Policies & Issues

WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education Fund

Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2021

WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education Fund

It comes as the organization restructures its grant and scholarship opportunities under a new framework with pillars.

2021_WJA-Foundation.jpg
New York—A new fund from the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation will strengthen education in responsible sourcing and sustainability.

The Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund is designed to support “mindful leaders who will emerge and help innovate the future of the jewelry and watch industries, with the goal of protecting people and the planet for generations to come,” the organization said.

The WJA Foundation will help professionals with their ongoing education in the area by collaborating with leading institutions and organizations.

One of these is NYU’s Stern School of Business Executive Education, offering courses such as “Corporate Sustainability” from Professor Tensie Whelan, director of Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business and former president of the Rainforest Alliance.

Additionally, current WJA members will get a special enrollment rate on all NYU Stern Executive Education sustainability courses with their membership.

Individual donations, corporate contributions, and sponsorships are now being accepted for the new fund. For more information or to donate, visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com

Coinciding with its launch, WJA Foundation said it is restructuring its grant and scholarship opportunities under a new framework, which will now have pillars: General Education Fund for students looking to enter or further their careers in the jewelry and watch industries; Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund; and future pillars to be announced in the future. 

“This level of intention enables us to be more involved in the pressing needs of our industry and equip future leaders accordingly,” said WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas.

“I’m optimistic in how the WJA Foundation will continue to play a key role in shaping the industry’s future through more targeted giving initiatives like the Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund.”
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Retrouvaí flying pig signet ring
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale Report

The report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.

AGTA 17th edition gemstone information manual
SourcingAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’

The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”

Hand pushing a shopping cart
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties

Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Boucheron Goutte Eternity Question Mark
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ Necklaces

The campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.

Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Harry Winston Rare Jewels of the World
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in Shanghai

It will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.

Alnesha Bianca Handy and James Arthur Graves Graham Jr.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious Metals

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Technology Therapy Group Founder and CEO Jennifer Shaheen
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to Buy

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

SSEF logo
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education Scholarships

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

Brent Neale x Blackberry Farm Blackberry Pendants
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With Jewelry

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Genna Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in Business

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.

Rio Grande Metalwerx Argentium Silver leaves
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver Workshop

The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

Jewelry at JIS Miami
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 Registration

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

Interior of Dick’s Sporting Goods store
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Gemstone AI app screenshots
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is Here

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

Lianna Carter, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Koslowski, Erin Perry, Heran Wang
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship Winners

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The Plumb Club 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 Board

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every Day

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Former GJEPC Chairman and second-generation Indian diamantaire Vasant Mehta
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

Alfredo Colmenero-Martinez and Jarren Frazier
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash Robbery

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy