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 middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.


Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.