Jewelers Mutual, GIA Launch Scholarship for Aspiring Gemologists
The “Ron Harder Gemological Scholarship” application window is open until April 30.

Jewelers Mutual has provided $50,000 to fund the new Ron Harder Gemological Scholarship. It will award $10,000 annually, over the next five years.
The scholarship is named in honor of Ron Harder, who served as the CEO of Jewelers Mutual from 1982 to 2007 and whose legacy in the jewelry industry is marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and education, said Jewelers Mutual.
"I am delighted to see Jewelers Mutual and GIA investing in future gemologists,” said Harder.
“This scholarship reflects our shared dedication to nurturing talent and ensuring the industry's continued growth and success."
Applicants must be enrolled in GIA’s gemology program.
Along with their application, applicants are required to submit an essay between 500 and 1,000 words explaining how the scholarship will assist with their completion of the program and prepare them for a career in the jewelry industry.
“Education is at the heart of our mission, and we are grateful for Jewelers Mutual’s support to empower students with the knowledge and skills to launch successful gem and jewelry careers,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO.
The deadline for applications is April 30. To apply, visit GIA’s application portal.
The Latest

Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.

From how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.

Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.


The manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.

President Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

The designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.

The watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The company also announced a new partnership with GemGuide and the pending launch of an education-focused membership program.

The Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.

From cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.

From tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.

The “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.

The catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.

The chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”

The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.

Any gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.

The Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”

The new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.

In his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.

The index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.

The new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.

The brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.

The collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.




























