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

Cohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.

“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.

The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

It’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.


The deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.

After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

The “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.

Set for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.

Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”

The highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.

The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.

Former Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.

The group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.

Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.

After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”

Couture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
























