SourcingJun 21, 2024
Julius Klein Partners With WJA on New InternshipMajorsJun 24, 2024
JA to Offer Beginner Bench Jeweler Certification at GIA Carlsbad HQ
The on-site exam will be administered from Aug. 8-9.
The two-day Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler exam will be offered at GIA’s Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, California, and be administered by a GIA professional, so no proctor is needed.
New York—Jewelers of America (JA) will be offering its Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ) exam at GIA’s Carlsbad campus in California from Aug. 8-9.
The CBBJ is one of three levels of certification offered by JA through its Bench Professional Certification Program.
The CBBJ exam will test on skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler.
The two-day exam will take place at GIA’s Robert Mouawad Campus and be administered by a GIA professional, so no proctor is needed.
JA said it will offer special pricing for on-site exam registrants.
“JA’s bench certification exam is a terrific way for individuals to validate their skills, communicate their professionalism, help their business stand out, and gain consumer confidence,” said David Bonaparte, JA’s president and CEO.
The certification program was first developed in 1997 and was relaunched last year.
Related stories will be right here …
The CBBJ is one of three levels of certification offered by JA through its Bench Professional Certification Program.
The CBBJ exam will test on skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler.
The two-day exam will take place at GIA’s Robert Mouawad Campus and be administered by a GIA professional, so no proctor is needed.
JA said it will offer special pricing for on-site exam registrants.
“JA’s bench certification exam is a terrific way for individuals to validate their skills, communicate their professionalism, help their business stand out, and gain consumer confidence,” said David Bonaparte, JA’s president and CEO.
The certification program was first developed in 1997 and was relaunched last year.
A three-day prep workshop will be offered by the GIA Alumni Collective from Aug. 5-7.
This workshop will teach participants techniques to improve their efficiency at the bench and review foundational jewelry-making practices found on the exam, JA said.
The workshop, taught by a GIA instructor, is designed to prepare test-takers with detailed information on what to expect during the exam and help them gain confidence in their skills.
To learn more about JA’s Bench Professional Certification Program and register for the CBBJ exam, visit JA’s website.
Registration for the exam is due by July 1.
Visit GIA’s website for more information and to register for the prep workshop.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
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.
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.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
