Events & AwardsMar 02, 2022
WJA Foundation Announces Grant WinnersEvents & AwardsMar 23, 2022
WJA to Award $25K in GIA Diversity Scholarships
The scholarships will go to those in underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
The WJA Foundation will award $25,000 in student scholarships that can be used toward on-campus or online courses offered by GIA Education.
New York—The Gemological Institute of America has pledged to fund new diversity scholarships in partnership with the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation.
The WJA Foundation will award $25,000 in student scholarships to those in underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
The scholarship funds can be used toward on-campus or online courses offered by GIA Education.
Applicants can select from a variety of GIA’s offerings, including its online Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma program and its “Diamond Essentials” and “Diamonds and Diamond Grading” courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and “Jewelry Design” certificate course.
“We know that access to education and capital are two important factors preventing well-deserving students and emerging designers from succeeding in the industry,” said Brandee Dallow, WJA Foundation president.
“WJA Foundation is thrilled to receive this generous funding from GIA to enable our organization to support more students who wish to enter the industry and professionals who are seeking to finish their studies without taking on a heavy financial burden.”
Related stories will be right here …
The WJA Foundation will award $25,000 in student scholarships to those in underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
The scholarship funds can be used toward on-campus or online courses offered by GIA Education.
Applicants can select from a variety of GIA’s offerings, including its online Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma program and its “Diamond Essentials” and “Diamonds and Diamond Grading” courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and “Jewelry Design” certificate course.
“We know that access to education and capital are two important factors preventing well-deserving students and emerging designers from succeeding in the industry,” said Brandee Dallow, WJA Foundation president.
“WJA Foundation is thrilled to receive this generous funding from GIA to enable our organization to support more students who wish to enter the industry and professionals who are seeking to finish their studies without taking on a heavy financial burden.”
The scholarships are open to new GIA students as well as those who are already enrolled in GIA’s Distance Education Program and are seeking funds to register for their next course or lab class.
“WJA Foundation is dedicated to providing educational and business opportunities that allow individuals to reach their full potential,” said WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas.
“We recognize that we operate in an industry that has many barriers to entry, especially for those from underserved communities. WJA Foundation is committed to being a more inclusive organization and will continue evaluating its funding model to enable more emerging talent to start and elevate their careers in jewelry, gemstones or timepieces. We aim to continue growing and learning as an organization and presenting more opportunities like these in the future.”
To learn more about GIA education, visit the GIA website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
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.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
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.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
