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AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner
AGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Karen Fox (left) is the recipient of this year’s Beatrice Shipley Scholarship while Jenna Siegel has received the “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society has announced the recipients of two of its annual scholarships.
The recipient of the 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship is second-generation jeweler Karen Fox of Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura, California.
The scholarship, presented alongside the Gemological Institute of America, covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program—either online or at the Carlsbad, California, campus—as well as the AGS Way Course and registration for the 2026 AGS Conclave.
“I am thrilled to receive the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my gemological journey as I work toward earning my Graduate Gemologist and Certified Gemologist credentials,” said Fox.
She is Fox Fine Jewelry’s shop manager, working alongside her father, George Fox, at the family business.
She oversees the creative process of custom jewelry entirely in-house, with more than a decade of experience in CAD/CAM.
Her specialties are custom engagement rings and antique replica pieces, recreating heirloom jewels.
She is a graduate of the New Approach School for Jewelers and GIA’s Graduate Diamonds program, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in design, and is a member of Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40” retailers class of 2026.
“Continued education is essential to providing clients with the highest level of expertise, confidence, and service. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to further my education and career with the support of AGS and GIA,” said Fox.
The scholarship was created by AGS and GIA in 2019 in honor of businesswoman Beatrice Shipley.
Beatrice and her husband, Robert Shipley, founded both organizations in the 1930s, cashing in their savings to establish them. Their goals were to educate jewelers, professionalize the industry, and create a jewelers guild.
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The recipient of the 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship is second-generation jeweler Karen Fox of Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura, California.
The scholarship, presented alongside the Gemological Institute of America, covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program—either online or at the Carlsbad, California, campus—as well as the AGS Way Course and registration for the 2026 AGS Conclave.
“I am thrilled to receive the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my gemological journey as I work toward earning my Graduate Gemologist and Certified Gemologist credentials,” said Fox.
She is Fox Fine Jewelry’s shop manager, working alongside her father, George Fox, at the family business.
She oversees the creative process of custom jewelry entirely in-house, with more than a decade of experience in CAD/CAM.
Her specialties are custom engagement rings and antique replica pieces, recreating heirloom jewels.
She is a graduate of the New Approach School for Jewelers and GIA’s Graduate Diamonds program, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in design, and is a member of Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40” retailers class of 2026.
“Continued education is essential to providing clients with the highest level of expertise, confidence, and service. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to further my education and career with the support of AGS and GIA,” said Fox.
The scholarship was created by AGS and GIA in 2019 in honor of businesswoman Beatrice Shipley.
Beatrice and her husband, Robert Shipley, founded both organizations in the 1930s, cashing in their savings to establish them. Their goals were to educate jewelers, professionalize the industry, and create a jewelers guild.
AGS has also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
The 2026 recipient is Jenna Siegel of Argo & Lehne Jewelers in Columbus, Ohio.
The scholarship was created to support up-and-coming women leaders in the jewelry industry.
Siegel, a newcomer to the jewelry industry, is working toward becoming a Graduate Gemologist.
Siegel will receive complimentary registration to Conclave 2026, a $500 gift card, and a personalized mentorship experience coordinated by AGS.
“I am honored to have been awarded the 2026 Women in Leadership scholarship,” said Siegel.
“This investment in my future will provide valuable learning and growth opportunities. Thank you for supporting the development of my skills and knowledge, which I need to make a greater impact in this field.”
Fox and Siegel will be recognized at AGS’ annual Conclave in Orlando, Florida, slated for Sept. 14-17.
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