The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the recipients and nominees for the 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards, recognizing individuals and companies for their influence on creativity, resilience, and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the jewelry industry.
This year’s top honors celebrate achievements ranging from cultural impact to allyship and rising talent, reflecting the coalition’s mission to advance inclusivity within the jewelry sector.
Rock the Jewels Award: Eddie Plein
Eddie Plein, a recognized leader in custom grills, received BIJC’s Rock the Jewels Award. His work in the field has expanded the boundaries of jewelry design, bridging the art form with cultural identity, especially within the hip-hop community.
The Rock the Jewels Award is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to the jewelry industry and the Black community. Plein’s career demonstrates the evolving connection between jewelry and cultural expression.
Shining Together Award: Ben Bridge
The Shining Together Award, given to Ben Bridge this year, acknowledges allies in the industry who support BIJC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
BIJC Board Chairman stated, “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.”
Additional Award Categories and Nominees
BIJC will also present awards in two additional categories, recognizing behind-the-scenes contributions and emerging talent.
Behind the Shine Award Nominees
The Behind the Shine Award acknowledges individuals who have made significant, though less visible, contributions to support BIJC’s mission. This year’s nominees include:
- 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
Rising Star Award Nominees
The Rising Star Award spotlights emerging designers who are making their mark in the jewelry industry. The nominees for this category are:
- Gwen Beloti of Gwen Beloti Collection
- Ola Erogbogbo of Deinté Fine Jewelry
- Symoné Currie of Metal x Wire
Upcoming Lifetime Achievement Award
The BIJC Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises long-term contributions to the jewelry industry, will be announced at the event.
The 2024 Rock the Jewels Awards underscore BIJC’s dedication to fostering diversity, supporting emerging talent, and recognizing industry contributions that drive cultural impact and inclusion. Jewelers and other industry professionals interested in attending the awards event can find more information and ticketing details at Blackinjewelry.org/events/rock-the-jewels.
