BIJC, GIA to Offer Distance Learning Scholarships
They will cover the cost of earning a GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma for two students.

The BIJC x GIA Scholarship for Distance Education will cover the cost of earning a GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma via distance education for two students.
“BIJC is very excited to partner with the world-renowned Gemological Institute of America to provide GIA education expressly for BIJC members in the United States,” said Adrianne Sanogo, BIJC chair of education.
“The two Graduate Gemologist Distance Education scholarships being offered provide access to educational opportunities for aspiring Black professionals or established professionals looking to expand their career. BIJC is honored to work with GIA on promoting diversity and inclusion in the gem and jewelry industry.”
Though most of the program is online, there are three lab classes that need to be taken in-person at GIA’s Carlsbad, California, or New York City campus to complete the program.
Applicants do need to be BIJC members, but the first year of membership is free.
A BIJC membership provides access to scholarship and career opportunities, development resources, visibility on the public-facing membership directory, invites to members-only events, and more.
To apply, log into the member portal on the BIJC website and go to the “Grants & Scholarships” section.
Applications must be submitted before the Nov. 30 deadline.
The Latest

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

JVC also announced the election of five new board members.

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.


Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.





















