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
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
