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.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
