Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsEvents & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship
Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho received on-site training at Julius Klein Diamonds in New York City. Botelho (left) is pictured creating layouts, while Dunton (right) is louping a stone.
New York—The two participants in the 2024 Ella Klein Internship program, created earlier this year by the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Foundation in partnership with Julius Klein Diamonds, have completed their program.
Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho trained on-site at Julius Klein Diamonds in New York City, receiving hands-on experience and insights into the diamond trade.
Dunton said the internship helped her apply what she learned at GIA to real life scenarios.
“Interning at [Julius Klein Diamonds] put my book knowledge to use and more,” said Dunton.
“This experience also showed me some differences from the course teachings. There are nuances in the trade that don’t exist in the textbooks, like specific terminology or writing both the shape and cut on the papers.”
Gabriella Botelho said that while she had previously received bench work training, she looked to the internship to provide her with diamond-specific knowledge.
“This internship filled that gap, giving me a comprehensive view of the diamond industry. Interacting with experts gave me a deeper, more practical understanding of the industry, especially regarding quality evaluation and trade practices,” said Botelho.
“It’s an intense, fast-paced program that offers invaluable hands-on experience. I learned far more in real-time at Julius Klein than I could have on my own or in a longer course.”
Related stories will be right here …
Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho trained on-site at Julius Klein Diamonds in New York City, receiving hands-on experience and insights into the diamond trade.
Dunton said the internship helped her apply what she learned at GIA to real life scenarios.
“Interning at [Julius Klein Diamonds] put my book knowledge to use and more,” said Dunton.
“This experience also showed me some differences from the course teachings. There are nuances in the trade that don’t exist in the textbooks, like specific terminology or writing both the shape and cut on the papers.”
Gabriella Botelho said that while she had previously received bench work training, she looked to the internship to provide her with diamond-specific knowledge.
“This internship filled that gap, giving me a comprehensive view of the diamond industry. Interacting with experts gave me a deeper, more practical understanding of the industry, especially regarding quality evaluation and trade practices,” said Botelho.
“It’s an intense, fast-paced program that offers invaluable hands-on experience. I learned far more in real-time at Julius Klein than I could have on my own or in a longer course.”
The Ella Klein Internship was designed to help women advance their diamond and jewelry careers by providing hands-on opportunities to learn from established industry and diamond professionals on the topics of diamond evaluation, sales, and industry practices.
"At Julius Klein Diamonds, we are thrilled to offer this internship program to individuals who are passionate about diamonds and committed to pursuing a career in the diamond industry," said Julius Klein Vice President Mark Klein.
"Investing in education and training is essential for success in this field, and we are excited to help interns take their careers to the next level.”
It’s named for Ella, the matriarch of the Julius Klein family, who is remembered for how she led by example. She supported dozens of special causes and organizations, benefiting thousands in their community and beyond, said the company.
“The Ella Klein Internship is a shining example of what can be achieved when industry leaders like Julius Klein Diamonds invest in the next generation of talent,” said Nikia Levesque-Meyer, president of the WJA Foundation.
“Jamie and Gabriella’s experiences reflect our mission to empower women and provide transformative opportunities that propel their careers forward. We are proud to support these incredible women and look forward to seeing their continued contributions to our industry.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
