Events & AwardsAug 21, 2023
MJSA Education Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships Events & AwardsAug 24, 2023
WJA Foundation Awards $54K in Scholarships
The organization presented scholarships to nine students across six categories.
Pictured here are the nine WJA Foundation scholarship winners. The organization awarded $54,000 in student scholarships for the 2023-2024 year.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation has awarded $54,000 in scholarships to nine students for the 2023-2024 year.
The funds are awarded to students looking to further their education and advance their careers in the jewelry industry.
Scholarship winners received awards in six categories.
The “Radiant Minds Technology” scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Rosado, a student enrolled in University of California Berkeley’s Coding Boot Camp.
The award was created via a collaboration among the WJA Foundation, Jewelers Mutual Group, and the Black in Jewelry Coalition. The scholarship aims to provide women of color the education they need to be successful in tech-related jobs within the jewelry and watch industry.
The recipient will receive funding for a training or certification program focused on software engineering, including user-experience design, data analytics, and front and back-end design and web development, at a school of their choice, that will then be approved by the scholarship committee.
The WJA Foundation, in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America, awarded diversity scholarships to Gwen Beloti, Nicole Cisneros, Emi Harase, and Tadiwanashe Madzime.
The diversity scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, that are looking to take courses through GIA Education, either on-campus or online.
Recipients can choose from a number of GIA courses, including the Applied Jewelry Professional diploma program and Diamond Essentials and Diamonds and Diamond Grading courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and Jewelry Design certificate course.
Related stories will be right here …
The funds are awarded to students looking to further their education and advance their careers in the jewelry industry.
Scholarship winners received awards in six categories.
The “Radiant Minds Technology” scholarship was awarded to Jennifer Rosado, a student enrolled in University of California Berkeley’s Coding Boot Camp.
The award was created via a collaboration among the WJA Foundation, Jewelers Mutual Group, and the Black in Jewelry Coalition. The scholarship aims to provide women of color the education they need to be successful in tech-related jobs within the jewelry and watch industry.
The recipient will receive funding for a training or certification program focused on software engineering, including user-experience design, data analytics, and front and back-end design and web development, at a school of their choice, that will then be approved by the scholarship committee.
The WJA Foundation, in partnership with the Gemological Institute of America, awarded diversity scholarships to Gwen Beloti, Nicole Cisneros, Emi Harase, and Tadiwanashe Madzime.
The diversity scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, that are looking to take courses through GIA Education, either on-campus or online.
Recipients can choose from a number of GIA courses, including the Applied Jewelry Professional diploma program and Diamond Essentials and Diamonds and Diamond Grading courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and Jewelry Design certificate course.
The Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship was awarded to GIA student Cydney Elliott.
The $5,000 scholarship was established and funded by the Gabriel Love Foundation of Gabriel & Co. to support the recipient’s professional growth within the jewelry industry. It’s given to a student who wants to use their jewelry industry careers to improve their communities and give back through charitable efforts of their own.
The Cindy Edelstein Scholarship, created in honor of the late Cindy Edelstein, a longtime WJA board member, was awarded to Casey Perez.
The scholarship is presented in memory of Edelstein, known for her advocacy for up-and-coming jewelry designers.
In that same spirit, the $5,000 award is given to emerging fine jewelry designers and “memorializes Edelstein’s tireless pursuit of educating, mentoring, and coaching these entrepreneurs,” said the WJA Foundation.
The recipient can use the scholarship toward jewelry design, metalsmithing, or business courses focused on improving their artistry and jewelry business.
The foundation also awards scholarships to students enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing programs at accredited colleges, universities, or training schools between Aug. 1 and July 31, 2024.
This year’s “Designer Category” winner is Julia King of the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The “Designer/Creator Category” winner is Betsy Yates of the New Approach School.
Funds for the scholarships are raised through individual donations and fundraising events and initiatives held throughout the year, including WJA’s upcoming 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala Fundraiser taking place on Nov. 2 in New York City.
For more information or to donate, visit the WJA Foundation website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
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.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
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.
