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."
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
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.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US OpenThe Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a WrapWrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary EditionThe three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ CollarThe one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresThe retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US OpenThe pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.
