AGS, GIA Award Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to Second-Gen Jeweler
Natalie Wolf DiModica of James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, Ohio, is this year’s recipient.
Natalie Wolf DiModica, CSA, of James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, Ohio, is this year’s recipient.
Born in Loveland, Ohio, DiModica was raised in the jewelry business. Her father, James Wolf, and mother, Laura, founded the store in 2001.
Though she received an undergraduate degree in biology from Ohio Northern University, her path veered toward the jewelry world.
She is now a second-generation member of her family’s store, and said she hopes to pass it along to her daughter in 20 years or so.
“It is an honor to receive this scholarship and represent both my company and Beatrice Shipley,” said DiModica “I am beyond grateful to AGS and GIA for this opportunity to advance in the jewelry industry. I am so excited to continue my education in gemology.”
AGS and GIA created the award in 2019 in honor of businesswoman Beatrice Shipley.
Beatrice and her husband, Robert Shipley, founded both organizations in the 1930s, cashing in their savings to establish them. Their goals were to educate jewelers, professionalize the industry, and create a jewelers guild.
The award covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program online or on campus in Carlsbad, California.
It also covers the costs of the AGS Way Course as well as entry to the 2023 AGS Conclave event, set to take place in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 1–3.
Though established with GIA, the award is administered by AGS to a member of its organization.
“It’s always so tough to pick just one recipient for the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society.
“This year’s applicants were no exception. We had so many wonderful submissions and were inspired by the stories they shared and their commitment to bettering themselves through education. Natalie’s submission was compelling, and we’re pleased to give her this honor.”
GIA CEO Susan Jacques shared her congratulations.
“Beatrice Shipley’s legacy is evident in everything that AGS and GIA do, especially in this scholarship. Congratulations to Natalie Wolf DiModica for earning this scholarship. We wish her great success and know that this education will empower her to accomplish her goals.”
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