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
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
