Events & AwardsJul 18, 2024
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 3 Scholarship WinnersMajorsJul 24, 2024
Ben Bridge Announces 2024 Lonia Tate Scholarship Winner
Los Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
The winner of this year’s Lonia Tate scholarship, Bradlei Smith will receive the opportunity to earn her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and, following graduation, an internship at Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle.
Seattle, Wash.— Seattle-based watch and jewelry retailer Ben Bridge Jeweler has announced Bradlei Smith as the recipient of its 2024 Lonia Tate Scholarship.
Smith will receive $10,000 toward earning a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The funds can be used for tuition and necessary school supplies and equipment.
She is also offered a 3-month paid internship with Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle, Washington, following her graduation from GIA.
Now based in Los Angeles, California, Smith’s background includes working with Senegalese artisans in the jewelry making process, as well as experience as an industrial buyer.
Ben Bridge said Smith has shown devotion to her craft and her future as an innovator in the industry through passionately pursuing the development of her skills.
The store said she was selected because of her incredible skill as a project buyer, during which Smith honed her analytical skills and attention to detail, helping with gemstone identification and evaluation.
The retailer also cited her unique approach to jewelry design, where she blends creativity with technical expertise.
Related stories will be right here …
Smith will receive $10,000 toward earning a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The funds can be used for tuition and necessary school supplies and equipment.
She is also offered a 3-month paid internship with Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle, Washington, following her graduation from GIA.
Now based in Los Angeles, California, Smith’s background includes working with Senegalese artisans in the jewelry making process, as well as experience as an industrial buyer.
Ben Bridge said Smith has shown devotion to her craft and her future as an innovator in the industry through passionately pursuing the development of her skills.
The store said she was selected because of her incredible skill as a project buyer, during which Smith honed her analytical skills and attention to detail, helping with gemstone identification and evaluation.
The retailer also cited her unique approach to jewelry design, where she blends creativity with technical expertise.
The scholarship was created in 2022 in partnership with the Black in Jewelry Coalition to support minority high school graduates who aspire to work in the fine jewelry industry.
It was named to honor the memory of jeweler Lonia Tate, a long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler and the first Black president of Executive Women International’s Seattle chapter.
Tate was committed to supporting community building and the jewelry industry, the store said, and Smith shares in those values.
While she plans to use the scholarship toward fulfilling a lifelong passion for gemstones and jewelry, Smith also aspires to provide internship, mentorship, and apprenticeship opportunities to women of color in the future.
“Upon completing the Graduate Gemologist program, my vision extends beyond personal achievement to encompass a transformative journey into the world of haute jewelry design, particularly targeting women of color—an underrepresented demographic within this esteemed domain,” Smith said.
“Drawing from my fluency in French, coupled with over five years as a Parisian expatriate and a background in jewelry design, I am aiming to carve a niche where our presence is currently lacking.”
Ben Bridge said Smith’s passion for community service emphasizes her belief in using valuable experiences to further create opportunities and foster inclusive growth.
Malyia McNaughton, chairwoman of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, said, “as a jewelry designer and gemologist, I am thrilled to congratulate Bradlei Smith on receiving the Lonia Tate Scholarship. This remarkable opportunity will empower her to earn her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, an achievement that I deeply understand the value of.”
“We are profoundly grateful to Ben Bridge Jeweler and [its CEO] Lisa Bridge for their generous commitment to shaping the future of the jewelry industry. Their support not only honors Lonia Tate's legacy, but also ensures that talented individuals like Bradlei can pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to our field.”
Smith is also looking to contribute to the industry through innovation and collaboration, which Ben Bridge said is supported by her strong work ethic and dedication to continuous learning.
“Ben Bridge extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bradlei Smith on all her past accomplishments and are excited to see what the future holds for her,” said Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler.
“We are proud of our on-going collaboration with BIJC, helping to support and create inroads into our incredible world of fine jewelry for all."
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
