Los Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
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![The six BIPOC designers who comprise Couture’s 2024 class of “Luminaries” are, top row left to right, Alexia Connellan, Sasha Flynn, Hiba Husayni, and, bottom row left to right, Bliss Lau, Ama McKinley, and Casey Perez. The six Couture Luminaries designers 2024](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/07d8c80010939e5cfbbace980350ecc2.jpg)
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
![Rank is a sales lead and Tudor experience liaison at Exclusively Diamonds. She previously earned AGS’s Certified Sales Associate designation. Amber Rank](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/8b82f6919337b51adf67ec07654b856b.jpg)
Amber Rank of Exclusively Diamonds will receive mentorship, registration to AGS’s 2024 Conclave, and $500.
![Frank Fraley, the instructor for BIJC’s new high school education program and a jewelry designer, assisted with developing the program’s curriculum, which focuses on teaching students about design, gem setting, jewelry repair, and more. Fraley is an adjunct associate professor of jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Professor Frank Fraley teaching](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/68add95a1eb65c83cc5030642fc6d74c.jpg)
“The Future Jewelers Academy” kicked off at the Brooklyn STEAM Center this week.
![Marina Mekhaeil, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Houston, is the recipient of Zillion’s “Women in STEM” scholarship. Marina Mekhaeil](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0dfd1be01a6dcc40e9394e36e832de8c.jpg)
Marina Mekhaeil studies engineering at the University of Houston.
![First responders Nana, left, and Jennifer won the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s second “Together by Design” contest. As the winners, they received a bespoke yellow diamond engagement ring created by designer Michael Hogan. Nana and Jennifer](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6b507b3016e960e1a30e5d949b83efed.jpg)
The couple won a bespoke engagement ring set with a 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond and designed by Michael Hogan.
![Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3de0cad35f1bd21c2beb53e4712ca5ad.jpg)
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program is designed to give new retailers the knowledge needed to build and maintain their businesses.
![Gannon & Scott received an award for its efforts to recruit, employ and retain U.S. veterans. Gannon and Scott veterans award](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/81c72481d84192ba7bf5ba1c79baaace.jpg)
The refiner received a distinction from HIRE Vets for the fifth year in a row.
![Twelve emerging fine jewelry brands, including Tamsin Rasor (pictured above), have been chosen to participate in NY Now’s inaugural Emerging Fine Jewelry Designer Incubator. Tamsin Rasor rings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9a1ca1584697f414b7aa205b19099155.jpg)
The incubator’s inaugural 12 participants will receive mentorship ahead of launching in the Winter Market next year.
![Jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton is the incoming president of the board for the Black in Jewelry Coalition. Incoming BIJC Board President Malyia McNaughton](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/efbc987d529ef34be5192c436e2318d3.jpg)
The jewelry designer and GIA G.G. will step into the role next year as the organization welcomes three new members to its board.
![The Natural Diamond Council and the Black In Jewelry Coalition have teamed up to bring a jewelry education program to Baldwin High School in New York. Natural Diamond Council and Black in Jewelry Coalition logos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f772f0fb55b4ee61218495382f9713ab.jpg)
It will be available beginning next fall for students at Baldwin High School on New York’s Long Island.
![The winners of the 2023 Rock the Jewels Awards were, from top left, Jeffery Bolling, recipient of the BIJC Lifetime Achievement Award; Simone I. Smith, recipient of the “Rock the Jewels” Award; Sarin Bachmann representing JCK, winner of the “Shining Together” Award – Company; Jessenia Landrum, winner of the “Rising Star” Award; Grace Barretti, winner of the “Behind the Shine” Award; and Kecia Caffie, winner of the “Shining Together” Award – Individual. 2023 Rock the Jewels Awards winners](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/05167330821c025079c24ebee5587e15.jpg)
The organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.
![New York City Jewelry Week will be held from Nov. 13-19 at venues across the city. New York City Jewelry Week 2023 logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/494ba417a7c5071ab050f1d9f1a69a55.jpg)
From walking tours to design workshops, these are the can’t-miss NYCJW events.
