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 jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.


Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.