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 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.
The Latest

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

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.

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.


The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Sponsored by Stuller

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

From 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.

The lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

The family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.