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.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
