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
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
