Events & AwardsApr 04, 2024
Zillion Announces 2024 ‘Women in STEM’ Scholarship WinnerEvents & AwardsApr 05, 2024
BIJC’s Jewelry Education Program for High School Students Begins
“The Future Jewelers Academy” kicked off at the Brooklyn STEAM Center this week.
Frank Fraley, the instructor for BIJC’s new high school education program and a jewelry designer, assisted with developing the program’s curriculum, which focuses on teaching students about design, gem setting, jewelry repair, and more. Fraley is an adjunct associate professor of jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) kicked off its jewelry-focused education program for high school students at the Brooklyn STEAM Center this week.
“The Future Jewelers Academy” (FJA) will prepare students for careers in jewelry and gemology, cultivating the trade for future generations.
The 2023/2024 program was developed with the assistance of Professor Frank Fraley, a jewelry designer and the FJA instructor. Fraley teaches jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
BIJC said the program, which is sponsored exclusively by Jewelers Mutual, is intended to inspire students and open doors for them in the industry by teaching them about jewelry design, gemstone setting, materials, laser repair, and the process of casting and molding.
Guest speakers from various parts of the gem and jewelry industry have been invited to supplement the students’ education.
At the end of the year, a capstone event will be held to display the students’ work and celebrate the completion of their training.
Related stories will be right here …
“The Future Jewelers Academy” (FJA) will prepare students for careers in jewelry and gemology, cultivating the trade for future generations.
The 2023/2024 program was developed with the assistance of Professor Frank Fraley, a jewelry designer and the FJA instructor. Fraley teaches jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
BIJC said the program, which is sponsored exclusively by Jewelers Mutual, is intended to inspire students and open doors for them in the industry by teaching them about jewelry design, gemstone setting, materials, laser repair, and the process of casting and molding.
Guest speakers from various parts of the gem and jewelry industry have been invited to supplement the students’ education.
At the end of the year, a capstone event will be held to display the students’ work and celebrate the completion of their training.
Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn STEAM is a career and technical training hub for 11th and 12th graders.
“The scholars at Brooklyn STEAM affirm why it is so important to invest in the future of the jewelry industry,” said Malyia McNaughton, BIJC chair and founder of Made By Malyia.
“They are very engaged and if you sit in a class like I have with them, you quickly recognize these students are eager to learn and grow. It is truly and honor to witness the next generation of the jewelry industry develop right before my eyes.”
For more information about The Future Jewelers Academy, visit BIJC’s site.
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.
