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
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.”
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.
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.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 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.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
