Press Releases

BIJC Jewelry Design Competition Together by Design Accepts Applications Through August 25

The winner will receive a prize package.

Published

10 months ago

July 11, 2023

Press Releases

The Fancy Yellow Diamond donated by Nungu Diamonds will be the center stone used in the engagement ring.

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Black In Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), is inviting talented jewelry designers of all levels to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship in the “Together By Design” competition that celebrates Black love and jewelry design. From July 10 to August 25, jewelry designers can submit their creations that incorporate elements from the winning couple’s love story into a bespoke engagement ring. The winning designer will receive a prize package and all materials needed to create the design.

The first phase of the competition had couples, or one partner, submit their heartfelt love stories for a chance to win a custom engagement ring. A distinguished panel of judges carefully reviewed each application and selected the winning entry, marking the start of this jewelry design competition.

The competition is to create a unique and meaningful design that captures the essence of the couple’s love. All designs submitted for this must incorporate elements of the 1.44 carat Fancy Yellow Diamond generously donated by Nungu Diamonds, as well as platinum contributed by Platinum Guild International USA. Accent stones, which are optional, will be donated by Anza Gems and B&B Fine Gemstones.

Once the winning jewelry designer is selected, they will collaborate with the recipient of the love story to bring the design to life, ensuring it reflects the couple’s shared experiences and aspirations. For designers unfamiliar with working with platinum, Platinum Guild International is committed to providing resources and support to create an exceptional ring.

The winner of the jewelry design portion of this competition will receive $5,000 cash, a scholarship for GIA education, membership to Jewelers of America and Jewelers Vigilance Committee, and a scholarship to the GRS school.

“This contest not only showcases the incredible talent within the jewelry industry but also celebrates the power of love and meaningful connections,” said BIJC Board President Annie Doresca. “We encourage jewelry designers from all backgrounds to participate and be a part of this transformative journey.”

To learn more about the competition and to apply, visit here. The deadline for submissions is August 25 at 11:59 pm EDT.

She Wanted to Spend More Time with Her Kids. She Called Wilkerson.

Your children are precious. More precious than gold? Absolutely! Just ask Lesley Ann Davis, owner of Lesley Ann Jewels, an independent jewelry store that — until the end of 2023 — had quite a following in Houston, Texas. To spend more time with her four sons, all in high school, she decided to close her store. Luckily, she was familiar with Wilkerson and called them as soon as she knew she wanted to move on to bigger, better and more family-focused things. Was she happy with her decision? Yes, she was. Says Davis, “Any owner looking to make that life change, looking to retire, looking to close, looking for a pause in their career, I would recommend Wilkerson. Hands down!”