Events
April 25, 2022- April 27, 2022
The AGS Conclave “Let’s Discuss Legacy”
The American Gem Society’s (AGS) International Conclave met in Oklahoma City, OK on Monday, April 25 through Wednesday, April 27, with pre-Conclave events that started Sunday, April 24.
Considered one of the primary benefits of membership in the AGS, Conclave is held in a new location each year, and features leading national speakers and industry experts, all teaching a variety of topics ranging from gemological training to sales, leadership, and marketing sessions.
Conclave was three days of jam-packed education and relationship building with some pre-conference fun starting on Sunday night! During the event, attendees had access to three phenomenal speakers, features speakers, and plenty of breakout speakers. What’s that mean to the attendees? It adds up to 15 hours of education! But wait, there’s more. We sprinkled in 20 hours’ worth of social activities, including networking breaks and events.
February 17, 2022 — 1:00 PM ET (US & Canada)
WJA + BIJC | Celebrating Black History Month with Leading Black Women in the Jewelry & Watch Industry
Join Black in Jewelry Coalition and the Women’s Jewelry Association for an inspiring webinar on Thursday, February 17th at 1pm EST / 10am PST as we bring together women who are making a big impact advancing professional opportunities for Black women in the jewelry and watch industry.
WJA and BIJC members will share how they are celebrating Black heritage in their businesses, and how you can support them throughout the year too!
The panel includes: Lotanna Amina Okpukpara (Mina Stones), Nellie Barnett (GIA), Malyia McNaughton (Made by Malyia), and Adrianne Sanogo (Graduate Gemologist), moderated by Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (JVC).
- Hear from WJA and BIJC Members about how they are celebrating their heritage this month and throughout the year, and working towards a more inclusive industry.
- Learn about industry-wide initiatives that are helping to advance and shape more opportunities for Black jewelry professionals, and how you can get involved and support these impactful activities.
- Understand how you can better educate yourself on diversity, equity and inclusion and how that will positively impact the future of your business, including your staff, your clients and your overall bottom line
February 16, 2022 — 2:00 PM ET (US & Canada)
Panel Discussion: Encounters with Bias and Racism
Listen to first-person accounts of bias and racism in the retail setting (from both consumers and employees), and learn how each encounter could have been avoided. The panel will be led by Reggie Johnson, Chief Diversity Officer/Senior VP at Signet Jewelers and a director for the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
January 19, 2022 — 2:OOPM ET (US and Canada)
“Get Rid of the BS.”
Risha Grant, a renowned expert on diversity and inclusion with a “no-holds-barred” style, will tackle hard but necessary questions about how to address social unrest and racial injustice. She’ll also offer practical advice for how to confront and get past biases to create more respectful, diverse, and inclusive communities.
friday, june 18, 2021 — 7:00 PM EST
BIJC's Juneteenth Celebration
Connect with us as we commemorate the 156th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the United States! As we celebrate this historic event, we also want to highlight & support rich Black culture.
BIJC will be hosting a virtual event via zoom with Chef Rudy as our special guest. Held on Friday June 18th, at 7:00pm.
Chef Rudy (Instagram @ChefRudyStraker) will be making a mouthwatering Jerk Chicken entrée & a thirst-quenching Watermelon Mojito Cocktail.
The supply list is provided in the link below! Will be sent out soon. Let’s celebrate culture, talent, and history for a very special Juneteenth. Can’t wait to see you there!
wednesday, april 14, 2021 — 10:00 aM EST
Sister to Sister
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and USAID’s Zahabu Safi Project will hold a unique fireside chat webinar, “Sister to Sister: Creating relationships to support responsible sourcing of artisanal gold from Africa.”
This virtual event, which will be held Wednesday, April 14 at 10am ET, provides a space for panelists and participants to exchange information about their respective businesses, and discuss opportunities for success. Participants of the webinar learn how to responsibly source artisanal gold directly from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Featured panelists include:
Dr. Njanju Namazuba Zouzou, President of the Mineral Cooperative of Ukingo (Luhihi, South Kivu, DRC)
Huguette Kaleba Ngoie Kasongo, co-founder of SOGECOMI, a social enterprise whose goal is to improve the lives and wellbeing of mining communities in DRC through responsible sourcing and export of minerals
Ella Mindja, Zahabu Safi Project Officer and Community Liaison
The session will be moderated by BIJC’s: Lotanna Amina Egwatu, Creative Director and Principal at Mina Stones and Patricia Mweene, Founder and Creative Director, INONGE ZITA Jewellery/ Gemstone Value Chain Specialist
This free event is available to all.
Thursday, february 25, 2021 — 7:00 PM EST
Aldis Hodge: The One to Watch
Aldis is a force to be reckoned with, not only in the watch industry but in the entertainment industry as well. From “One Night In Miami” to horology, Aldis has us on the edge of our seats with his creative brilliance. Join us for a conversation about his journey into horology, the importance of representation and what it’s like to work in multiple industries.
The interview will be followed by Virtual Game Night. A celebration of Black History Month. #MoreThanAMonth #ShiningTogether
(Aldis’ image by Tim Swallow)
Thursday, february 11, 2021 — 6:30 PM EST
Sheryl Jones: A Rare Diamond in the District
Fri, November 6, 2020 — 8:00 PM EST
Happy Hour to Celebrate the Launch of BIJC
Join us for a celebration! On 6th of November at 8pm EST on Zoom, Meet and Network with fellow Black Jewelry Industry Professionals and allies. We will have a fun jewelry themes scavenger hunt, introduce you to the board and share details about what we have planned!
