Events & AwardsOct 03, 2023
Gem Awards to Honor Susan Jacques Events & AwardsOct 04, 2023
BIJC to Honor Simone I. Smith at Upcoming ‘Rock the Jewels’
The award ceremony will recognize the designer and other nominees for their impact on the industry and commitment to BIJC’s mission.
Jewelry designer Simone I. Smith (at center) will receive the first BIJC “Rock the Jewels Award” at its inaugural event next month. Also pictured are some of the nominees in the other categories.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) will honor designer Simone I. Smith at its inaugural “Rock the Jewels” event.
Held on Nov. 16 as part of New York City Jewelry Week, the event will celebrate those who have made their mark on the industry and forwarded BIJC’s mission.
The celebration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of hip hop, will recognize how the music genre has influenced the gem and jewelry industry.
Smith will receive the first BIJC “Rock the Jewels Award” in honor of her “contributions to the jewelry industry, her outstanding resilience, philanthropic endeavors, and her unwavering support of the Black community,” said BIJC.
Smith, a 19-year cancer survivor, was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
Her journey inspired her to launch Simone I. Smith Jewelry in 2011.
Smith’s first design, a now-signature lollipop pendant dubbed “A Sweet Touch of Hope,” came about after her lollipop tattoo was altered during surgery.
She later designed a full collection with a focus on hoop earrings.
In 2018, Smith launched Sister Love, a partnership with Mary J. Blige. The line took inspiration from their friendship and a shared love of statement jewelry.
Most recently, Smith designed “Majesty for Men,” a collection of men’s jewelry inspired by her husband, LL Cool J.
“I’m excited to be recognized by the BIJC with the first ever ‘Rock The Jewels Award’ because I absolutely love rockin’ jewels,” said Smith.
“My love for jewelry has allowed me to create and design pieces that make women and men feel good, look good, and build confidence. It’s a blessing to lift up and shine a light on others, especially Black and Brown creatives in the jewelry industry. I believe in the power of accessories, especially a big pair of hoops.”
Related stories will be right here …
Held on Nov. 16 as part of New York City Jewelry Week, the event will celebrate those who have made their mark on the industry and forwarded BIJC’s mission.
The celebration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of hip hop, will recognize how the music genre has influenced the gem and jewelry industry.
Smith will receive the first BIJC “Rock the Jewels Award” in honor of her “contributions to the jewelry industry, her outstanding resilience, philanthropic endeavors, and her unwavering support of the Black community,” said BIJC.
Smith, a 19-year cancer survivor, was diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
Her journey inspired her to launch Simone I. Smith Jewelry in 2011.
Smith’s first design, a now-signature lollipop pendant dubbed “A Sweet Touch of Hope,” came about after her lollipop tattoo was altered during surgery.
She later designed a full collection with a focus on hoop earrings.
In 2018, Smith launched Sister Love, a partnership with Mary J. Blige. The line took inspiration from their friendship and a shared love of statement jewelry.
Most recently, Smith designed “Majesty for Men,” a collection of men’s jewelry inspired by her husband, LL Cool J.
“I’m excited to be recognized by the BIJC with the first ever ‘Rock The Jewels Award’ because I absolutely love rockin’ jewels,” said Smith.
“My love for jewelry has allowed me to create and design pieces that make women and men feel good, look good, and build confidence. It’s a blessing to lift up and shine a light on others, especially Black and Brown creatives in the jewelry industry. I believe in the power of accessories, especially a big pair of hoops.”
BIJC will also present awards in four other categories.
The organization will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to a supporter of BIJC with more than 20 years of “significant impact on the industry.”
The “Behind the Shine Award” will be given to an individual who has made significant contributions to BIJC behind the scenes.
The nominees are Grace Barretti, senior marketing manager at Greenwich St. Jewelers; Monalisa DePina, account executive at Reed Exhibitions USA; and Anna Samsonova, founder of Samsonova Consulting.
The “Rising Star Award” will be presented to an up-and-coming designer in the industry.
The nominees are Ashley Alexis of Omi Woods, Jessenia Landrum of Jevela, and Aziza-Abdullah Nicole of Aziza Handcrafted.
The “Shining Together Award” will honor allies, either companies or individuals, who are committed to supporting BIJC and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the industry.
The nominees are Greenwich St. Jewelers, JCK, and Signet Jewelers.
“Congratulations to Simone and the nominees of the inaugural BIJC Awards ceremony. It is paramount to celebrate the achievements of Black professionals and rising talent in the gem and jewelry industry,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca.
“This event celebrates luminaries and visionaries whose contributions have been pivotal in our industry’s evolution, while underscoring BIJC’s commitment to uplift every trailblazer on their journey to success.”
The winners will be announced at “Rock The Jewels.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated post-publication to correct the event date.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
