Malyia McNaughton to Become BIJC Board President
The jewelry designer and GIA G.G. will step into the role next year as the organization welcomes three new members to its board.
In 2024, current BIJC Board President and Jewelers of America Chief Financial Officer Annie Doresca will transition to treasurer and current BIJC Treasurer Malyia McNaughton, a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist and the designer behind the Made by Malyia brand, will become BIJC board president.
Doresca and McNaughton are among the co-founders of BIJC.
“As we reflect on BIJC’s accomplishments in its first three years, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and resilience of our team. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in promoting diversity and equity within the jewelry industry,” Doresca said.
“I look forward to witnessing and being a part of BIJC’s continued growth under the exceptional leadership of Malyia. With her at the helm, I am confident that BIJC will reach new heights, making an even greater impact on our industry.”
Also in 2024, three jewelry industry professionals will join the BIJC board.
The new board members are: Jeffery Bolling, district manager at Signet Jewelers with more than 30 years of industry experience; Thomas Davis, director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., who brings a wealth of experience in corporate management, specialty retail, manufacturing, merchandising, sales, and celebrity branding; and Pat Dambe, director of marketing and brand development within Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy. Dambe has more than 30 years of executive experience working for corporations and luxury brands in the United States and Africa.
Bolling, Davis, and Dambe join the continuing BIJC co-founders and board members in leading the organization.
They are:
— Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, director of membership and marketing at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, who will serve as board vice president;
— Lisa Jones, vice president of human resources at GIA, who will serve as board secretary;
— Nellie Barnett, GIA’s manager of corporate communications, who will serve as communications chair;
— Reginald Johnson, Signet Jewelers’ chief diversity officer and senior vice president for human resources in North America, who will serve as nominations chair;
— Adrianne Sanogo, GIA G.G., who will serve as education chair;
— Miya Owens, corporate counsel at Amazon, who will serve as a board member; and
— Lisette Scott, founder of Jam + Rico, who will serve as a board member.
BIJC’s 2024 board of directors is prepared to guide the organization toward a future marked by increased inclusivity, educational initiatives, and advocacy for Black professionals within the jewelry sector, the organization said.
For more information, visit the BIJC website.
The Latest

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.


While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.