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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
