MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaMajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners
The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
From left to right, Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye, and (not pictured) J. Kreis are the 2025 recipients of the MJSA Education Foundation’s “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarships.
New York—The MJSA Education Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA), has announced the four winners of this year’s “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarships.
The scholarship is designed to assist students pursuing professional careers in jewelry making and design.
Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye, and J. Kreis will receive $2,250 each.
Lauren is pursuing a Jewelry Design and Technology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. She expects to graduate in spring 2026.
Jerge is entering her senior year at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. She is working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry.
Nye is entering his final year at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris, Texas, where he is pursuing a certificate in jewelry technology.
J. Kreis will soon start at the New Approach School for Jewelers in Arrington, Tennessee. He plans to complete the school's Graduate Bench Jeweler program by spring 2026.
"The drive, dedication, and talent of these students show that the future of jewelry making and design rests in good hands," said Rich Youmans, executive director of the MJSA Education Foundation.
"All presented a true desire to develop their skills, hone their creativity, and pursue excellence. We're very pleased to be able to help them take the next steps in their education and along their paths toward becoming professional jewelers."
Since 1997, the MJSA Education Foundation has provided more than $280,000 in support to American students pursuing careers in jewelry making and design.
The scholarships are managed by the Rhode Island Community Foundation on behalf of MJSA.
To learn more or see past winners, visit MJSA’s website.
Related stories will be right here …
The scholarship is designed to assist students pursuing professional careers in jewelry making and design.
Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye, and J. Kreis will receive $2,250 each.
Lauren is pursuing a Jewelry Design and Technology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. She expects to graduate in spring 2026.
Jerge is entering her senior year at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. She is working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry.
Nye is entering his final year at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris, Texas, where he is pursuing a certificate in jewelry technology.
J. Kreis will soon start at the New Approach School for Jewelers in Arrington, Tennessee. He plans to complete the school's Graduate Bench Jeweler program by spring 2026.
"The drive, dedication, and talent of these students show that the future of jewelry making and design rests in good hands," said Rich Youmans, executive director of the MJSA Education Foundation.
"All presented a true desire to develop their skills, hone their creativity, and pursue excellence. We're very pleased to be able to help them take the next steps in their education and along their paths toward becoming professional jewelers."
Since 1997, the MJSA Education Foundation has provided more than $280,000 in support to American students pursuing careers in jewelry making and design.
The scholarships are managed by the Rhode Island Community Foundation on behalf of MJSA.
To learn more or see past winners, visit MJSA’s website.
More on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
