Events & Awards

BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards Winners

Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024

BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards Winners

At the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.

Gwen Beloti, Lisa Bridge, Eddie Plein, Anna Samsonova
The 2024 “Rock the Jewels” Awards winners, pictured left to right, were Gwen Beloti, who won the “Rising Star” Award; Lisa Bridge of Ben Bridge Jewelers, who won the “Shining Together” Award; Eddie Plein, who won the “Rock the Jewels” Award; and Anna Samsonova, who won the “Behind the Shine” Award.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the four winners of its 2024 “Rock the Jewels” Awards, which were presented during New York City Jewelry Week on Nov. 21 at the Elsie Rooftop in New York City.

The annual event, in its second year, honors individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry, while raising funds for the organization’s mission to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Proceeds from the event directly fund programs like BIJC’s flagship program, the Future Jewelers Academy, designed to provide a pathway for the next generation of industry leaders by introducing high school students to jewelry design and bench jewelry.

Here are the “Rock the Jewels” Awards winners.

Gwen Beloti, founder of Gwen Beloti Jewelry, received the “Rising Star” Award celebrating up-and-coming jewelry designers.

Beloti was chosen for her innovative, size-inclusive gold jewelry designs that celebrate individuality and empower women to shine.

Ben Bridge Jewelers was honored with the “Shining Together” Award for the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ben Bridge Jewelers has fostered meaningful change in the industry through initiatives like the Lonia Tate Scholarship, which supports minority high school graduates who aspire to work in the fine jewelry industry.

Anna Samsonova, founder of Samsonova Consulting, received the “Behind the Shine” Award.

Samsonova was awarded for her behind-the-scenes dedication to advancing BIJC’s initiatives and for supporting the organization’s events and education efforts.

The “Rock the Jewels” Award was given to Eddie Plein for his contributions to the jewelry industry.

Plein is a trailblazing pioneer in the custom grills space, celebrated for his work to redefine how jewelry interacts with culture and art, especially within the hip-hop community.

His work has left an indelible mark on both the industry and culture, said BIJC.

“This year’s ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards not only celebrated excellence in the jewelry industry but also underscored the importance of creating lasting impact through education and inclusion,” said Malyia McNaughton, chairwoman of BIJC and founder of Made By Malyia.

“The winners and nominees are shining examples of creativity, resilience, and a commitment to diversity. Programs like the Future Jewelers Academy allow us to invest in the next generation and ensure that the jewelry industry remains vibrant, innovative, and representative of all communities.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

Along with the awards ceremony, the Rock the Jewels event also included jewelry exhibits featuring pieces crafted by students in the Future Jewelers Academy.

The program was created in collaboration with the Brooklyn STEAM Center with support from Jewelers Mutual to give high school students hands-on experience in jewelry design, gem-setting, casting, and bench jewelry.

It began in 2023 and has since expanded to Baldwin High School in Long Island with support from the Natural Diamond Council.

The event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities and breaking barriers in the jewelry industry, with this program celebrated as a prime example of BICJ’s mission.

For more information on BIJC, its “Rock the Jewels” Awards, and how to support initiatives like the Future Jewelers Academy, visit the BIJC website.

The Latest

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Gavel near stacks of books
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Spinelli Kilcollin Market Highland Park
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in Dallas

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

Weekly QuizSep 25, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Nina Pugliese Henne Jewelers
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Kwait White and Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear Focus

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Mark Henry Leandra Medine Cohen
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in Canada

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

Overnight volume 7 bridal catalog
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal Catalog

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard Says

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Kwit Square Signet Pinky Ring in Red and Azure
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky Ring

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

Jewelers of America Fly In
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-In

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

Entrance to Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

Kira Jewels Growing Rowing Machines
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond Production

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

Alex Moss SoHo store
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHo

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

Matthew Wilson, Kavin Kulamavalava, and a Elmasolvex VA
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New York

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.

Representatives of India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and Indian government leaders
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Tariffs Throw Diamond Trade Into Disarray

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

Father’s Day diamond advertisement that ran in India
SourcingSep 24, 2025
De Beers Adopts New Strategies to Drive Natural Diamond Demand in India

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.

Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
For Jewelry Manufacturers, Higher Tariffs Create Long-Term Worries

They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

Guest lecture for people with disabilities at the Jewelex factory
SourcingSep 24, 2025
A Helping Hand: An Effort to Boost Inclusivity in the Industry

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Estate Capsule Campaign
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Goes Back in Time With First Estate Collection

The collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.

Marcus ter Haar
Policies & IssuesSep 24, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names Marcus ter Haar as President-Elect

He previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth campaign
CollectionsSep 24, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s New Jane Goodall Collection Calls for Peace

Its second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.

SRK Kriam Pharma
SourcingSep 24, 2025
SRK Launches Kriam Pharma

The diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions and National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for Jewelers

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’s

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

×

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