Events & Awards

IJO Awards 23 Scholarships at Chicago Conference

Events & AwardsJul 29, 2024

IJO Awards 23 Scholarships at Chicago Conference

It handed out a total of $8,640 to recipients for their jewelry study programs.

IJO scholarship header
Braeden Bond (right) of K. Bond Jewelers in Wichita Falls, Texas, received the Banice & Beverly Bazar Memorial Pearl Scholarship, sponsored by Imperial Pearl, and is pictured here with Todd and Barbara Bazar.
Southport, Conn.—The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) handed out 23 scholarships at its Chicago conference, held July 13-16.

Eight recipients received full scholarships and 15 received partial scholarships covering at least half of their tuition. 

The scholarship program, new to IJO, is comprised of three award types.

The Bill Roberts Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by IJO Owner and Chairman Jeff Roberts and IJO, offered a total of $5,000 to be awarded for GIA study. It was announced in April.

“In founding IJO more than 50 years ago, my dad [Bill Roberts] always focused on education,” said Roberts. 

“He created the IJO/GIA Title Program – with more stringent requirements than most programs – to ensure IJO members were working smarter than their competition. I created this scholarship to honor his legacy.”

The Richard Swetz Memorial Scholarship was also announced in April. 

The award was created by IJO President Stephen Barnes and his wife Rebecca Barnes in memory of Richard Swetz, former owner of IJO. 

It was originally a $1,000 award, but Richard’s wife Dolores Swetz later added an additional $2,000 on behalf of herself and the Swetz family.

A total of $3,000 was offered to recipients to cover any jewelry-related study.

The Banice & Beverly Bazar Memorial Pearl Scholarship, sponsored by Imperial Pearl, presented $640, covering the full tuition for the GIA Pearls Course. 

It’s IJO’s first scholarship in memory of the Bazars.

Recipients of the Bill Roberts Memorial Scholarship are:
Rachael Theodore of Artful Eye Jewelry Design Center, studying Jewelry Essentials;
Essiah Hudson of Bauble Patch Jewelers, studying Jewelry Essentials;
Taylor Camillo of Cindi’s Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, studying Jewelry Essentials;
Mandy Balkman of Dickinson Jewelers, studying Colored Stone Grading Lab;
Heather Frye of Jerald Jewelers, studying Applied Jewelry Professional;
Elizabeth Weber of Jim Kryshak Jewelers, studying Diamond Essentials;
Kristen Wall of Kelly Waters, studying Applied Jewelry Professional;
Joey Sandler of Leslie E. Sandler Fine Jewelry, studying Pearls;
Diana Landrin of Mar-Bill Diamonds & Jewelry, studying Applied Jewelry Professional;
Sergio Palazzo of Ocean View Jewelers, studying Colored Stone Essentials;
Madison Webster of Peter & Company Jewelers, studying Pearls;
Daniel Garulé of Plaza Jewelers, studying Pearls;
Mahogany Rivera of Scott & Company Fine Jewelers, studying Diamond Essentials;
Kamryn Thompson of Tipton’s Fine Jewelry, studying Diamond Essentials;
and Camryn Dempsey of Whalen Jewelers, Jewelry Essentials.

Recipients of the Richard Swetz Memorial Scholarship are:
Matthew Bryce Maynor of Barnett Jewelers, studying at Stuart’s International;
Beth Greene of Conti Jewelers, studying at Colored Stone Grading Lab;
Tim Bartels of Don’s Jewelry, studying at Laser Welding-Midwest Jewelry Academy;
Taylor Benton of Fort Thomas Jewelers, studying at Stone Setting-New Approach School;
Andrea Venn of Kirk & Company Jewelers, studying at Digital Jewelry Sketching;
Stephen Chapman of Main Street Jewelers, studying at AWCI Watch Certification Courses;
and Elena Davis of Towne Square Jewelers, studying at Colored Stone Grading Lab.

The Banice & Beverly Bazar Memorial Pearl Scholarship was presented to Braeden Bond of K. Bond Jewelers, who is studying Pearls. 

“The talent exhibited by these applicants was so impressive, and we are encouraged by the potential we see for the future of this industry,” said Barnes, the organization’s president.  

“IJO has always been a leader in the jewelry industry, providing an array of programs to help members work smarter to increase sales and profits, as well as a network of non-competing retailers who offer support, ideas, and solutions. I’m excited for all these recipients and have high expectations for what’s in store in the forthcoming years.” 

In the past, IJO provided some annual scholarships through GIA, with members required to apply and be approved through the lab’s website.  

This year is the first time they’ve offered the scholarships themselves. 

“The excitement over this program was truly heartwarming, and it’s the goal of IJO to provide an increased number of educational opportunities to the membership, especially for the NextGen portion [next generation] of the family,” said Roberts, who owns IJO.  

“The number of applicants was close to 50, and we’re proud to have been able to accommodate so many! Those who were not selected this year may apply again for 2025.” 

Also during the organization’s Chicago show, an impromptu auction took place July 14.  

IJO member Travis Piper of Piper Diamond Company in Vincennes, Indiana, acted as auctioneer, raising an additional $5,500 for the 2025 scholarship program.  

 Related stories will be right here … 


The Latest

Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

Natural color diamonds on display at Smithsonian National Museum of History
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C.

Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 02, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bergman Jewelers family
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 Years

The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.

QVC Group Inc. logo
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS)
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor Shortage

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.

Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann Collection Bracelets
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry Collection

The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Graphic for What Do We Mean When We Say “Recycled” Gold webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Mindi Mond Clarity Earrings
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in Diamonds

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

Lashbrook ring
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With Acquisition

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

Bulgari and LVMH Watches CEO Jean-Christophe Babin
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH Watches

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy