Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersEvents & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship Winners
The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
The three winners of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship were awarded a total of $15,000 for tuition at an accredited bench jeweler or metalsmith education program.
New York—Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the three winners of its Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and the recipients of its scholarship programs for 2025.
Now in its second year, the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship supports bringing new talent into the bench jeweler profession.
The three recipients are Baylor Adams, who studies at the New Approach School for Jewelers; Jasmine Barros, who attends North Bennet Street School; and Gabriella Badami, who goes to the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The program awarded a total of $15,000 toward the students’ tuition at an accredited bench jeweler or metalsmith education program.
Recipients were selected by the JA Scholarship Review Board, which consists of staff and members of JA’s Board of Directors, and the Holtzman Review Committee.
After relaunching in 2024, JA and the Holtzman family reported an increase in interest and applicants for the scholarship.
"My mother, Evelyn Holtzman, is again proud to provide three recipients the Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship,” said Steven Holtzman, vice chairman of CD Peacock.
“This scholarship reflects our family's commitment to supporting the future of bench jewelers and our industry."
Related stories will be right here …
Now in its second year, the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship supports bringing new talent into the bench jeweler profession.
The three recipients are Baylor Adams, who studies at the New Approach School for Jewelers; Jasmine Barros, who attends North Bennet Street School; and Gabriella Badami, who goes to the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The program awarded a total of $15,000 toward the students’ tuition at an accredited bench jeweler or metalsmith education program.
Recipients were selected by the JA Scholarship Review Board, which consists of staff and members of JA’s Board of Directors, and the Holtzman Review Committee.
After relaunching in 2024, JA and the Holtzman family reported an increase in interest and applicants for the scholarship.
"My mother, Evelyn Holtzman, is again proud to provide three recipients the Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship,” said Steven Holtzman, vice chairman of CD Peacock.
“This scholarship reflects our family's commitment to supporting the future of bench jewelers and our industry."
JA has also awarded 23 scholarships as part of the JA Scholarship Program for 2025.
An additional $27,000 was given toward award programs and certifications at educational providers including the American Gem Society, Diamond Council of America, Gemological Institute of America, and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
JA scholarships support those seeking industry diplomas, professional development, and certification programs.
Recipients of the scholarships must work at a JA member store and be at least 18 years old.
“Finding qualified and professional bench jewelers is one of the biggest challenges our industry is facing,” said David Bonaparte, president and CEO of JA.
“These scholarship programs give students a leg-up on pursuing bench and other jewelry education and eventually their dreams.”
For more information, visit the JA website or contact JA’s Member Services at 800-223-0673.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent CalendarsThe trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.
MajorsOct 10, 2025
Frederick Goldman Names New VP of SalesJewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
