Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsEvents & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner
AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Blake Graham (left) is the 2025 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship winner, a joint award from AGS and GIA, while Jessica Kohoutek has won the “Women in Leadership” scholarship from AGS.
Las Vegas, Nevada—The American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America have named the winner of the 2025 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship.
This year, the honor goes to Blake Graham, CSA, of Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The scholarship covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program, either online or at the Carlsbad, California, campus, as well as the AGS Way Course.
It also covers registration for the upcoming Converge event, held by AGS and GIA.
“Receiving the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship is an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of my dedication to gemology,” said Graham.
“It is a generous show of support that motivates me to keep learning with integrity and curiosity, and to uphold the excellence it represents. I’m truly grateful for the recognition and encouragement.”
Graham is the store director and manager at Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising from Louisiana State University.
After graduating, he began his career in jewelry retail, later joining Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers.
He works under the mentorship of owner Bayardo Jiron, learning more about custom design, jewelry repair, and appraisals.
Upon Jiron’s retirement, Graham is set to take over the business, AGS said.
AGS and GIA created the award in 2019 in honor of businesswoman Beatrice Shipley.
Beatrice and her husband, Robert Shipley, founded both organizations in the 1930s, cashing in their savings to establish them. Their goals were to educate jewelers, professionalize the industry, and create a jewelers guild.
Related stories will be right here …
This year, the honor goes to Blake Graham, CSA, of Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The scholarship covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program, either online or at the Carlsbad, California, campus, as well as the AGS Way Course.
It also covers registration for the upcoming Converge event, held by AGS and GIA.
“Receiving the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship is an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of my dedication to gemology,” said Graham.
“It is a generous show of support that motivates me to keep learning with integrity and curiosity, and to uphold the excellence it represents. I’m truly grateful for the recognition and encouragement.”
Graham is the store director and manager at Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising from Louisiana State University.
After graduating, he began his career in jewelry retail, later joining Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers.
He works under the mentorship of owner Bayardo Jiron, learning more about custom design, jewelry repair, and appraisals.
Upon Jiron’s retirement, Graham is set to take over the business, AGS said.
AGS and GIA created the award in 2019 in honor of businesswoman Beatrice Shipley.
Beatrice and her husband, Robert Shipley, founded both organizations in the 1930s, cashing in their savings to establish them. Their goals were to educate jewelers, professionalize the industry, and create a jewelers guild.
AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship, which aims to foster diversity and support emerging women leaders in the jewelry industry through mentorship.
The recipient is Jessica Kohoutek, RJ, of Redlands Jewelers in Redlands, California.
Kohoutek will receive complimentary registration to Converge, a $500 gift card, and a personalized mentorship experience coordinated by AGS.
She was chosen for her “strong leadership potential and passion for the industry,” said the organization.
“Receiving the AGS Women in Leadership Scholarship is an incredible honor. The American Gem Society has long been a name that I have looked up to for setting the standard of integrity in our industry, and to be recognized by such an organization — especially at this point in my journey — is both humbling and deeply encouraging. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to keep growing under the value AGS represents,” she said.
Kohoutek is a gemologist, appraiser, and custom jewelry designer at Redlands Jewelers.
In addition to being a graduate gemologist, she is a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
“After years of balancing independent work and ongoing education while raising a family, Jessica is now stepping fully back into her professional career,” said AGS.
She has extensive CAD jewelry design training, said AGS, and blends creativity with precision.
For more information about AGS and its scholarship programs, visit the AGS website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
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.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
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.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
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.
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.
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.
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.
