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

Pippa Small Myanmar Fish Cluster
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

Casio America CEO Yusuke Suzuki
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEO

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

LA Trading Day
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LA

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

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

Cristiano Ronaldo and Stephanie Gottlieb Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut Diamond

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
International Colored Gemstone Association logo
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of Directors

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Whiskey Barrel Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring Giveaway

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

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

People shopping in a mall
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

Columbia Gem House Winza sapphires and rubies
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, Rubies

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Gemfields Faberge
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50M

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump Says

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird Slab Collection Campaign
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the Thunderbird

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better Headshot

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Vigil for slain Wheat Ridge, Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado Jeweler

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

Lisa Bridge
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge Jeweler

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

Nora Kühner fashion design consulting trend forecast colors 2027
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple Years

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel Bangle
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel Bangle

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

Black and white photo of Tony Bennett near a microphone
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony Bennett

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

×

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