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
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
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.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
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.
