Events & AwardsMar 02, 2023
WJA Honors Helene Fortunoff With New ScholarshipMajorsApr 26, 2023
WJA Announces 2023 Jewelry Loupe Project Participants
Following a record number of applicants, 14 emerging designers were selected for the mentorship program, now in its fifth year.
The 14 designers who will participate in the 2023 Jewelry Loupe Project are (from left to right): Maura Green, Renata Cambauva, Alice Son, Caitlin Velázquez-Fagley, Betsy Yates, Sardwell, Tamsin Rasor, Ava Schlesinger, June Cream, Jennifer Hillyer, Kelly Lannen, Sarah Bernstein, Olivia Sugarman, and Tiffany Bausch Weld.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has announced the new cohort of participants for its nationwide mentorship program, the Jewelry Loupe Project.
WJA selected 14 emerging designers, all within their first five years of business, for a spot in the six-month mentorship program.
The participating designers are Alice Son, Ava Schlesinger, Betsy Yates, Caitlin Velázquez-Fagley, Jennifer Hillyer, June Cream, Kelly Lannen, Maura Green, Olivia Sugarman, Renata Cambauva, Sarah Bernstein, Sardwell, Tamsin Rasor, and Tiffany Bausch Weld.
Over 100 applications were received for this year’s program—a record number for the organization.
“Now in its fifth year, WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project is a staple program in our community,” said WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas.
“The level of mentorship, training and networking these emerging designers receive is really unparalleled. We are proud of the designers that commit to the rigorous program, and we are grateful for the mentors and experts who dedicate so much of their time to uplift the next generation of designers and business owners.”
During the April to September program duration, participants will be paired with a mentor to develop marketing strategies and business acumen and launch their first line.
This year’s mentors are comprised of designers, on-air talent, and seasoned industry professionals. They are Angela Monaco, April Higashi, Ariel Gordon, Valerie Madison, Marie McCarthy, Viviana Langhoff, Michele Lau, Victoria Wieck, Morgan Miller, Rekha-Leigh Punch, Tanya Parikh, Jacqueline Raffi, Kate Rogowski, Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, and Lilly Mullen.
Anna Samsonova of Samsonova Consulting, a special projects consultant to WJA, is helping facilitate the expert sessions and coordinate parts of the program.
The Jewelry Loupe Project is free for participants. Over the course of the program, designers will attend virtual sessions hosted by experts in design, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, retail, packaging, and pricing.
The program culminates in the fall with critique and constructive feedback from mentors as designers prepare to launch their collections.
To date, WJA has trained and mentored nearly 50 emerging designers, the organization said.
Related stories will be right here …
WJA selected 14 emerging designers, all within their first five years of business, for a spot in the six-month mentorship program.
The participating designers are Alice Son, Ava Schlesinger, Betsy Yates, Caitlin Velázquez-Fagley, Jennifer Hillyer, June Cream, Kelly Lannen, Maura Green, Olivia Sugarman, Renata Cambauva, Sarah Bernstein, Sardwell, Tamsin Rasor, and Tiffany Bausch Weld.
Over 100 applications were received for this year’s program—a record number for the organization.
“Now in its fifth year, WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project is a staple program in our community,” said WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas.
“The level of mentorship, training and networking these emerging designers receive is really unparalleled. We are proud of the designers that commit to the rigorous program, and we are grateful for the mentors and experts who dedicate so much of their time to uplift the next generation of designers and business owners.”
During the April to September program duration, participants will be paired with a mentor to develop marketing strategies and business acumen and launch their first line.
This year’s mentors are comprised of designers, on-air talent, and seasoned industry professionals. They are Angela Monaco, April Higashi, Ariel Gordon, Valerie Madison, Marie McCarthy, Viviana Langhoff, Michele Lau, Victoria Wieck, Morgan Miller, Rekha-Leigh Punch, Tanya Parikh, Jacqueline Raffi, Kate Rogowski, Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, and Lilly Mullen.
Anna Samsonova of Samsonova Consulting, a special projects consultant to WJA, is helping facilitate the expert sessions and coordinate parts of the program.
The Jewelry Loupe Project is free for participants. Over the course of the program, designers will attend virtual sessions hosted by experts in design, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, retail, packaging, and pricing.
The program culminates in the fall with critique and constructive feedback from mentors as designers prepare to launch their collections.
To date, WJA has trained and mentored nearly 50 emerging designers, the organization said.
The Jewelry Loupe Project was developed in 2019 by former San Francisco WJA chapter leader Marie McCarthy of Fiat Lux. In 2022, global diamond luxury brand De Beers helped WJA expand the program nationwide.
“With [De Beers’] partnership, WJA's Jewelry Loupe Project will be able to offer more opportunities to our designer members, including BIPOC LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds,” reads the Jewelry Loupe Project website.
Céline Assimon, CEO of De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, said the company “deeply values the contributions that women make to our businesses, the diamond and jewelry industry, and all of society.”
She said, “We are committed to accelerating economic inclusion and uplifting diverse voices to help shape the future through various programs which support and provide opportunities for women as part of our ‘Building Forever’ ambitions. We are proud to support WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project as we are aligned in our core values.”
To learn more, and to support the Jewelry Loupe Project, contact Jennifer Markas, WJA Executive Director, at jennifer@womensjewelryassociation.com.
The Latest
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
