6 Reasons to Swing by the BIJC Booth in Las Vegas

By Amy Elliott | June 01, 2023

First day of the 2023 JCK show! Welcome to Las Vegas, friends, welcome!

But where to begin?

Earlier this month JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky shared her hit list for the JCK and Luxury shows, and it includes a mention of the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) Collective’s booth, which will be a hotbed of fresh, emerging talent. That might be reason enough to make Booth 10042 one of the first stops on your show agenda—there you will find six Black-owned jewelry brands: Deinté Fine Jewelry, Dorian Webb, James Mack Fine Jewelry, KuQala Diamonds, Nungu Diamonds, and Simone I. Smith.

“All of these talented Black jewelry designers and gemstone dealers are exhibiting at JCK for the first time,” says Nellie Barnett, BIJC chair of communications. “They all have a unique style, and it’s an international mix of talent.”

The six jewelers at the BIJC booth were selected after BIJC put out an open call to designers who might interested in exhibiting at the 2023 edition of JCK Las Vegas, an opportunity made possible (for the second year in a row) by the JCK Industry Fund.

What makes these brands stand out? For the definitive answer, you’ll have to stop by the booth. But here’s a peek at what each of the six is bringing in terms of background, chops, and vision—effectively giving us six compelling reasons to take a look. See you there!

Deinté Fine Jewelry
Created by Ola Erogbogbo, this Nigerian line of high-end fine jewelry entered the U.S. market in 2021. Deinté Fine Jewelry (it’s pronounced “dainty”) is well known for engagement and wedding rings but also makes earrings, pendants, cuff links, bangles and bracelets for women and men, children’s jewelry, custom pieces, and more—including the colossal canary diamond ring pictured at top. The family-owned company was established in 1983 and has two retail stores in Lagos, the Nigerian capital.

Dorian Webb
Based in Oakland, Calif., Dorian Webb creates intentional pieces that celebrate women and embrace African American culture. Webb founded her eponymous company while studying architecture at Yale University, having been inspired by the artistry of Venetian glassblowing. Her colorful, organic designs subtly reflect this influence in a range of motifs and price points, including options in sterling silver.

James Mack Fine Jewelry
Miami-based James Mack Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from the architecture of major cities, luxury yachts, and automobiles, all while using sustainably sourced diamonds. Owner and designer James McCullar, a first-generation jeweler, strives to offer unique and innovative jewelry that stands out from the crowd.

James Mack design — *James Mack Fine Jewelry*

KuQala Diamonds
Founded by Jeffery Bolling of Denver’s Jeffery B. Jewelers and his son Christian Bolling, KuQala Diamonds is a diamond supplier and fine jewelry brand that specializes in South African diamonds. Rooted in a deep sense of commitment to the African continent and its people, KuQala seeks to empower local businesses and entrepreneurs so the diamond industry can have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Nungu Diamonds
Owned by Kealeboga Pule, Nungu Diamonds is a diamond-centered jewelry brand and boutique based in South Africa. Chic, wearable fine fashion jewelry and classic-with-a-twist bridal pieces are the focus.

Simone I. Smith
A brand offering both fashion and fine jewelry, Simone I. Smith recently collaborated with music superstar Mary J. Blige on a capsule called Sister Love (the hoops—so good!). The entire line is equal parts feminine, bold, and playful, and its latest men’s collection features Smith’s husband and brand ambassador, rap legend LL Cool J, and celebrates 50 years of hip-hop.