During NYC Jewelry Week later this month, the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) will honor some of the industry’s most innovative creators, and highlight the group’s accomplishments over the past four years, at its Rock the Jewels awards ceremony.
Presented in partnership with NYC Jewelry Week, Rock the Jewels will take place on Nov. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Elsie Rooftop in midtown Manhattan.
BIJC will give its Rock the Jewels Award to New York–based Eddie Plein (pictured). In a statement, the coalition noted Plein’s “trailblazing” work in custom grills, saying they “have redefined how jewelry intersects with culture and art.”
The Shining Together Award—recognizing a business or individual that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the trade—will go to Ben Bridge Jeweler of Seattle.
“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 program we launched earlier this year,” BIJC board chair Malyia McNaughton said in a statement.
“From Eddie Plein’s cultural influence 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,” said McNaughton.
At Rock the Jewels, BIJC also will announce the winner of two other awards, Behind the Shine and Rising Star.
Nominees for the Behind the Shine Award, which recognizes an individual who makes significant contributions behind the scenes to support BIJC and its initiatives, are Tiffany Bryan Sr., manager of studio operations and facilities at Catbird; Trish Carruth, founder and lead designer of Your Personal Jeweler; and Anna Samsonova, founder of Samsonova Consulting.
BIJC’s Rising Star Award is given to an up-and-coming designer. The nominees in this category are Gwen Beloti of Gwen Beloti Collection; Symoné Currie of Metal x Wire; and Ola Erogbogbo of Deinté Fine Jewelry.
(Photo courtesy of the Black in Jewelry Coalition)
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