Press Releases

BIJC Collective Debuts at JCK Las Vegas

Six designers will exhibit from June 2-5.

Published

1 year ago

May 10, 2023

Press Releases

The six exhibiting designers that are part of the 2023 BIJC Collective at JCK Las Vegas.

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry and watch industry, will launch the BIJC Collective at JCK Las Vegas from June 2-5, 2023. Attendees will have the chance to connect with six Black-owned brands exhibiting jewelry and loose gemstones.

“The BIJC Collective provides opportunities for emerging and established Black designers to showcase their incredible talent at trade shows, events and retail stores,” said Annie Doresca, BIJC president. “We started the BIJC Collective in 2022 at JCK Las Vegas and thanks to the JCK Industry Fund, we were able to make this happen two years in a row.”

The BIJC Collective 2023 will be located at booth 10042 at JCK Las Vegas and is comprised of the following brands:

Dorian Webb, founded and designed by Dorian Webb, creates intentional pieces that celebrate women, support African American culture and amplify the beauty of connection. Based in Oakland, CA, the brand specializes in semi-precious and precious designs set in sterling silver and 18k gold.
Deinté Fine Jewelry, created by Ola Erogbogbo, is an international line of high-end fine jewelry that expanded to the U.S. in 2021. Pronounced “Dainty,” the inspiration for each of Deinté’s U.S. collection comes from a place of beauty, elegance, exquisite craftsmanship and purposeful designs. Designed for the discerning eye, each of Deinté’s U.S collection is rooted in the desire to give beauty to the world.
James Mack Fine Jewelry, owned and designed by James McCullar, draws inspiration from the architecture of major cities, luxury yachts, and automobiles all while using sustainably sourced diamonds. As a first-generation jeweler, all designs are unique and innovative to stand out from the crowd.
KuQala Diamonds, founded by Jeffery Bolling and Christian Bolling, is a bespoke South African Diamond and Jewelry Brand that is not just about the land, but about the people.
Nungu Diamonds, owned by Kealeboga Pat Pule, is a bespoke diamond jewelry boutique.
Simone I. Smith, founded and designed by Simone Smith, is rooted in strength, integrity and style. Simone’s popular collaborations include a stunning line with Mary J. Blige. The latest Men’s collection features her husband and brand ambassador, LL COOL J, and celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop with Simone I. Smith and friends.

BIJC is a recipient of the JCK Industry Fund Grant. This grant supports the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.

You Wouldn’t Cut Your Own Hair. Why Run Your Own Retirement Sale?

After being in business for over a quarter of a century, Wayne Reid, owner of Wayne Jewelers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, decided it was time for a little “me time.” He says, “I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s time to slow down, enjoy a lot of things outside of the jewelry industry. It just seemed to be the right time.” He chose Wilkerson to handle his retirement sale because of their reputation and results. With financial goals exceeded, Reid says he made the right choice selecting Wilkerson to handle the sale. “They made every effort to push our jewelry to the forefront of the showcases,” he says, lauding Wilkerson for their finesse and expertise. Would he recommend them to other jewelers who want to make room for new merchandise, expand their business or like him, decide to call it a day? Absolutely he says, equating trying to do this kind of sale with cutting your own hair. “The results are going to happen but not as well as if you have a professional like Wilkerson do the job for you.”