BIJC Announces Jewelry-Focused High School Program
The program was developed in recognition of the national shortage of bench jewelers.
The program was developed in recognition of the national shortage of bench jewelers and is a collaboration with New York’s The Brooklyn STEAM Center, self-defined as an “innovative career and technical training hub” for 11th and 12th grade students.
The program will be held during the 2023-2024 school year, and the curriculum focuses on gem-setting, laser repair, casting, and molding.
Students can also expect to learn about diverse materials used in jewelry making, such as precious metals and gemstones, and how to work with them.
Upon completion, BIJC said, students will have learned a foundation in jewelry making, an appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship that goes into it, and necessary skills to craft jewelry pieces.
There will be a capstone event to display students’ work at the end of the program.
BIJC said the aim is to prepare and inspire students, as well as open doors for them in the gem and jewelry industry.
Starting in October, BIJC will host some of the Brooklyn STEAM Center’s current programs. The full new bench jeweler program will be available in the spring.
The program is sponsored by insurer Jewelers Mutual Group.
“Our collective goal is to make it known that these jobs exist and there’s a real need for new bench jeweler talent in the industry,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca. “Jewelers Mutual’s support helps open up a new world of possibilities for students from all walks of life to fabricate their own unique designs in a studio into stunning, wearable works of art.”
Mike Alexander, chief operating officer at Jewelers Mutual, said “We are incredibly proud of our 110-year legacy of support to the jewelry industry, and we are excited about this opportunity to join with the Black in Jewelry Coalition and Brooklyn STEAM Center to make a positive impact on the industry and the next generation of jewelers.”
For more information on the program, visit BIJC’s website.
The Latest
From groundbreaking designers to dedicated retailers, National Jeweler pays tribute to the colleagues we bid farewell to this year.
The jewelry trade show is set for March 9-11 in Miami.
Edward N. DeCristofaro, who served as MJSA’s board chair from 2012 to 2014, is returning to the role.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Manoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.
The designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
The retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.