JA to Offer Beginner Bench Jeweler Certification at GIA Carlsbad HQ
The on-site exam will be administered 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.
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.
The Latest

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.


The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.























