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.”
The Latest

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.


The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.

Sponsored by De Beers Group

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.

Fellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.

The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Black Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.

The historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.

The retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.

The eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.

Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.

In addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.

Witt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.

Laurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.

The man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.

The single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.

Michael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.

The guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Rosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.





















