GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego
The spring application window closes on March 31.

The application window is open from now until March 31, and students can submit an application through the online portal to be considered for all available scholarships, including the newest, the GIA Aspire Scholarship.
Up to $100,000 will be allocated to the new GIA Aspire Scholarship, which is available to graduating high school seniors or recent alumni from these four San Diego County high schools: Steele Canyon High School, Rancho Buena Vista High School, Alta Vista High School, and Health Sciences High and Middle College.
Recipients of the new award may receive partial or full scholarships, which can be used for any on-campus program at the GIA Carlsbad campus. The program must start between July and December and may range from 7 to 26 instructional weeks.
Details on eligibility, as well as the application itself, can be found on the GIA website.
“Receiving a scholarship let me take more risks after graduating. Since I didn't have a mountain of student debt, I was free to explore all sorts of interesting opportunities” said Chris James T. Boehner, GIA Graduate Gemologist and 2020 scholarship recipient.
“It also helped me fast-track my education, because I no longer needed to save for tuition. I started my GG program two months after receiving my scholarship.”
Merit-based scholarship awards are competitive and based on the achievements of the applicant, said GIA. Needs-based scholarships are available year-round and require applicants to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“We believe that investing in the education of aspiring professionals is key to the continued growth and success of the gem and jewelry industry,” said Robyn Burrell, GIA director of financial aid.
“By providing opportunities for students to pursue their passion, we aim to create a diverse and skilled workforce that will shape the future of our industry.”
In 2024, GIA is allocating up to $2 million in merit-based, needs-based, and veteran scholarships.
The fall application cycle will take place Sept. 1-30.
The Latest

Adler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.

Founder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.

The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.


A buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.

Mercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.

At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.

The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.





















