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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
