New York – The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) is hosting its second annual “Together by Design” competition, inviting couples to submit their love stories for a chance to win a custom yellow diamond engagement ring. Entries are now being accepted until 9 June.
Couples or one partner can upload their story on the BIJC website. Applicants must be residents of the United States and not already married or engaged.
Entries will be judged by a panel of experienced jewellery professionals. One winner will be notified by 30 June.
The winning platinum ring will be set with a 1.44 carat cushion-cut VVS1 fancy yellow diamond valued at a minimum of $15,000 USD.
The yellow diamond has been donated by Kealeboga Pule, owner of Nungu Diamonds in South Africa. Materials for the engagement ring are donated by Platinum Guild International USA, Anza Gems and B&B Fine Gems.
The judges for the Love Story Contest are Michelle Graff, editor-in-chief of National Jeweler; Severine Ferrari, founder of Engagement 101; Eric Ford, precious jewellery buyer for Neiman Marcus; Tanya Dukes, jewellery writer; and Lisa Garris, vice president of human resources for GIA.
Following the selection of the winning love story, Together by Design will launch the second phase of the competition, where jewellery designers will submit ring ideas inspired by the winning couple’s story. A separate panel will judge this part of the competition and the winning design will be brought to life and presented to the couple.
The Together by Design competition demonstrates the incredible connection that a love story can have on an engagement ring,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca. “Through both the love story competition and the jewellery design competition, we want to increase representation in the bridal industry and promote emerging designers, all while celebrating love.”
The winning couple will also receive a complimentary proposal photo shoot.
The design portion of the competition’s prize package is sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America, GRS, Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The non-profit organisation, which is dedicated to the advancement of black professionals in the gem, jewellery and watch industries, originally launched the programme in October 2021.
It ended with the winner of the Love Story, Brooklyn-born Rom, proposing to his girlfriend Samantha in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, the site of their first kiss.
The ring was a 14-carat three-stone diamond ring with a 1.31-carat centre stone and a tiny, intricate replica of the bridge to represent the past, present and future of the couple’s love.
It was designed by award winner Patricia Carruth of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, Michigan.
The centre stone was donated by Leo Schachter, and the gold and accent diamonds were donated by Rio Grande.
“Brooklyn is where my heart is! When I look at my ring, I am reminded of our love story and my home. It’s the most perfect ring! The diamonds are brilliant with excellent clarity, just like my love for Rom and the future I see for us,” said Samantha. “We have grown a lot as individuals and as a couple over the past five years. Every time I look at my ring, I feel my heart grows more and more in love and gratitude”.
For more information and full rules on how to enter the 2023 competition, visit the BIJC website.
