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
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
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.
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat EmeraldIt was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description SoftwareGemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
