Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship
The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
Applications for the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship are open until June 30. Pictured is a display from Henne Jewelers’ exhibition of Pugliese’s jewelry designs held last week.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship, a new opportunity for jewelry professionals looking to increase their professionalism or knowledge through education or training.
Created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, it is named in memory of the late Nina Pugliese, who worked with the retailer for four decades.
Pugliese held various roles in her career, including buyer, designer, and salesperson.
She also supported industry education, craftsmanship, integrity, and the local community through charitable giving.
Applicants will be asked to explain how their current work or studies in the jewelry industry, their personal values, and their future career goals embody Pugliese’s legacy.
“Nina Pugliese’s passion, creativity, and eye for timeless beauty left her mark on Henne Jewelers and our community. Her warmth, kindness, and faith shone through in everything she did, and her generosity of spirit touched countless lives,” said Henne Jewelers President John Henne.
“Through her jewelry designs, Nina has left more than her mark, she has left a legacy. We are proud to present the Nina Pugliese Scholarship in partnership with Jewelers of America as a way for Nina’s legacy to profoundly impact the jewelry industry.”
A portion of every sale from the retailer’s “Exclusively Nina” collection will help fund the scholarship.
Related stories will be right here …
Created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, it is named in memory of the late Nina Pugliese, who worked with the retailer for four decades.
Pugliese held various roles in her career, including buyer, designer, and salesperson.
She also supported industry education, craftsmanship, integrity, and the local community through charitable giving.
Applicants will be asked to explain how their current work or studies in the jewelry industry, their personal values, and their future career goals embody Pugliese’s legacy.
“Nina Pugliese’s passion, creativity, and eye for timeless beauty left her mark on Henne Jewelers and our community. Her warmth, kindness, and faith shone through in everything she did, and her generosity of spirit touched countless lives,” said Henne Jewelers President John Henne.
“Through her jewelry designs, Nina has left more than her mark, she has left a legacy. We are proud to present the Nina Pugliese Scholarship in partnership with Jewelers of America as a way for Nina’s legacy to profoundly impact the jewelry industry.”
A portion of every sale from the retailer’s “Exclusively Nina” collection will help fund the scholarship.
Applications for the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship are open until June 30.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in an accredited and/or certified jewelry training program starting by fall 2026, and/or currently employed in the jewelry industry.
“Jewelers of America is honored to partner with Henne Jewelers for this meaningful scholarship. Through this Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship, Nina’s spirit will continue to be a source of inspiration for the next generation of jewelry professionals,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.
For more information and to download an application, visit JA’s website or contact JA Member Services at 800-223-0673.
To donate directly to the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship, click here.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
