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
CrimeNov 20, 2024
Sotheby’s to Pay $6.25M Settlement to NY State for Alleged Tax FraudThe auction house was accused of helping clients avoid paying taxes on millions of dollars’ worth of art purchased from 2010 to 2020.
Events & AwardsNov 20, 2024
Kering Debuts New Jewelry Award With Sustainability FocusThe four finalists will present their pieces at the 2025 JCK Las Vegas show.
CollectionsNov 20, 2024
Pamela Love Channels Surrealist Artists in New CollectionThe “Camera Oscura” collection showcases earring designs celebrating female Surrealist artists Claude Cahun and Leonor Fini.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2024
Columbia Gem House Raises $10K for Reforestation EffortsThe money will fund the planting of 10,000 trees in critical areas across Oregon, Arizona, Montana, and other regions.
Weekly QuizNov 14, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 20, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Opens Registration, Scholarship ApplicationsThe event centered on advancing jewelry manufacturing technology will return to Detroit in May 2025.
CrimeNov 19, 2024
Woman Killed in Armed Robbery of Sacramento Jewelry StoreLocal reports identified the woman as the wife of the jewelry store owner.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
AuctionsNov 19, 2024
‘A Tsar’s Treasure’ Fetches $2.9M at Sotheby’s Jewelry SaleA collection of pieces owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family, blew away estimates in Geneva last week.
CollectionsNov 19, 2024
Snoop Dogg’s New Jewelry Collection Is All About Love“Lovechild” was created in partnership with Carolyn Rafaelian’s Metal Alchemist brand.
EditorsNov 18, 2024
Q&A: Helzberg CEO Brad Hampton on the Jeweler’s RebrandHampton discussed how Helzberg is improving the customer experience and why it was inspired by the company formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts.
Policies & IssuesNov 18, 2024
Reciprocity Jewels Returns to NYC Jewelry WeekThe group will host several curated events and an exhibition of designer jewelry made with Peruvian gold traceable to the miners’ names.
CollectionsNov 18, 2024
Dolly Parton Shines in Collaboration with Kendra ScottThe collection honors the 50th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s “Love is Like a Butterfly” song, which shares a birth year with Kendra Scott.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2024
IGI Jewelry Design Competition ReturnsThis year’s theme asks designers to take inspiration from classic fairy tales.
EditorsNov 15, 2024
Why Fine Jewelry Belongs at New York Comic ConSenior Editor Lenore Fedow makes the case for why more jewelers should be appealing to nerds at the annual event.
CollectionsNov 15, 2024
Marie Lichtenberg Battles Counterfeits with New ‘Raiz’in Scapular’ DesignsThe latest “Raiz’in” drop showcases a newly designed “Scapular” necklace and donates a portion of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish France.
WatchesNov 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: Citizen’s Commemorative Pocket WatchNo. 1 out of 100, the timepiece was created to mark Citizen’s 100th anniversary and will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s next month.
Recorded WebinarsNov 15, 2024
Watch: 10 Tips to Keep Your Jewelry Store Secure On the latest episode of “My Next Question,” two experts share best practices for store security during the holidays and year-round.
AuctionsNov 14, 2024
18th-Century Diamond Necklace Sells for Nearly $5M Sotheby’s sold the necklace, which potentially has ties to Marie-Antoinette, for $4.8 million to a woman bidding via phone.
WatchesNov 14, 2024
Grand Seiko Partners With Ben Bridge on First Hawaii Store The new Grand Seiko boutique is located in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
SourcingNov 13, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip Eleven spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
Aga Khan Emerald Sells for $8.8M, Sets RecordThe emerald brooch-turned-pendant returned to auction after 55 years, setting a world record for most expensive emerald sold at auction.
AuctionsNov 13, 2024
‘Exceptional’ Burmese Ruby Ring Tops $5M at Auction Phillips also sold a 1.21-carat fancy red diamond dubbed the “Red Miracle” for more than $1 million at its jewelry auction in Geneva.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsFrom Swarovski to Tiffany & Co., jewelry retailers are enlisting celebrities to highlight their holiday offerings.
MajorsNov 13, 2024
Royal Chain’s New Catalog Is Out NowThe 2024-2025 book introduces hundreds of new designs.
FinancialsNov 12, 2024
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels Continue to Shine for Richemont Richemont’s jewelry sales ticked up 2 percent in the first half of the year, while watch sales plummeted 17 percent.
GradingNov 12, 2024
GIA’s Next-Day Services Return for the HolidaysOffered by the lab since 2016, the holiday season special is good from now through mid-December.
