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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.
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.”
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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.”
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.
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