Events & AwardsMar 07, 2024
Here Are the Nominees for the 2024 Gem Awards Events & AwardsNov 21, 2023
Here Are the Winners of BIJC’s Inaugural ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards
The organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.
The winners of the 2023 Rock the Jewels Awards were, from top left, Jeffery Bolling, recipient of the BIJC Lifetime Achievement Award; Simone I. Smith, recipient of the “Rock the Jewels” Award; Sarin Bachmann representing JCK, winner of the “Shining Together” Award – Company; Jessenia Landrum, winner of the “Rising Star” Award; Grace Barretti, winner of the “Behind the Shine” Award; and Kecia Caffie, winner of the “Shining Together” Award – Individual.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to correct Kecia Caffie’s title. She is president of Zales, a Signet-owned company.
New York—The Black In Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the winners of its first “Rock the Jewels” Awards, which were presented last week at its inaugural Rock the Jewels event.
The event took place at Elise Rooftop in Manhattan during New York City Jewelry Week and celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Here are the winners.
Jeffery Bolling, district manager of Signet Jewelers, was honored with the BIJC Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates a lifetime dedicated to excellence and innovation.
Bolling was chosen for this honor for his “exceptional” contributions to the industry over the past 30 years, BIJC said.
After his service in the U.S. Army in 1986, Bolling began a career in the jewelry industry that spanned retail sales, jewelry design, and founding his store, Jeffery B Jewelers, in Denver, Colorado.
The organization said Bolling was a trailblazer who has “left an indelible mark on the industry,” noting that he continues to foster inclusivity and pave the way for coming generations.
“Bolling's legacy continues to inspire and uplift, setting the standard for excellence in our industry,” BIJC said.
Grace Barretti, senior marketing manager at Greenwich St. Jewelers, received the “Behind the Shine” Award for her contributions behind the scenes in support of BIJC.
Barretti has participated in the BIJC Together By Design competition for the past two years and has served as a key member of the BIJC communications team since March 2022.
The organization said her creativity and tenacity have been instrumental in bringing BIJC's mission to life.
JCK received the “Shining Together” Award – Company for its uplifting and inclusive initiatives within the industry.
JCK’s continuous support of BIJC, including providing access and opportunities to Black jewelry and gem professionals through its JCK Las Vegas shows, has been transformative, BIJC said.
Kecia Caffie, president of Signet-owned Zales, received the “Shining Together” Award – Individual for her commitment to supporting BIJC and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
BIJC said Caffie played a pivotal role in creating initiatives such as the Banter Designer Competition and the Zales Designer Competition.
Caffie has also supported BIJC through the Black Lives Matter and Juneteenth pendants.
“Her participation in the IDEA Panel on Diversity further underscores her dedication to making a positive impact in the industry,” the organization said.
The BIJC "Rock the Jewels" Award was given to Simone I. Smith, a designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cancer survivor.
“Simone’s exceptional contributions to the jewelry industry, her resilience, philanthropic endeavors, and unwavering support of the Black community have earned her this prestigious award,” BIJC said.
Related stories will be right here …
New York—The Black In Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the winners of its first “Rock the Jewels” Awards, which were presented last week at its inaugural Rock the Jewels event.
The event took place at Elise Rooftop in Manhattan during New York City Jewelry Week and celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Here are the winners.
Jeffery Bolling, district manager of Signet Jewelers, was honored with the BIJC Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates a lifetime dedicated to excellence and innovation.
Bolling was chosen for this honor for his “exceptional” contributions to the industry over the past 30 years, BIJC said.
After his service in the U.S. Army in 1986, Bolling began a career in the jewelry industry that spanned retail sales, jewelry design, and founding his store, Jeffery B Jewelers, in Denver, Colorado.
The organization said Bolling was a trailblazer who has “left an indelible mark on the industry,” noting that he continues to foster inclusivity and pave the way for coming generations.
“Bolling's legacy continues to inspire and uplift, setting the standard for excellence in our industry,” BIJC said.
Grace Barretti, senior marketing manager at Greenwich St. Jewelers, received the “Behind the Shine” Award for her contributions behind the scenes in support of BIJC.
Barretti has participated in the BIJC Together By Design competition for the past two years and has served as a key member of the BIJC communications team since March 2022.
The organization said her creativity and tenacity have been instrumental in bringing BIJC's mission to life.
JCK received the “Shining Together” Award – Company for its uplifting and inclusive initiatives within the industry.
JCK’s continuous support of BIJC, including providing access and opportunities to Black jewelry and gem professionals through its JCK Las Vegas shows, has been transformative, BIJC said.
Kecia Caffie, president of Signet-owned Zales, received the “Shining Together” Award – Individual for her commitment to supporting BIJC and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
BIJC said Caffie played a pivotal role in creating initiatives such as the Banter Designer Competition and the Zales Designer Competition.
Caffie has also supported BIJC through the Black Lives Matter and Juneteenth pendants.
“Her participation in the IDEA Panel on Diversity further underscores her dedication to making a positive impact in the industry,” the organization said.
The BIJC "Rock the Jewels" Award was given to Simone I. Smith, a designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cancer survivor.
“Simone’s exceptional contributions to the jewelry industry, her resilience, philanthropic endeavors, and unwavering support of the Black community have earned her this prestigious award,” BIJC said.
Up-and-coming designer Jessenia Landrum was recognized with the “Rising Star” Award, acknowledging her as a designer “making waves in the industry” with her brand, Jevela, which includes designs inspired by a transformative three-month backpacking journey through Southeast Asia.
Landrum was also part of NDC’s Emerging Designers Diamonds Initiative.
New York City Jewelry Week’s “Here We Are” Awards also were presented at Rock the Jewels.
The “Exhibition” Award went to Angely Martinez; the “Emerging Entrepreneur Award NYC” was presented to Ariana Embirikos, founder of Embirikos; and the “Emerging Entrepreneur Award USA” was presented to Tiffany Vanderhoop, founder of Huckleberry Woman.
“As we reflect on the last three years of BIJC’s existence, we can’t help but marvel at the milestones we’ve achieved together,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca.
“The 50th anniversary of hip-hop served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the cultural phenomenon but also to honor BIJC's unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the jewelry industry. That is precisely what the award winners reflect, and we are so proud of the impact each of them have made.”
For more information about the organization and its initiatives, please visit BIJC’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
PodcastsAug 19, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
