AGS, GIA Award Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to Second-Gen Jeweler
Natalie Wolf DiModica of James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, Ohio, is this year’s recipient.
Natalie Wolf DiModica, CSA, of James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, Ohio, is this year’s recipient.
Born in Loveland, Ohio, DiModica was raised in the jewelry business. Her father, James Wolf, and mother, Laura, founded the store in 2001.
Though she received an undergraduate degree in biology from Ohio Northern University, her path veered toward the jewelry world.
She is now a second-generation member of her family’s store, and said she hopes to pass it along to her daughter in 20 years or so.
“It is an honor to receive this scholarship and represent both my company and Beatrice Shipley,” said DiModica “I am beyond grateful to AGS and GIA for this opportunity to advance in the jewelry industry. I am so excited to continue my education in gemology.”
AGS and GIA created the award in 2019 in honor of businesswoman Beatrice Shipley.
Beatrice and her husband, Robert Shipley, founded both organizations in the 1930s, cashing in their savings to establish them. Their goals were to educate jewelers, professionalize the industry, and create a jewelers guild.
The award covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program online or on campus in Carlsbad, California.
It also covers the costs of the AGS Way Course as well as entry to the 2023 AGS Conclave event, set to take place in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 1–3.
Though established with GIA, the award is administered by AGS to a member of its organization.
“It’s always so tough to pick just one recipient for the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society.
“This year’s applicants were no exception. We had so many wonderful submissions and were inspired by the stories they shared and their commitment to bettering themselves through education. Natalie’s submission was compelling, and we’re pleased to give her this honor.”
GIA CEO Susan Jacques shared her congratulations.
“Beatrice Shipley’s legacy is evident in everything that AGS and GIA do, especially in this scholarship. Congratulations to Natalie Wolf DiModica for earning this scholarship. We wish her great success and know that this education will empower her to accomplish her goals.”
The Latest
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.