HERE WE ARE

HERE WE ARE is a strategic initiative aimed at tackling inequity and underrepresentation in the jewelry industry through meaningful action and impact. Launched in 2019, the program spotlights creators and raises industry awareness about key issues such as diversity, inclusion, equity, representation, and allyship.

Each year, in line with our mission and core values, we support a diverse range of jewelers, artists, and designers from across the United States. Through various programs, we provide year-round professional development, foster unique partnerships and collaborations, and offer individualized support.

HERE WE ARE PROGRAMS

PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS

During NYC Jewelry Week in November, HERE WE ARE (HWA) launches unique projects in collaboration with exceptional partners to support the individuals and businesses within the HWA program. These projects are tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of HWA participants. Previous partners have included 1stDibs, Muzo Emeralds, Greenwich St. Jewelers, and others.

HERE WE ARE AWARDS

Established in 2020, the HERE WE ARE Awards honor exceptional talent. Each year, three individuals demonstrating outstanding dedication to their craft receive financial awards sponsored by prominent industry organizations and businesses. Award recipients are announced annually during NYC Jewelry Week in November.

EXHIBITIONS AWARD $5000 – The Exhibition Award is granted to an established jeweler to produce an exhibition for NYCJW. Previous recipients include Lorraine West Jewelry, Third Crown, Angeley Martinez. and Lisette Scott of Jam+Rico. The Exhibitions Awards are sponsored by David Yurman.

EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS AWARDS $1500 – The Emerging Entrepreneurs Awards offers two awards of $1500 granted to emerging jewelers to expand their business. Previous recipients include Cheena Lee, Cindy Liebel, Dominique Renée, Jam & Rico, Harlin Jones, Metaalia Jewelry, Embirikos, Huckleberry Woman, El Techichi Jewelry, and Yacine Hamdani. The Emerging Entrepreneurs Awards are sponsored by Halstead.

EQUITY STATEMENT

NYC Jewelry Week is dedicated to equity and inclusion, and we are committed to our community through the following tenets: Awareness + Education + Empowerment + Opportunity + Sustainability.

We embrace responsibility and accountability, and commit to cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture within the jewelry community through our programs, our platform, and our initiatives. We take a stand against racism, and actively build an environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, mindfulness, relationships, and dialogue.

Our strategic initiatives were conceived to address barriers to entry for underrepresented jewelers by providing access to information and resources, creating professional and economic growth opportunities, and embracing accessibility and sustainability practices within the industry.

An inclusive community is made up of everyone, and our commitment to everyone is jewelry for all. We commit to the engagement and inclusion of everyone regardless of age, culture, liability, education, gender, gender identity, language, origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Through our platform we build a culture that is inclusive through awareness, education, and empowerment. Through our partnerships we provide opportunities that sustain the artists, designers, and creatives we serve.

Our goal is to empower our selectees and educate our audience through this exciting program. As part of our commitment to jewelry for all, it is essential that we create space for transparency within the industry. We are committed to taking action and recognize the importance of making this commitment public, as such we have outlined the ways in which we take ACTION and create IMPACT through the HERE WE ARE program:

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

HERE WE ARE is supported by businesses and brands committed to supporting equity in the jewelry industry. These brands dedicate both time and finances to ensure that the HWA platform can support the jewelers within it and make positive change in the jewelry industry. Previous sponsors and partners include: Greenwich St. Jewelers, Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), 1stDibs, Muzo Emeralds, David Yurman, Halstead, Alain Simic, Toby Myles, and Liz Kantner.

BECOME A SPONSOR

HERE WE ARE COMMITTEE

HWA is proudly served and directed by a Committee of industry professionals who steer the program’s yearly activities and support the HWA honorees with professional guidance and support. Committee members have included: Jennifer Gandia, Filecellia Sampson, Alain Simic, Karen Davidov, Chris Oliver, Andrea Rosales-Balcarcel and Lorraine West.