Events & AwardsAug 21, 2023
MJSA Education Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships MajorsSep 05, 2023
BIJC Announces Jewelry-Focused High School Program
The program was developed in recognition of the national shortage of bench jewelers.
Black in Jewelry Coalition, in collaboration with The Brooklyn STEAM Center, has announced that a new bench jeweler education program for high school students will soon be available.
New York— Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced plans for a new bench jeweler education program for high school students.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
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.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
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.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
