Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipEvents & AwardsDec 27, 2024
18 Designers Graduate from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project
The designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
The 18 emerging designers were chosen from more than 100 applicants to participate in the program, which took place from April to September.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has named the 18 emerging designers that have recently graduated from its 2024 Jewelry Loupe Project program.
The six-month program, in its sixth year, is a free business development and mentorship program for emerging designers within their first five years of business looking to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
From April to September, the participating designers attended virtual sessions hosted by design, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, retail packaging, insurance, and pricing experts, culminating in a critique where mentors provided constructive feedback ahead of the collection launches.
Chosen from more than 100 applicants, the group of 18 participants is the largest group to participate in the program to date, said WJA.
The 2024 graduates of the Jewelry Loupe Project are:
Gwen Barba;
Paula Barnett;
Susan Burde;
Stephanie Cummings;
Rachel Garrison;
Maricha Genovese;
Jen Insardi;
Jacqueline Lapuck;
Shannon McGowan;
Susan Meier;
Lauren Newton;
Gloria Odoemelam;
Bramble Lee Pryde;
Kate Reboli;
Olivia Rosenberger;
Olena Stasula;
Duygu Sumbul; and
Norah Tomarken.
“WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project is a cornerstone of our community, offering unparalleled mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to emerging designers,” said Marsha Watson, WJA executive director.
“We take immense pride in the dedication and commitment of the designers who participate in this rigorous program. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the mentors and experts who generously invest their time and expertise to uplift the next generation of designers.”
Related stories will be right here …
The six-month program, in its sixth year, is a free business development and mentorship program for emerging designers within their first five years of business looking to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
From April to September, the participating designers attended virtual sessions hosted by design, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, retail packaging, insurance, and pricing experts, culminating in a critique where mentors provided constructive feedback ahead of the collection launches.
Chosen from more than 100 applicants, the group of 18 participants is the largest group to participate in the program to date, said WJA.
The 2024 graduates of the Jewelry Loupe Project are:
Gwen Barba;
Paula Barnett;
Susan Burde;
Stephanie Cummings;
Rachel Garrison;
Maricha Genovese;
Jen Insardi;
Jacqueline Lapuck;
Shannon McGowan;
Susan Meier;
Lauren Newton;
Gloria Odoemelam;
Bramble Lee Pryde;
Kate Reboli;
Olivia Rosenberger;
Olena Stasula;
Duygu Sumbul; and
Norah Tomarken.
“WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project is a cornerstone of our community, offering unparalleled mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to emerging designers,” said Marsha Watson, WJA executive director.
“We take immense pride in the dedication and commitment of the designers who participate in this rigorous program. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the mentors and experts who generously invest their time and expertise to uplift the next generation of designers.”
The 2024 mentors included a lineup of designers, on-air talent, and seasoned industry professions.
This year’s 18 mentors were Jeffrey Bolling, Sarah Butler, Patricia Carruth, Chae Carter, Mariana Chambers, Mariel Diaz, Lori Gadola, Ariel Gordon, Viviana Langhoff, Michele Lau, Tara Levi, Lauren McCawley, Angela Monaco, Morgan Miller, Constance Polamalu, Jackie Raffi, Missy Rogers, and Ivette Stephanopoulos.
The Jewelry Loupe Project launched in 2019 when it was developed by Northern California WJA chapter leader Marie McCarthy of Fiat Lux. It expanded nationwide in 2022.
Since then, it has provided training and mentorship to nearly 70 emerging designers.
Anna Samsonova of Samsonova Consulting assisted WJA in facilitating the expert sessions and coordinating for the 2024 program.
For more information on WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project, visit the organization’s website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
