The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
WJA Announces 2016 Female Veteran Grant Winner
It has been awarded to Tara Hutchinson of Tara Hutch Fine Jewelry in San Antonio, Texas, who served a 10-year tour in the U.S. Army as a military police officer.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has awarded its 2016 Female Veteran Grant to Tara Hutchinson of Tara Hutch Fine Jewelry in San Antonio, Texas.
Hutchinson, who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, served a 10-year tour in the U.S. Army as a military police officer, retiring as a sergeant first class.
While she was deployed to Iraq in 2006, an explosive device severed her right leg, causing significant blood loss that led to severe limb movement disorder, third-degree burns, permanent back injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Hutchinson started making jewelry after an occupational therapist suggested trying a hobby that might help her gain control in her hands once again.
When she first began, she could barely string a large wooden bead onto a leather cord.
“Nonetheless, I’ve never been one to give up, and a stubborn need to succeed demanded I keep moving until I mastered this task,” Hutchinson said. “This achievement ignited a spark for jewelry creation, and practically in a frenzy, I began teaching myself everything I could about the craft. I gradually built a library of materials and techniques, and eventually my garage turned into a fully furnished jeweler’s studio. I began practicing all day, every day, and shockingly, within a year, my movement disorder had almost vanished.”
These days, she uses such techniques as forging, soldering, stone setting, chasing, fusing and patinas to make her jewelry.
Hutchinson specializes in two finger rings, open-top rings and jewelry that incorporates organic shapes. She also creates jewelry that caters to women with swollen knuckles or who have difficulty opening and closing clasps.
She sells her jewelry through her website and social media, as well as at local and national juried shows.
The WJA’s merit-based Female Veteran Grant, offered in partnership with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., goes to a deserving military veteran to use towards her profession growth in the jewelry and/or watch industries.
It was established last year to lend support to women veterans who continue to serve their communities through their work in jewelry. Jenifer Bellefleur, who worked as an explosive ordnance disposal technician in the U.S. Army, was the recipient of the first grant.
Hutchinson said she plans to use the grant to create custom packaging and displays. As she expands her jewelry into the wholesale business, her other goals are to open a new climate-controlled location with more space where she could teach, and, in
Another of her goals is to use part of her jewelry sales to give back to charities that help survivors. Her aim, she said, is to help women with similar issues become independent and self-reliant.
The WJA raises money for its various grants and scholarships in a number of ways, including through its annual Awards for Excellence.
This year’s awards are scheduled to take place Monday at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Awards will be given across 10 categories, including design, retail, editorial media and watches.
Two honorees will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards: Sissy Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin and Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers. Ben Bridge Jeweler will be awarded the WJA Corporate Award.
More information, including how to purchase tickets and sponsorship opportunities, is available on WJA’s website.
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.