Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award 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.
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 …
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
