(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) announced the winners of the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards, after a vibrant celebration that was held on November 21, 2024 at Elsie Rooftop in New York City. This annual fundraising event honors individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry while raising funds to support BIJC’s mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Rock the Jewels is more than an awards ceremony—it is a night to celebrate creativity, resilience, and progress within the jewelry industry, showcasing the incredible talent of trailblazers, allies, and emerging designers. Proceeds from the event directly fund programs like the Future Jewelers Academy, which introduces high school students to jewelry design and bench jewelry, providing pathways for the next generation of industry leaders.
2024 Rock the Jewels Award Winners:
- Behind the Shine Award: Anna Samsonova, Founder of Samsonova Consulting, for her behind-the-scenes dedication to advancing BIJC’s initiatives and supporting the organization’s events and education efforts.
- Rising Star Award: Gwen Beloti, Founder of Gwen Beloti Collection, for her innovative, size-inclusive gold jewelry designs that celebrate individuality and empower women to shine.
- Shining Together Award: Ben Bridge Jewelers, honored for their outstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through initiatives like the Lonia Tate Scholarship, which fosters meaningful change in the industry.
- Rock the Jewels Award: Eddie Plein, a trailblazing pioneer in the custom grills space, celebrated for redefining how jewelry intersects with culture and art, especially within the hip-hop community. Eddie’s work has left an indelible mark on both the industry and culture.
The event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities and breaking barriers in the jewelry industry. BIJC’s flagship program, the Future Jewelers Academy, was celebrated as a prime example of this mission. Launched in collaboration with the Brooklyn STEAM Center and supported by Jewelers Mutual, the program provides high school students with hands-on experience in jewelry design, gem-setting, casting, and bench jewelry. The program has since expanded to Baldwin High School with the support of Natural Diamond Council. By empowering the next generation, BIJC is creating a pipeline of diverse, talented professionals who will shape the future of the industry.
“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, BIJC chairwoman 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”
For more information about BIJC, the Rock the Jewels Awards, and how to support initiatives like the Future Jewelers Academy, please visit here.
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