The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is once again searching for love stories in its second annual “Together By Design” contest, which celebrates Black love and jewellery design. The non-profit organisation, which aims to promote the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewellery, and watch industry, is encouraging anyone planning to propose to enter the contest for a chance to win a custom-designed platinum engagement ring featuring a 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond valued at a minimum of $15,000.
The love story portion of the contest is open until 9th June, 2023, and the winner will be notified by 30th June, 2023. Each eligible love story will be judged by a panel of experienced jewellery professionals. The engagement ring will be centred around a VVS1 cushion modified brilliant 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond.
After the winning love story is selected, jewellery designers will participate in a design competition to create an engagement ring that is a physical representation of the couple’s love story. The contest aims to increase representation in the bridal sector and promote emerging designers while celebrating love.
BIJC President Annie Doresca said, “The Together By Design Contest demonstrates the incredible connection that a love story can have on an engagement ring. Through both phases of the love story contest and jewellery design competition, our intent is to increase representation in the bridal sector and promote emerging designers, all while celebrating love.”
Kealeboga Pule, owner of Nungu Diamonds in South Africa, donated the 1.44-carat fancy yellow diamond as the center stone for the ring. The materials to create the engagement ring are donated by Platinum Guild International USA, Anza Gems, and B&B Fine Gems. The winning couple will also receive a proposal photoshoot. The design portion of the contest prize package sponsors are the Gemological Institute of America, GRS, Jewelers of America, and Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Last year’s contest winners, Samantha and Rom, shared their story of love. The winning ring was designed by emerging jewellery designer Patricia Carruth of Your Personal Jeweler.
Kealeboga Pule, owner of Nungu Diamonds in South Africa, donated the 1.44-carat Fancy Yellow diamond as the center stone for the ring. The materials to create the engagement ring are donated by Platinum Guild International USA, Anza Gems and B&B Fine Gems. The winning couple will also receive a proposal photoshoot. The design portion of the contest prize package sponsors are the Gemological Institute of America, GRS, Jewelers of America and Jewelers Vigilance Committee.