JCK’s first diversity grant has gone to the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), which will use the funds in its efforts to help Black professionals progress in the industry.

“This grant helps us hit the ground running with many of the initiatives we have planned this year and beyond,” BIJC president and cofounder Annie Doresca said last week.

The JCK Industry Fund will help BIJC — the first international nonprofit membership organization for Black professionals in the jewelry trade — secure a membership portal and database. The database will provide members with access to a job board, internship opportunities and other resources. The funds will also support a public-facing membership directory, and contribute to the creation of educational content and a partnership with JCK shows.

“The JCK Industry Fund has always been about leading positive change in our industry, and funds are directed each year to where they are needed most and to where significant impacts can be achieved,” noted Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of JCK owner Reed Jewelry Group. “BIJC’s mission and action plans are highly deserving of our first-ever grant to support diversity and inclusion, and BIJC’s initiatives will be immensely beneficial to the entire jewelry industry and the growth of our industry in the future.”

BIJC was formed in November by a group of Black industry members. The coalition is open to all professionals throughout the industry pipeline.