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New York, NY--The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) revealed the winners of the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards during a ceremony on November 21 at Elsie Rooftop in New York City. According to Professional Jeweller, the awards recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to innovation, diversity, and progress in the jewelry industry.

Proceeds from the event will support the Future Jewelers Academy, a program introducing high school students to jewelry design and craftsmanship. The program, launched with the Brooklyn STEAM Center and supported by Jewelers Mutual, aims to promote diversity within the industry, Professional Jeweller reported.

The winners of the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards are:

• Behind the Shine Award: Anna Samsonova, for her work advancing BIJC initiatives and events.
• Rising Star Award: Gwen Beloti, for her size-inclusive gold jewelry designs.
• Shining Together Award: Ben Bridge Jewelers, for their diversity initiatives, including the Lonia Tate Scholarship.
• Rock the Jewels Award: Eddie Plein, for pioneering custom grills and reshaping jewelry’s cultural significance, especially in hip-hop.

Per the report, BIJC Chairwoman Malyia McNaughton highlighted the importance of education and inclusion in the industry. She stated that programs like the Future Jewelers Academy help ensure the industry’s growth and representation of diverse communities.

Learn more in this report.