(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) announced the winners and nominees for the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals in the jewelry industry for their creativity, resilience, and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The BIJC Rock the Jewels Award, which honors individuals for their profound impact on the industry and unwavering commitment to the Black community, is awarded to Eddie Plein, the trailblazing pioneer in the custom grills space. Eddie’s contributions have redefined how jewelry intersects with culture and art, especially within the hip-hop community.
BIJC’s Shining Together Award celebrates allies (company and individual) committed to supporting BIJC and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the industry. BIJC is pleased to present this award to Ben Bridge.
“As Board Chairman of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, I am honored to celebrate the winners and nominees of the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards. This year’s awards shine a light not only on creativity, resilience, and diversity but also on the importance of impact through education, including the Future Jewelers High School Bench Jewelry programs we launched earlier this year. From Eddie Plein’s cultural influence to Jacqueline Rabun’s remarkable legacy, and to the allies and rising stars who are shaping the future, each honoree exemplifies the values of BIJC. Their commitment to advancing inclusivity and excellence in our industry paves the way for future generations of jewelers.”
In addition, BIJC will present awards in two other categories on the night of the event:
BIJC’s Behind the Shine Award recognizes an individual who makes significant contributions to support BIJC and its initiatives behind the scenes. The esteemed nominees for this category include:
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- Anna Samsonova, Founder of Samsonova Consulting
- Tiffany Bryan, Sr. Manager of Studio Operations and Facilities at Catbird
- Trish Carruth, Founder & Lead Designer of Your Personal Jeweler
BIJC’s Rising Star Award acknowledges an up-and-coming designer in the industry. The deserving nominees for this category are:
The BIJC Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be announced at the event.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Eddie Plein, Famous Eddie’s Gold Teeth, is the winner of the BIJC Rock the Jewels Award.
Nominees of the 2024 Rock the Jewels. In the category of BIJC’s Rising Star Award (top row left to right): Gwen Beloti of Gwen Beloti Collection, Ola Erogbogbo of Deinté Fine Jewelry, Symoné Currie of Metal x Wire. In the category of BIJC’s Behind the Shine (bottom row left to right): Anna Samsonova, Founder of Samsonova Consulting; Tiffany Bryan, Sr. Manager of Studio Operations and Facilities at Catbird; and Trish Carruth, Founder & Lead Designer of Your Personal Jeweler.
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For any questions or additional information, please reach out to Nellie Barnett at nelliebijc@gmail.com.