![The six designers who are participating in the third cycle of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative are, clockwise from top left: Bernard James, Amina Sorel, Rosario Navi (seated), Gwen Beloti, Jessenia Landrum, and Symoné Currie. They are pictured with Natural Diamond Council Managing Director Kristina Buckley Kayel (standing, far right). Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative’s Class of 2023](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/0ca48bcd4052910270d6886cb3f366c6.jpg)
The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative’s Class of 2023 shows once again how much the industry stands to gain by embracing diversity.
![Jewelry designer Simone I. Smith (at center) will receive the first BIJC “Rock the Jewels Award” at its inaugural event next month. Also pictured are some of the nominees in the other categories. Simone I. Smith and BIJC Rock the Jewels nominees](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a8e4737879525f8f93e29bff2e8810bf.jpg)
The award ceremony will recognize the designer and other nominees for their impact on the industry and commitment to BIJC’s mission.
![Lorraine West’s new “Nipple Collection” benefits Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a nonprofit that supports women affected by the disease. It launched Sept. 23, ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Lorraine West Nipple Collection jewelry](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6946766605cda8638dde74761f885504.jpg)
Available exclusively at Greenwich St. Jewelers, the “Nipple Collection” will benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
![The designer selected to create the ring for the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s second annual “Together by Design” competition will be centering their creation on this 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond, donated by Nungu Diamonds.
1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond from Nungu Diamonds](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/ffe4bfbc9ad4fde98171e8ab8f426a96.jpg)
The Black in Jewelry Coalition is calling for jewelry designers to enter its second annual “Together by Design” competition.
![Juneteenth opal pendant](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/506843c41d560d319205fb2eba028c72.jpg)
Zales and Kay Jewelers created a pendant inspired by Opal Lee, an activist who advocated for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday.
![In celebration of Pride month, John Hardy is partnering with a newlywed celebrity couple to promote two new “Pride Colorblock” pieces, a necklace (pictured) and a bracelet.
John Hardy Pride Colorblock necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cd2122e7afad727ea18f3d286486303f.jpg)
The brand is donating proceeds to an LGBTQ nonprofit.
![WJA members stand with GAMUT management’s Molly Kettle (second from left) and entrepreneur and disability advocate Tiffany Yu (fifth from left) following their panel talk at WJA’s second “Generating Community Impact Breakfast” at JCK. Women’s Jewelry Association Generating Community Impact Breakfast at JCK in Las Vegas 2023](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f106445651706b95674605cfa0557f16.jpg)
Members gathered Friday morning at JCK to hear from Diversability founder Tiffany Yu and Molly Kettle of Gamut Management.
![Applicants can submit their love story on the BIJC website by June 9 for the opportunity to win a custom engagement ring and proposal photoshoot. 20230427_BIJC_Main.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/54d197e110eb6ced64ab8b95b7832a10.jpg)
Couples are invited to share their story for a chance to win a custom yellow diamond engagement ring.
![20230331_MNQ diversity header.png](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3d2d9cc0fa148e47f6f7ca6e7caadcc8.png)
Annie Doresca and Michelle Graff welcome Reggie Johnson and Sheryl Jones for a frank conversation on the state of DEI in fine jewelry.
![The “Summer Ring” by Ruben Manuel Designs is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds totaling 2.45 carats. It retails for $27,795. The brand is part of the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative, which has launched its latest designer ranges at Marissa Collections. 20230208_EDDI-header.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c2e0b4181aa8603a9f73f8879fa50192.jpg)
Six designers from the Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz’s Emerging Designer Diamond Initiative have debuted their collections.
![The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative has announced the members of its third cohort, pictured alongside the Natural Diamond Council’s managing director Kristina Buckley Kayel. They are (clockwise from top left): Bernard James, Amina Sorel, NDC’s Kayel, Rosario Navi, Gwen Beloti, Jessenia Landrum, and Symoné Currie. 20230126_EDDI.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f83575938f3858d0b2dbcb036f1b72e0.jpg)
The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
![A selection of pieces from the “Vega” capsule collection by designer Melanie Eddy, one of the mentees for the Couture Diversity Action Council’s mentorship program in 2021-2022. From now through early February, the DAC is accepting new applications for the two-year program. 20230125_Couture DAC Melanie Eddy.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f96f3ea460f9f6bc2faebee4b86b69de.jpg)
Jewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.