Events & AwardsApr 08, 2024
AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ ScholarshipEvents & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate Scholarship
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
The scholarship is in honor of Lonia Tate, who was a long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler and the first black president of Executive Women International’s Seattle chapter.
Seattle, W.A.—Seattle-based Ben Bridge Jeweler, a family-run fine watch and jewelry retailer, has opened the application window for its Lonia Tate scholarship.
The recipient of the scholarship will receive financial assistance to earn their graduate gemology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), winning approximately $10,000 to cover tuition, books, and lab equipment.
They will also receive a three-month paid internship opportunity with Ben Bridge Jeweler upon completion of the program, including potential travel to Seattle, Washington.
Applicants must be graduating high school students with plans to attend GIA’s online graduate gemology program.
To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and belong to one of the following ethnicities: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.
They must reside in Southern California or the Greater Seattle area in Washington and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada.
Applicants must also be 18 years or older at the time of enrollment for the GIA program and be available to start classes before September 2024.
Related stories will be right here …
The recipient of the scholarship will receive financial assistance to earn their graduate gemology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), winning approximately $10,000 to cover tuition, books, and lab equipment.
They will also receive a three-month paid internship opportunity with Ben Bridge Jeweler upon completion of the program, including potential travel to Seattle, Washington.
Applicants must be graduating high school students with plans to attend GIA’s online graduate gemology program.
To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and belong to one of the following ethnicities: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.
They must reside in Southern California or the Greater Seattle area in Washington and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada.
Applicants must also be 18 years or older at the time of enrollment for the GIA program and be available to start classes before September 2024.
The scholarship was established in 2022 to support emerging talent in the gemology field.
It is named after Lonia Tate, a long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler and the first black president of Executive Women International’s Seattle chapter, who died in 2020.
The scholarship is specifically for minority high school students who aspire to work in the fine jewelry industry, said the business.
“We are proud to announce the Lonia Tate Scholarship as a tribute to our beloved colleague and her unwavering passion for the jewelry industry and her community,” said Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler.
“This scholarship not only honors Lonia’s legacy but also empowers aspiring gemologists to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the industry.”
Ben Bridge Jeweler will work with The Black in Jewelry Coalition to select a scholarship winner.
Interested candidates can submit an application through Ben Bridge Jeweler’s website.
The deadline to apply is May 15.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
