Emerging Brands Can Apply for WJA’s Business Development Program
The application deadline is Feb. 28.

In its second year, the project is a business development program for young jewelry brands.
Over a period of six months, participants are matched with a seasoned jewelry professional for one-on-one mentorship. Mentors meet their mentees once per month over Zoom to provide feedback on design, production, marketing, and business.
Additionally, the Jewelry Loupe Project participants attend virtual workshops on sessions related to aspects of their business.
Session topics are: concept and design; sourcing and materials; marketing and branding; packaging; pricing; wholesale and retail partnerships; ecommerce; and sales, showrooms, and tradeshows.
This year, De Beers is contributing to the project, offering its “Diamonds Foundation” online course for one year to participants. Typically, the course costs $250.
The Jewelry Loupe Project is completely free, aside from a $10 application fee.
Applicants must be WJA members (or join upon acceptance into the program), be a designer in their first five years of business, reside in the United States or Mexico, and be able to attend all virtual workshops and events.
WJA said it strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC designers, LGBTQIA+ designers, and people with disabilities.
The deadline to apply for the program is Feb. 28. Applicants will be notified by the end of March and the program will begin in April.
The program application and more information are available online.
The Latest

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon 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.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The organization also announced its board of directors.


Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.