Events & AwardsMay 08, 2023
JA announces 2023 Class of ‘20 Under 40’IndependentsMay 11, 2023
JA Relaunches Bench Certification Program
It offers three levels of certification.
Jewelers of America has brought back its professional certification program for bench jewelers, which requires candidates to pass a written and a physical proficiency test to receive one of three levels of certification.
New York—Jewelers of America has relaunched its Bench Professional Certification Program.
The nationally recognized program was established in 1997 to promote the professionalism of jewelers and store owners but has been on hiatus for the past five years.
The reworked program establishes national standards and administers tests to rate the talents and proficiency of bench jewelers at three levels.
The levels are:
JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience;
JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a bench jeweler generalist performing most jewelry repairs with two or more years of experience; and
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ), the highest level of JA Bench Professional Certification that demonstrates mastery at all skill levels.
“We are thrilled to bring back our popular Bench Professional Certification Program at this important time,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.
“With bench jewelers’ demand at a high and a new generation of jewelry professionals entering the industry, we have an opportunity to better serve our jewelers by providing certification opportunities that demonstrate competencies while serving as a platform to improve consumer confidence.”
Related stories will be right here …
The nationally recognized program was established in 1997 to promote the professionalism of jewelers and store owners but has been on hiatus for the past five years.
The reworked program establishes national standards and administers tests to rate the talents and proficiency of bench jewelers at three levels.
The levels are:
JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience;
JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a bench jeweler generalist performing most jewelry repairs with two or more years of experience; and
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ), the highest level of JA Bench Professional Certification that demonstrates mastery at all skill levels.
“We are thrilled to bring back our popular Bench Professional Certification Program at this important time,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.
“With bench jewelers’ demand at a high and a new generation of jewelry professionals entering the industry, we have an opportunity to better serve our jewelers by providing certification opportunities that demonstrate competencies while serving as a platform to improve consumer confidence.”
Candidates must pass an “open book” online written exam and a series of practical tests to become JA certified.
Completion of the written exam is a pre-requisite for the practical bench tests, which require the candidate to perform tasks set to national standards, utilizing the tools and technology available to complete the projects.
It may be taken at the candidate’s own bench using his or her own tools and equipment or at another location of choice.
JA said grading criteria is like that used in a shop. Completed practical tests are anonymously sent to approved graders who use a comprehensive grading system consistent with quality standards for jewelry repair and manufacturing.
Graders may decide if a test with errors in workmanship will need to be reworked or retaken.
Upon certification, individuals receive a Bench Professional Certification certificate, a JA Bench Professional Certification lapel pin, use of a JA Bench Professional Certification logo, and a press release template.
JA members also receive a Bench Professional Jeweler Certification decal for display in the window or door of a store, shop, or other place of business and a special designation in the Find a Jeweler Directory on Jewelers.org.
Scholarships are available for the JA Bench Professional Certification program, according to JA’s website.
For more information or to register for certification, visit JA’s website, email exam@jewelers.com or contact JA’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
