MajorsJan 30, 2024
6 Retailers Chosen for New JA, BIJC Business Program Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2024
First Responders Win BIJC’s Second ‘Together by Design’ Contest
The couple won a bespoke engagement ring set with a 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond and designed by Michael Hogan.
First responders Nana, left, and Jennifer won the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s second “Together by Design” contest. As the winners, they received a bespoke yellow diamond engagement ring created by designer Michael Hogan.
New York—It’s a story perfect to share ahead of Feb. 14.
A pair of first responders who met during training and later reconnected are the winners of the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s (BJIC) second “Together by Design” contest and competition.
The future groom, Nana, was the one who entered the “Love Story” portion of the contest, sharing details of how he met his now-fiancée, Jennifer, while the two were attending an EMS training academy.
They initially were just friends but after graduation, they reconnected and became more.
Phase two of Together by Design challenged jewelry designers to sketch a bespoke ring based on the couple’s love story as well as the dates, symbols, and landmarks Nana listed as being special to the pair.
Michael Hogan, of Michael Hogan Jewelry, won the competition and, with Nana’s input, refined his sketch to create a one-of-a-kind platinum ring centered on a Gemological Institute of America-graded 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond.
A pair of first responders who met during training and later reconnected are the winners of the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s (BJIC) second “Together by Design” contest and competition.
The future groom, Nana, was the one who entered the “Love Story” portion of the contest, sharing details of how he met his now-fiancée, Jennifer, while the two were attending an EMS training academy.
They initially were just friends but after graduation, they reconnected and became more.
Phase two of Together by Design challenged jewelry designers to sketch a bespoke ring based on the couple’s love story as well as the dates, symbols, and landmarks Nana listed as being special to the pair.
Michael Hogan, of Michael Hogan Jewelry, won the competition and, with Nana’s input, refined his sketch to create a one-of-a-kind platinum ring centered on a Gemological Institute of America-graded 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond.
The engagement ring designer Michael Hogan crafted for the winning “Together by Design” couple, Nana and Jennifer, incorporated personal elements, like the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island and three sapphires symbolic of the couple’s shared faith in God.
The ring on Jennifer’s hand after she said “yes” to Nana
“The creation of this ring draws profound inspiration from the couple’s narrative, weaving in the significance of their special place at Coney Island, [with] the Roman numeral date they value discreetly placed at its base, [three] sapphire gemstones representing their spiritual journey, and the Ferris wheel delicately etched on its inner circumference,” Hogan said.
“Each element holds deep personal meaning meticulously intertwined within the design. That’s why I call it ‘Elements of Love;’ it encapsulates these cherished symbols that resonate intimately with their story and emotions.”
Nungu Diamonds donated the yellow diamond, while Platinum Guild International USA donated the metal used to create the ring.
While Nana and Jennifer went home with a bespoke engagement ring, the winning designer’s prize package included $5,000 cash, various scholarships for continuing jewelry education, and one-year memberships to BIJC, Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Launched in 2021, Together by Design was conceived by BIJC to spotlight Black love and award an emerging Black jewelry designer.
Nellie Barnett, GIA’s manager of corporate communications, led the Together by Design committee.
She was assisted by Adrianne Sanogo, G.G.; Amanda Gizzi, director of PR and events at JA; JA Chief Financial Officer Annie Doresca; Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, director of membership and marketing at JVC; Grace Barretti, senior marketing manager at Greenwich St. Jewelers; GIA Vice President of Human Resources Lisa Jones; Rebecca Moskal, PGI’s vice president of marketing; and Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler.
All the Together By Design judges are BIJC members.
Love Story contest judges included Graff and Jones along with jewelry editor and writer Tanya Dukes, and Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101.
Sanogo, Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry, Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, and Christian Bolling of Christian Stoné judged the jewelry design portion of the competition.
For more about the BIJC, visit the organization’s website.
To see a video of Nana’s proposal, check out BIJC’s YouTube channel.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
