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
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
