IndependentsMay 20, 2021
DCA, GIA Partner on ScholarshipsEvents & AwardsJul 22, 2021
Here Are the WJA Foundation’s 2021 Scholarship Winners
The recipients are receiving a total $35,000 in five scholarship categories.
The WJA Foundation is giving $35,000 in scholarship funds for the 2021-2022 program year.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation has announced this year’s scholarship recipients.
Receiving a total of $35,000, all are students in accredited programs focused on jewelry-making and design, the foundation said.
There are five scholarship categories, each awarding recipients between $1,000 and $5,000.
They are: the Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship; the Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship; Designer Category (based on designs by the student, including CAD and drawings); Designer/Creator Category (based on images of finished pieces that are designed and created by the student); and Non-Designer Category (essay-based for those studying to be a gemologist, appraiser, watch-maker, bench jeweler, or retailer).
The Cindy Edelstein Scholarship, created to honor the legacy of long-time WJA board member and designer advocate Cindy Edelstein, is awarded to Beth Zwiacher, a student at the Gemological Institute of America.
The scholarship awards $5,000 to emerging fine jewelry designers or artisans.
The Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship, also a $5,000 award, was established and funded by Gabriel & Co.'s Gabriel Love Foundation.
It’s intended to help students who want to achieve professional growth in the industry and looks for applicants who plan to use their careers in jewelry to improve communities and participate in charitable efforts.
This year’s scholarship has been awarded to Joanna Parrish, a student at Bennet Street School.
Related stories will be right here …
Receiving a total of $35,000, all are students in accredited programs focused on jewelry-making and design, the foundation said.
There are five scholarship categories, each awarding recipients between $1,000 and $5,000.
They are: the Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship; the Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship; Designer Category (based on designs by the student, including CAD and drawings); Designer/Creator Category (based on images of finished pieces that are designed and created by the student); and Non-Designer Category (essay-based for those studying to be a gemologist, appraiser, watch-maker, bench jeweler, or retailer).
The Cindy Edelstein Scholarship, created to honor the legacy of long-time WJA board member and designer advocate Cindy Edelstein, is awarded to Beth Zwiacher, a student at the Gemological Institute of America.
The scholarship awards $5,000 to emerging fine jewelry designers or artisans.
The Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship, also a $5,000 award, was established and funded by Gabriel & Co.'s Gabriel Love Foundation.
It’s intended to help students who want to achieve professional growth in the industry and looks for applicants who plan to use their careers in jewelry to improve communities and participate in charitable efforts.
This year’s scholarship has been awarded to Joanna Parrish, a student at Bennet Street School.
Additional 2021 winners are:
--Christiane Gozashti, Gemological Institute of America;
--Xinchen Li, UW Wisconsin;
--Barbara Salinas, FIT;
--Jennifer Foote, Academy of Art Institute;
--Allison Ice, University of Kansas;
--Sky Gilbert, Winthrop University;
--Naomi Chicoine, San Diego State;
--Amber Kimlick, University of North Carolina;
--Spriha Baid, Gemological Institute of America; and
--Sarah Fam, Gemological Institute of America.
WJA raises funds for the foundation’s scholarships at its annual Awards for Excellence gala.
This year, the event will be centered on WJA’s 2021 organizational theme, “Building Resilience for Responsible Business.”
It will aim to raise funds to continue the organization’s programming and charitable giving, including its diversity, equity, and inclusion events, as well as the new Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Education Fund to support the development of more responsible business leaders within the industry.
The 2021 Awards for Excellence will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
An online auction will accompany the event, with proceeds also supporting WJA Foundation’s grants and scholarship programs.
To learn more, visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com.
Those interested in making donations to the foundation can do so online at any time.
Future WJA membership grant opportunities will open Sept. 1 and close Oct. 31.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
