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

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

Sponsored by Instappraise

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

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.


The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.

The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.

Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.