Events & Awards

BIJC Collective Returns to Las Vegas

Events & AwardsMay 28, 2024

BIJC Collective Returns to Las Vegas

The Black in Jewelry Coalition will showcase four designers at JCK Las Vegas and JCK Luxury.

Black In Jewelry Coalition Collective
The Black in Jewelry Coalition’s BIJC Collective is returning to Las Vegas, including, from left to right, Mukosha Mulenga of Eleora Gems, Jessenia Landrum of Jevela, Simone Smith of Simone I. Smith, and designer Dorian Webb.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition’s BIJC Collective is heading back to Las Vegas.

A group of four Black-owned jewelry brands will exhibit at JCK Las Vegas and JCK Luxury.

At JCK, attendees can visit Eleora Gems, Jevela, and Simone I. Smith at booth 10042. At JCK Luxury, they can see Dorian Webb at stand D116.

Simone I. Smith and Dorian Webb were part of the collective last year, while Eleora Gems and Jevela are new.

“Each designer brings a unique perspective and expertise to the collective, offering an eclectic range of designs to suit every taste and style,” said BIJC.

Eleora Gems, which means "God’s light" in Hebrew, is a Zambia-based company that creates fine jewelry using locally sourced materials and colored gemstones from Zambia and the South African region. 

Led by CEO and Head of Design Mukosha Mulenga, the company said it focuses on ethical sourcing and community impact, purchasing materials from small-scale miners “who practice safe mining methods, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices throughout the production process.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Jevela, founded by designer Jessenia Landrum in 2019, is also part of the collective.

The company crafts “unique and playful” designs meant for everyday wear, said BIJC. Though it began as a demi-fine brand, it has since expanded into the fine jewelry space.

Landrum tells the story of how the experiences and lessons learned along life’s journey are the “gems” collected along the way.

Landrum takes inspiration from nature, architecture, and storytelling, and she invites customers to wear the jewels as symbols of their personal journey.

The designer was part of the Natural Diamond Council’s Emerging Designers Diamonds Initiative and was the recipient of BIJC’s “Rising Star” Award at its “Rock the Jewels” Awards.

Another BIJC award winner will have a presence at JCK.

Simone I. Smith, founded by Simone Smith, winner of the BIJC "Rock the Jewels" Award, will be at JCK.

The brand recently launched the “Simone I. Smith x Misa Hylton ‘Denim & Diamonds’” collection.

“With each piece, Simone I. Smith encapsulates the essence of empowerment and self-expression, resonating with individuals who seek to make a bold statement, while embracing their unique story and individuality,” said BIJC.

The collective’s Dorian Webb, also part of the Natural Diamond Council’s Emerging Designers Diamonds Initiative, will be exhibiting at JCK Luxury. 

Her designs support African American culture while celebrating women and the beauty of connection, said BIJC.

Crafted in 18-karat gold and diamonds, her “thought-provoking pieces share stories and make bold statements.”

BIJC was one of the organizations chosen by the JCK Industry Fund Committee to receive one of its annual grants.

The fund supports the jewelry industry by awarding grants to organizations that can significantly improve the industry.

The Latest

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

undefined.png
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential

While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals

A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.

Grader looking into microscope at IGI lab
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next Week

In a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.

Heuer Monaco Ref. 1133B
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6M

The offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.

Stephanie Gottlieb, Anna Harman, Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs Collection
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to Studs

The 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.

Exterior of Sauer’s Madison Avenue Store
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. Store

The Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.

Person at keyboard holding credit card
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says Adobe

An Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.

Ray Griffiths and Ray Griffiths: The Works
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design

“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Movado campaign
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ Environment

The retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.

Treiber & Straub store Brookfield, Wisconsin
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is Closing

Mike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.

Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious Mousse

The color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.

Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s Kokoro Ant Pendant
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ Pendant

The Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.

Roberto Coin jewelry
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1

The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.

Gold rings
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech Issues

The jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in November

A more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.

Michael S. Krzemnicki
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award

The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.

1.png
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

Sponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy