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
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
