Events & AwardsAug 21, 2023
MJSA Education Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships Events & AwardsAug 24, 2023
WJA Foundation Awards $54K in Scholarships
The organization presented scholarships to nine students across six categories.
Pictured here are the nine WJA Foundation scholarship winners. The organization awarded $54,000 in student scholarships for the 2023-2024 year.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation has awarded $54,000 in scholarships to nine students for the 2023-2024 year.
The funds are awarded to students looking to further their education and advance their careers in the jewelry industry.
Scholarship winners received awards in six categories.
The “Radiant Minds Technology” scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Rosado, a student enrolled in University of California Berkeley’s Coding Boot Camp.
The award was created via a collaboration among the WJA Foundation, Jewelers Mutual Group, and the Black in Jewelry Coalition. The scholarship aims to provide women of color the education they need to be successful in tech-related jobs within the jewelry and watch industry.
The recipient will receive funding for a training or certification program focused on software engineering, including user-experience design, data analytics, and front and back-end design and web development, at a school of their choice, that will then be approved by the scholarship committee.
The WJA Foundation, in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America, awarded diversity scholarships to Gwen Beloti, Nicole Cisneros, Emi Harase, and Tadiwanashe Madzime.
The diversity scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, that are looking to take courses through GIA Education, either on-campus or online.
Recipients can choose from a number of GIA courses, including the Applied Jewelry Professional diploma program and Diamond Essentials and Diamonds and Diamond Grading courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and Jewelry Design certificate course.
Related stories will be right here …
The funds are awarded to students looking to further their education and advance their careers in the jewelry industry.
Scholarship winners received awards in six categories.
The “Radiant Minds Technology” scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Rosado, a student enrolled in University of California Berkeley’s Coding Boot Camp.
The award was created via a collaboration among the WJA Foundation, Jewelers Mutual Group, and the Black in Jewelry Coalition. The scholarship aims to provide women of color the education they need to be successful in tech-related jobs within the jewelry and watch industry.
The recipient will receive funding for a training or certification program focused on software engineering, including user-experience design, data analytics, and front and back-end design and web development, at a school of their choice, that will then be approved by the scholarship committee.
The WJA Foundation, in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America, awarded diversity scholarships to Gwen Beloti, Nicole Cisneros, Emi Harase, and Tadiwanashe Madzime.
The diversity scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, that are looking to take courses through GIA Education, either on-campus or online.
Recipients can choose from a number of GIA courses, including the Applied Jewelry Professional diploma program and Diamond Essentials and Diamonds and Diamond Grading courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and Jewelry Design certificate course.
The Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship was awarded to GIA student Cydney Elliott.
The $5,000 scholarship was established and funded by the Gabriel Love Foundation of Gabriel & Co. to support the recipient’s professional growth within the jewelry industry. It’s given to a student who wants to use their jewelry industry careers to improve their communities and give back through charitable efforts of their own.
The Cindy Edelstein Scholarship, created in honor of the late Cindy Edelstein, a longtime WJA board member, was awarded to Casey Perez.
The scholarship is presented in memory of Edelstein, known for her advocacy for up-and-coming jewelry designers.
In that same spirit, the $5,000 award is given to emerging fine jewelry designers and “memorializes Edelstein’s tireless pursuit of educating, mentoring, and coaching these entrepreneurs,” said the WJA Foundation.
The recipient can use the scholarship toward jewelry design, metalsmithing, or business courses focused on improving their artistry and jewelry business.
The foundation also awards scholarships to students enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing programs at accredited colleges, universities, or training schools between Aug. 1 and July 31, 2024.
This year’s “Designer Category” winner is Julia King of the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The “Designer/Creator Category” winner is Betsy Yates of the New Approach School.
Funds for the scholarships are raised through individual donations and fundraising events and initiatives held throughout the year, including WJA’s upcoming 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala Fundraiser taking place on Nov. 2 in New York City.
For more information or to donate, visit the WJA Foundation website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
