EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsJul 11, 2018
WJA Announces 2018 Scholarship and Grant Winners
The Women’s Jewelry Association will award $65,500 total to 45 women in the upcoming year.
Forty-five women will receive a scholarship or grant from the Women’s Jewelry Association in the upcoming year. Four of them are (from left to right): Christina Miller with the $5,000 Carelle-WJA Grant, Lisa West with the $5,000 Female Veteran Scholarship, Magan Byron with the $5,000 Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship and Julie Martin with the $5,000 Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association announced it will award a total of $65,500 in grants and scholarships for the 2018-2019 program year.
The funds have been awarded to 45 women, 12 of whom are students in accredited programs focused on jewelry making and design.
The recipients are as follows.
--The Carelle-WJA Grant Winner ($5,000): Christina Miller
Miller is an independent sustainable jewelry consultant, providing strategy, guidance and impact measurement to help jewelers make lives better around the world. She also is the co-founder and former executive director of Ethical Metalsmiths and served as an assistant professor of jewelry and metalsmithing at Millersville University in Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2010.
--The Female Veteran Scholarship ($5,000): Lisa West, Gemological Institute of America
West is a freelance CAD jewelry designer in San Diego. A disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, she is a graduate of the GIA’s Graduate Jeweler and Jewelry Design and Technology programs. She currently is working with a start-up jewelry company creating 3-D models for their products.
--The Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship ($5,000): Julie Martin, San Diego State University
After earning her BA in Applied Design in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at San Diego State University, Martin began a three-year apprenticeship with a master jeweler in San Diego who now is part of her current team. Then she started a fashion jewelry company and a decade later founded Scout Mandolin, which makes custom one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry.
--The Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship ($5,000): Magan Byron, GIA
Byron earned her BFA in Jewelry and Metalworking from the University of Georgia. She currently is enrolled in Gem Identification at the GIA, the last course needed for her to complete her Graduate Gemologist degree. She lives in Athens, Georgia, where she works as the operations director at T.K. Anderson Designs.
Student scholarships also were awarded to the following.
--The June Herman Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($7,000): Hsinyu Chu, GIA
--Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($5,000): Hannah Hash, GIA
--Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($3,000): Ekaterina Korzh, University of Iowa
--Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($2,000): Zihan Yang, Savannah College of Art & Design
--The Peggy Kirby Scholarship Award ($5,000): Sidnee Tyree, Kendall College of Art and Design
--Non-Designer Scholarship ($3,000): Jacqueline Lapuck, GIA
--Non-Designer Scholarship ($1,000): Natalie Tjaden, University of Tennessee
--$1,000: Madison Desmond, GIA
--$1,000: Sarah Andrie, GIA
--$1,000: Jodi Webster, University of Kansas
The funds have been awarded to 45 women, 12 of whom are students in accredited programs focused on jewelry making and design.
The recipients are as follows.
--The Carelle-WJA Grant Winner ($5,000): Christina Miller
Miller is an independent sustainable jewelry consultant, providing strategy, guidance and impact measurement to help jewelers make lives better around the world. She also is the co-founder and former executive director of Ethical Metalsmiths and served as an assistant professor of jewelry and metalsmithing at Millersville University in Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2010.
--The Female Veteran Scholarship ($5,000): Lisa West, Gemological Institute of America
West is a freelance CAD jewelry designer in San Diego. A disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, she is a graduate of the GIA’s Graduate Jeweler and Jewelry Design and Technology programs. She currently is working with a start-up jewelry company creating 3-D models for their products.
--The Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship ($5,000): Julie Martin, San Diego State University
After earning her BA in Applied Design in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at San Diego State University, Martin began a three-year apprenticeship with a master jeweler in San Diego who now is part of her current team. Then she started a fashion jewelry company and a decade later founded Scout Mandolin, which makes custom one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry.
--The Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship ($5,000): Magan Byron, GIA
Byron earned her BFA in Jewelry and Metalworking from the University of Georgia. She currently is enrolled in Gem Identification at the GIA, the last course needed for her to complete her Graduate Gemologist degree. She lives in Athens, Georgia, where she works as the operations director at T.K. Anderson Designs.
Student scholarships also were awarded to the following.
--The June Herman Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($7,000): Hsinyu Chu, GIA
--Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($5,000): Hannah Hash, GIA
--Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($3,000): Ekaterina Korzh, University of Iowa
--Designer/Creator Scholarship Award ($2,000): Zihan Yang, Savannah College of Art & Design
--The Peggy Kirby Scholarship Award ($5,000): Sidnee Tyree, Kendall College of Art and Design
--Non-Designer Scholarship ($3,000): Jacqueline Lapuck, GIA
--Non-Designer Scholarship ($1,000): Natalie Tjaden, University of Tennessee
--$1,000: Madison Desmond, GIA
--$1,000: Sarah Andrie, GIA
--$1,000: Jodi Webster, University of Kansas
Meanwhile, member grants were awarded as follows.
--Austin: Mousumi Shaw
--Boston: Lori Magno, Siran Varadian
--Chicago: Arica DeArcos, Kelly Jacobson, Susanne Siegel, Stephanie Wishnoff
--Colorado: Julia Mancarella
--Dallas: Linda Friedel, Margueriette Hutchison
--Lafayette: Mindi Courville
--Los Angeles: Harvinder Keila, Tania Silpanone
--Northern California: Deborah Durant, Brooke Miller, Rhoma Young
--NY Metro: Maricha Genovese, Deborah Halperin, Delphine Leymarie
--Ohio/Kentucky: Dawn Grady, Andrea Koenig
--Providence: Marilyn Salvatore
--Salt Lake City: Liz Deane
--San Diego: Marreena Appleton, Jennifer DeMoro, Christine Lopez, Peggy Tsiamis
--Seattle: Andrea Price, Danielle Saudino
--Twin Cities: Julie Burkhart-Haid, Laura McDonald
--Charlotte Preston "Gets it Done" Grant: Nancy Hudson
Funds for the scholarships and grants are raised through the annual Awards for Excellence Gala, individual member donations and sponsorships.
“It is important that WJA encourages and continues to support the professional growth and educational endeavors of women in the jewelry and watch industries,” WJA board President Jenny Luker said. “The recipients are all extraordinary and exceptional at what they do. We are excited to see what new opportunities they will bring to our industry.”
More on Independents
The Latest
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
