective booth at JCK are as follows.
Dorian Webb is the founder and designer behind her eponymous brand. She was a member of the inaugural group of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative (EDDI), a project by the Natural Diamond Council and designer Lorraine Schwartz aimed at creating a more equitable fine jewelry industry.
Based in Oakland, California, her jewels celebrate women and African American culture, and are crafted in sterling silver and 18-karat gold.
Webb was the first designer of the EDDI group to partner with Gemist, the De Beers-backed “try-before-you-buy” jewelry company.
Deinté Fine Jewelry by designer Ola Erogbogbo is also joining the collective, having recently expanded her line to the U.S.
Pronounced “dainty,” the collection is inspired by beauty and elegance, paired with craftsmanship and purposeful design, created to give beauty back to the world, according to the brand.
James Mack Fine Jewelry, owned and designed by James McCullar, is inspired by big city architecture, yachts, and luxury cars. The first-generation jeweler is known for his unique, stand-out diamond jewelry designs.
KuQala Diamonds, founded by retailer Jeffery Bolling of Jeffery B Jewelers in Denver and his son and fellow designer Christian Bolling, is a bespoke jewelry brand that features South African diamonds. The line is inspired by both the land and the people of the country.
Nungu Diamonds by designer Kealeboga Pat Pule is a bespoke diamond jewelry line with its own boutique in South Africa.
Simone I. Smith, founded by designer Simone Smith, is designed to evoke strength, integrity, and style. One of Smith’s most popular collaborations has been with R&B legend Mary J. Blige.
Smith’s latest men’s collection features her husband, brand ambassador and rapper LL Cool J, and celebrates the hip hop genre’s 50th anniversary.
The BIJC Collective will exhibit at Booth 10042.
For more information about BIJC, visit its website.
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