SourcingApr 26, 2022
De Beers Sinks $2M Into Startup That Grows Kelp Forests Events & AwardsApr 27, 2022
WJA Takes Emerging Designer Mentorship Program Nationwide
De Beers is supporting the initiative.
New York—With support from De Beers, the Women’s Jewelry Association is expanding a jewelry design business incubator program across North America.
WJA chapter leaders in northern California created the Jewelry Loupe Project in 2019.
It sees new designers and emerging brands partner with industry mentors for individual support, as well as monthly instruction for the entire incubator group from expert contributors who work across the jewelry supply chain.
Past President of WJA’s Northern California Chapter and co-founder of San Francisco jewelry store FiatLux Marie McCarthy said: “I developed the Jewelry Loupe Project to not only assist emerging designers, as most mentorships do, but also to build a strong community of dynamic jewelers aided by a large group of industry veterans.
“From there, most participants actively aid in the program beyond their year, essentially paying it forward and continually fostering a large community network of jewelers.”
Now, De Beers is partnering with WJA to expand the Jewelry Loupe Project across North America, offering it to more designers with an emphasis on those from underserved and underrepresented communities, WJA said, such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ designers.
The project commenced this month, with 14 new and emerging designers selected to participate out of more than 100 applicants.
In addition to monthly Zoom meetings with their assigned mentors, designers will hear from experts via virtual sessions.
Topics and experts are as follows.
• Concept and design with Prerna Sethi and Lauren Harwell Godfrey
• Marketing and branding with Temi Adamoleukun and Alexei Angelides
• Wholesale and retail partnerships with Lauren Wolf and Alicia Goodwin
• Sourcing and materials with Jared Holstein and Noelle Habib
• Tradeshows and sales with Morgan Miller and Randi Molofsky
• Packaging with Scott Wolfe
• E-Commerce with Ariel Gordon Maffei
The six-month mentorship program concludes in September with a final studio critique in which designers share their collections with a formal sales pitch. Mentors and WJA representatives give feedback.
De Beers is also offering incubator designers complimentary access to its Diamond Foundation course.
President of De Beers North America Charles Stanley said, “One of De Beers’ company visions and goals for the future is to accelerate economic inclusion and support diverse voices to help shape the future of our business, communities, and society.
“We are proud to support WJA in the 2022 Jewelry Loupe Project as we are aligned in our core values.”
More information on the project is available online.
Those interested in acting as future mentors or sponsoring the project can contact WJA Membership and Operations Manager Rachel Jurisz at rachel@womensjewelryassociation.com.
Related stories will be right here …
WJA chapter leaders in northern California created the Jewelry Loupe Project in 2019.
It sees new designers and emerging brands partner with industry mentors for individual support, as well as monthly instruction for the entire incubator group from expert contributors who work across the jewelry supply chain.
Past President of WJA’s Northern California Chapter and co-founder of San Francisco jewelry store FiatLux Marie McCarthy said: “I developed the Jewelry Loupe Project to not only assist emerging designers, as most mentorships do, but also to build a strong community of dynamic jewelers aided by a large group of industry veterans.
“From there, most participants actively aid in the program beyond their year, essentially paying it forward and continually fostering a large community network of jewelers.”
Now, De Beers is partnering with WJA to expand the Jewelry Loupe Project across North America, offering it to more designers with an emphasis on those from underserved and underrepresented communities, WJA said, such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ designers.
The project commenced this month, with 14 new and emerging designers selected to participate out of more than 100 applicants.
In addition to monthly Zoom meetings with their assigned mentors, designers will hear from experts via virtual sessions.
Topics and experts are as follows.
• Concept and design with Prerna Sethi and Lauren Harwell Godfrey
• Marketing and branding with Temi Adamoleukun and Alexei Angelides
• Wholesale and retail partnerships with Lauren Wolf and Alicia Goodwin
• Sourcing and materials with Jared Holstein and Noelle Habib
• Tradeshows and sales with Morgan Miller and Randi Molofsky
• Packaging with Scott Wolfe
• E-Commerce with Ariel Gordon Maffei
The six-month mentorship program concludes in September with a final studio critique in which designers share their collections with a formal sales pitch. Mentors and WJA representatives give feedback.
De Beers is also offering incubator designers complimentary access to its Diamond Foundation course.
President of De Beers North America Charles Stanley said, “One of De Beers’ company visions and goals for the future is to accelerate economic inclusion and support diverse voices to help shape the future of our business, communities, and society.
“We are proud to support WJA in the 2022 Jewelry Loupe Project as we are aligned in our core values.”
More information on the project is available online.
Those interested in acting as future mentors or sponsoring the project can contact WJA Membership and Operations Manager Rachel Jurisz at rachel@womensjewelryassociation.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
