Events & AwardsJul 20, 2023
The Nomination Period Is Open for the 2024 Gem Awards Events & AwardsAug 21, 2023
MJSA Education Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships
Three students are recipients of 2023 "Future of Jewelry Making" scholarships.
Pictured left to right, Christopher Liu, Annsley Matthiessen, and Matthew Rongbai Smith have each been awarded MJSA "Future of Jewelry Making” scholarships, given to students dedicated to pursuing a lifelong career in jewelry.
New York— The MJSA Education Foundation, the nonprofit subsidiary of the U.S. trade alliance that supports career and training initiatives, has named three recipients of its annual "Future of Jewelry Making" scholarship.
The awards are given to students working toward lifelong careers in making jewelry.
Christopher Liu, an incoming senior at Texas Tech University School of Art in Lubbock, Texas, received $5,000.
He enjoys exploring designs with “the presence of sculpture” and plans to pursue advanced studies after graduation.
Lui wants to be a teacher and open a studio for artists of various disciplines to collaborate and create. He won an MJSA scholarship in 2020, and his designs gained recognition in Rio Grande’s annual Saul Bell Design Awards in 2019 and 2020.
Annsley Matthiessen, a current student in GIA’s Graduate Gemologist (GG) program at its London campus, received $2,500.
She is expected to receive her diploma at the end of the year. She recently graduated from GIA's Jewelry Design and Technology program. Matthiessen’s goals include becoming a full-time designer and potentially creating her own line.
Matthew Rongbai Smith, a current student in the GIA Graduate Diamond program, also received $2,500.
After graduating, he plans to pursue GIA's Graduate Colored Stone and Graduate Gemologist diplomas. In 2022, Smith graduated from the New Approach School for Bench Jewelers in Tennessee, and he currently helps with repairs and custom work at Crawford Jewelers in Waycross, Georgia.
Smith is also pursuing two bachelor’s degrees, one in business management from South Georgia State College, and a second in psychology from Valdosta State University.
In the future, he wants to open his own jewelry store and, as an orphan who was adopted before moving to the U.S., wants to help other orphans realize their potential.
Since 1997, the MJSA Education Foundation has awarded $260,000 to aspiring jewelers, including $17,500 that has been donated by the Providence Jewelers Club. All funds are managed by the Rhode Island Foundation on behalf of MJSA, the alliance said.
More information about the Future of Jewelry Making scholarships and the 2023 recipients are available on MJSA’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
CollectionsNov 12, 2024
Mikimoto and Chrome Hearts Blend Aesthetics in New CollaborationThe “Mikimoto Chrome Hearts” jewelry brings pearls from Mikimoto together with distinctive motifs from Chrome Hearts.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
CollectionsNov 08, 2024
Piece of the Week: Larkspur & Hawk’s ‘Tapestry Lily’ Earrings These earrings use flat-backed white quartz to create a window onto an antique ribbon embroidered with a floral design.
Weekly QuizNov 07, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsNov 08, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Fall 13%Plus, CEO Beth Gerstein shares her insight on the holiday season and the possibility of new tariffs.
TrendsNov 07, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Golden and Blue November HuesThe month’s birthstones, citrine and blue topaz, reflect the changing colors of the season.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
CollectionsNov 07, 2024
Sidney Garber Collaborates With Carey Lowell on Capsule CollectionThe “Carey Lowell x Sidney Garber” collection stems from the friendship between the jewelry designer and ceramicist.
MajorsNov 07, 2024
Ritani Debuts ‘No-Fuss’ Holiday TV CampaignThe two ads highlight diamond engagement rings and diamond studs with a straightforward approach.
Policies & IssuesNov 07, 2024
Diamonds Do Good To Distribute $250K+ In Grants Next YearIn 2025, the nonprofit plans to continue its support of longstanding partners while also allocating some funds to a new initiative.
AuctionsNov 06, 2024
Two Rolexes With Ties to Titanic Head to AuctionThe Rolex watches are from the collection of “Titanic” co-producer Alfred “Al” Giddings and will go up for sale at Sotheby’s next month.
FinancialsNov 06, 2024
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth in Q3The Danish jewelry company plans to open up to 150 concept stores this fiscal year.
GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelThe location will close by the end of the year due to it being financially unsustainable, GIA said.
MajorsNov 06, 2024
David Yurman’s Holiday Campaign Celebrates ‘Moments of Joy’The new campaign stars Sterling K. Brown, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Arizona Muse, and Iris Law.
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
