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.

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.
The Latest

The peachy hue also marks the program’s 25th anniversary.

The 21 pieces up for auction, including Tiffany & Co. jewels and a Cartier watch, garnered more than $430,000 across two sales.

Centered on a sunny heliodor, the “Links” pin was designed by Ukrainian jewelry artist Inesa Kovalova.

Without the ability to instill confidence within the industry and directly to the consumer, a diamond holds very little value.

The wedding band company is also accusing its former customer of removing watermarks from Lashbrook images for its own use.


It provides a timeline for the implementation of new restrictions, but no details.

The organization has elected 12 new additions.

With holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.

Sherry Smith breaks down the numbers on jewelry sales in November and reveals the category that “emerged as a standout.”

Additional lots will be offered in the Fine Jewels online sale through Dec. 7.

By mixing creative and practical skills, the new course hopes to fill the industry’s bench jeweler gap.

Several other colored gemstones joined the pieces in the top 10 list.

The retailer is still expecting a strong holiday season with improving demand for natural diamonds.

Peter Damian Arguello, the owner of Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques, was shot and killed in an apparent robbery last week.

The Indian jewelry giant has opened locations in Houston and Frisco, Texas.

Each student was provided with the full amount of tuition for the Namibia University of Science & Technology.

Ryan Perry, who has been with De Beers since 2002, also will be leaving the company next year.

The watch seller’s new index tracks sales data from 14 brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.

The industry veteran will step down from both roles in April 2024.

Tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon are all options for December babies, who sometimes “get the birthday shaft,” Amanda Gizzi writes.

The lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.

The company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.

It’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.

The 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.

Chris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.

The stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.

The retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.