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
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
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
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
