Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupEvents & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners
Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
The six recipients of the scholarship are, from top left, Amelia Zavagnin, Ron White, Kylie Weinzierl and, from bottom left, William Lew, Camille Richard, and Aaron Taylor.
Troy, Mich.—Ahead of its annual event, The Jewelry Symposium (TJA) has announced the six scholarship winners for its 2026 edition, set to take place May 17-19 at the Detroit Marriott Troy hotel.
The awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler who was recently promoted from an apprenticeship.
The scholarships will cover the symposium registration fee, three nights at the venue, and meals catered by TJS, as well as a book, a thumb drive of all the presentations, and a formal certificate of attendance.
The 2026 TJS scholarship awardees, pictured at the top of the article, are Amelia Zavagnin, Ron White, Kylie Weinzierl, William Lew, Camille Richard, and Aaron Taylor.
Zavagnin, a student at GIA, said, “As a first-generation jeweler, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect with experienced people. Everyone I have met in this industry is supportive and encouraging of passionate students who want to jumpstart their career.”
She added, “The topics of the 2026 Symposium are fascinating and will help build a solid foundation of knowledge going forward.”
White and Weinzierl are students at North Bennett Street School in Boston.
“Such a dream of an opportunity to learn so much industry knowledge and hear from so many amazing minds in one place. Excited to be a part of this and have this core memory!” White said.
Weinzierl added, “As a student passionate about building my skills, and learning as much as possible about the industry, I am incredibly excited to learn about new technology, meet new people, and explore a place that will help me advance my knowledge and career of the jewelry industry!”
Related stories will be right here …
The awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler who was recently promoted from an apprenticeship.
The scholarships will cover the symposium registration fee, three nights at the venue, and meals catered by TJS, as well as a book, a thumb drive of all the presentations, and a formal certificate of attendance.
The 2026 TJS scholarship awardees, pictured at the top of the article, are Amelia Zavagnin, Ron White, Kylie Weinzierl, William Lew, Camille Richard, and Aaron Taylor.
Zavagnin, a student at GIA, said, “As a first-generation jeweler, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect with experienced people. Everyone I have met in this industry is supportive and encouraging of passionate students who want to jumpstart their career.”
She added, “The topics of the 2026 Symposium are fascinating and will help build a solid foundation of knowledge going forward.”
White and Weinzierl are students at North Bennett Street School in Boston.
“Such a dream of an opportunity to learn so much industry knowledge and hear from so many amazing minds in one place. Excited to be a part of this and have this core memory!” White said.
Weinzierl added, “As a student passionate about building my skills, and learning as much as possible about the industry, I am incredibly excited to learn about new technology, meet new people, and explore a place that will help me advance my knowledge and career of the jewelry industry!”
Lew, a student at Skidmore College in New York, is studying jewelry and metals.
“This scholarship means a great deal to me,” he said. “I care deeply about craftsmanship, and being able to attend TJS and learn from leaders in the field is an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Richard, an apprentice to Master Jeweler Ronda Coryell, said she is thrilled to receive a scholarship.
“The opportunity to learn from top professionals and experts in the jewelry industry is a great honor. The variety of topics scheduled will help expand my horizons and expose me to new facets of the industry. I look forward to applying what I learn to my professional work,” she said.
Taylor is a shop lead and jeweler, recently promoted from an apprenticeship, at Skeie’s Jewelers in Oregon.
“It will be a truly invaluable experience to spend time with such pioneers in the industry and learn from fellow jewelers and goldsmiths that have the same passion for pushing the limits of the craft,” he said.
Linus Drogs, chairman of the board at TJS, said the board was “delighted by the passionate interest in TJS and the quality of the scholarship applications this year.”
“Given the concerning attrition of skilled workers in our industry, we could not be happier to welcome these talented students and apprentices. We hope that they will gain new skills and make connections that will launch their careers, just as so many of us TJS attendees have over the years,” he said.
The scholarships were sponsored by GIA, Mano Acero Jewelry, Techform Casting, and Dougherty Charitable Fund.
For more information or event details, visit the TJS website or email Jessa Cast or jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
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.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
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.
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.
