EditorsOct 10, 2023
Remembering Hedda Schupak, ‘A Real Gem’Events & AwardsMar 14, 2024
WJA Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Hedda Schupak’s Honor
It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
The late Hedda Schupak worked at JCK magazine for 23 years and, later in her career, served as editor of The Centurion newsletter. The WJA Foundation has established a scholarship in her honor to support aspiring communications professionals.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation has established a scholarship in memory of Hedda Schupak, a journalist who dedicated her career to covering the jewelry industry.
The Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Media and Communications Scholarship aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
Eligible candidates will be encouraged to apply their skills in the fine jewelry and watch industries.
WJA said the scholarship, launched to coincide with Women’s History Month, is a tribute to Schupak’s legacy and honors “a member who broke barriers and was both recording and making history.”
Schupak graduated from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, with a degree in English and communications.
She started in the production department at JCK Magazine in 1986 and, in 1997, she became the publication’s fashion editor.
She was promoted to editor-in-chief in 2000 and remained in that role until 2009.
After JCK, Schupak remained active in the industry, taking over as editor of The Centurion newsletter, and sharing her knowledge as an industry analyst and speaker.
She died in October 2023 from complications related to lung cancer. She was 62.
“Hedda was a journalist whose coverage of the jewelry industry educated and informed a generation of retailers and designers,” her husband Jim Baum said.
“She was passionate about this industry and proud of the role that women leaders played in its success. WJA was near and dear to Hedda’s heart and to know that her legacy will live on through this scholarship would have meant the world to her, as it does to me.”
Related stories will be right here …
The Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Media and Communications Scholarship aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
Eligible candidates will be encouraged to apply their skills in the fine jewelry and watch industries.
WJA said the scholarship, launched to coincide with Women’s History Month, is a tribute to Schupak’s legacy and honors “a member who broke barriers and was both recording and making history.”
Schupak graduated from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, with a degree in English and communications.
She started in the production department at JCK Magazine in 1986 and, in 1997, she became the publication’s fashion editor.
She was promoted to editor-in-chief in 2000 and remained in that role until 2009.
After JCK, Schupak remained active in the industry, taking over as editor of The Centurion newsletter, and sharing her knowledge as an industry analyst and speaker.
She died in October 2023 from complications related to lung cancer. She was 62.
“Hedda was a journalist whose coverage of the jewelry industry educated and informed a generation of retailers and designers,” her husband Jim Baum said.
“She was passionate about this industry and proud of the role that women leaders played in its success. WJA was near and dear to Hedda’s heart and to know that her legacy will live on through this scholarship would have meant the world to her, as it does to me.”
Her namesake scholarship, funded for $25,000 over a five-year period, was made possible through contributions from sponsors, who will participate in the recipient selection process.
Contributors include: Jim Baum, Howard and Patti Hauben, Elias World Media, JCK, Instore, Cliq Jewelry, Jewelers of America, National Jeweler, the FIT Alumni Association, Jewelers Collective, Russell Shor, and Bill Boyajian.
“As we launch this scholarship in her memory, we are reminded of Hedda’s invaluable contributions to our industry, her unwavering commitment to storytelling, and her enduring impact on the lives she touched,” said Nikia Levesque, vice president of marketing for Day’s Jewelers and the new WJA Foundation vice president.
“In honoring Hedda’s memory, we honor the power of storytelling to inspire, inform, and connect us all.”
The period to apply for the Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Journalism Scholarship is expected to open sometime between April and June. More information will be available then.
Anyone with questions about the scholarship or who would like to inquire about contributing to this fund or other WJA scholarships and grants can email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
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.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
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.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
