Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
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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.
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