WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
MajorsNov 04, 2020
This New Group Aims To Support Black Jewelry Professionals
Led by a board comprised entirely of Black professionals, the Black in Jewelry Coalition is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and opportunity.
The board members of the new Black in Jewelry Coalition are, from left to right starting at the top: President and co-founder Annie Doresca, Vice President and co-founder Elyssa Jenkins, Treasurer Malyia McNaughton, Secretary Lisa Garris, Communications Chair Nellie Barnett, Nominations Chair Reginald Johnson, Chair of Education Adrianne Sanogo, Corporate Outreach Chair Miya Owens, and Events Chair Lisette Scott.
New York—There is a new group that’s a first of its kind for the jewelry industry, and it intends to be catalyst for change.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is an international nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals in the gem and jewelry industry.
“Black people work in and support the gem and jewelry industry, yet there is disparity in our access to resources and opportunities,” BIJC President and co-founder Annie Doresca said. “Black in Jewelry Coalition was formed to break this cycle.”
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is an international nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals in the gem and jewelry industry.
“Black people work in and support the gem and jewelry industry, yet there is disparity in our access to resources and opportunities,” BIJC President and co-founder Annie Doresca said. “Black in Jewelry Coalition was formed to break this cycle.”
“We have a shared experience of what it’s like to be Black in the jewelry industry and because of that, we can identify roadblocks—some we have personally faced—and create solutions, but most importantly, access,” Doresca said.
“I feel it is my duty to be part of this change, and I appreciate all the efforts and support by the jewelry industry to work toward this goal.”
The new nonprofit is launching strategic initiatives to help professionals in every facet of the jewelry industry.
For example, jewelry designers can look forward to a consumer-facing directory of Black jewelry designers and Black-owned jewelry design companies, as well as access to funding and resources for developing relationships with major distributors, manufacturers, miners and gem dealers.
Students will have access to exclusive scholarships and internships.
In addition, BIJC will develop programming and resources focused on establishing diversity in the hiring process—including senior leadership development—and closing the pay gap in the jewelry industry for those in the BIPOC community.
“The jewelry industry has been slowly awakening to realize that it has not been a hospitable environment for people of color, especially Black people,” said BIJC Vice President and co-founder Elyssa Jenkins.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition is needed now more than ever for all Black professionals in corporate, trade, jewelry design, mining, manufacturing and more—even Black consumers. Many of us have been working for quite some time toward these initiatives, both with and without our allies, so that there will be true change that stands the test of time.”
The Black in Jewelry Coalition board members are as follows.
— Annie Doresca, BIJC president; chief financial officer at Jewelers of America
— Elyssa Jenkins, BIJC vice president; director of membership and digital content at Jewelers Vigilance Committee
— Malyia McNaughton, BIJC treasurer; owner of Made By Malyia
— Lisa Garris, BIJC secretary; human resources director, Lab & Research, North America at the Gemological Institute of America
— Adrianne Sanogo, BIJC chair of education; Graduate Gemologist
— Lisette Scott, BIJC events chair; owner of Jam + Rico
— Miya Owens, BIJC corporate outreach chair; associate counsel and director of mediation at Jewelers Vigilance Committee
— Nellie Barnett, BIJC communications chair; manager of media and public relations at the Gemological Institute of America
— Reginald Johnson, BIJC nominations chair; chief diversity officer and senior vice president NA Field Human Resources at Signet Jewelers
To learn more, become a member or donate, visit the Black in Jewelry Coalition website.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
