who we are
About Us
black in jewelry coalition
how did we form?
During the social awakening that happened in the summer of 2020, many people in the jewelry industry were trying to find ways to end systemic racism and improve diversity and inclusion. After receiving many inquiries, a group of Black professionals decided to meet in August to discuss solutions. From there the Black in Jewelry Coalition was formed. The first international non-profit membership association dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals within the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.
“…Even as we grieved, we grew…even as we hurt, we hoped…even as we tired, we tried.” -Amanda Gorman
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
– James Baldwin
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Frequently Asked
Questions And Answers
Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) Association’s mission is for the advancement of Black professionals within the gem and jewelry industry through networking, education, representation and an abundance of resources. We promote change in our industry with the fundamental understanding that by uniting our resources and partnering with allies, we cultivate growth and create opportunities through an alliance that is for us, by us. Our strategies include providing tools and resources for professional success and growth, and recruitment for increased representation through heightened awareness.
During the social awakening that happened in the summer of 2020, many people in the jewelry industry were trying to find ways to end systemic racism and improve diversity and inclusion. After receiving many inquiries, a group of Black professionals decided to meet in August to discuss solutions. From there the Black in Jewelry Coalition was formed. The first international non-profit membership association dedicated to the inclusion and advancement of Black professionals within the gem and jewelry, and watch industry.
BIJC is the first international non-profit membership organization for the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry and watch industry. This is also the only organization created by Black professionals that has representation on the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors from every sector of the jewelry industry. We are looking to partner with similar groups where appropriate.
These memberships are sponsored by the corporate membership dues for the first year of BIJC. Each corporate membership funds a certain number of individual memberships. For more see the membership application page.
Yes, we are an international membership organization.
Jewelry designers can look forward to a consumer-facing directory of Black-owned designers, access to funding and resources for developing relationships with major distributors, manufacturers, miners and gem dealers. Students will have access to exclusive scholarships and internships. BIJC will also develop programming and resources focused on establishing diversity in the hiring process – including senior leadership development – and closing the pay gap in the jewelry industry for the BIPOC community and more.
Becoming a member of BIJC offers exclusive access to a diverse community of professionals. Members are offered scholarship and career opportunities, resources for development, visibility on the public facing membership directory, invitations to members only events and more. Visit Blackinjewelry.org to become a member and learn more.
Please forward any media inquiries to Nellie Barnett: blackinjewelrypress@gmail.com
