Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEvents & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice Graduate
The graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Grace Barden is the first Advanced Apprentice Graduate of the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program.
New York—The MJSA Education Foundation has certified Grace Barden as the first Advanced Apprentice Graduate of the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program.
Barden apprenticed at Jost Jewelers in West Allis, Wisconsin, while also pursuing her BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
She graduated in May and now works as a bench jeweler at Heidi Lowe Gallery in Lewes, Delaware.
"The [MJSA] program is mapped out well; it gave me the ability to pinpoint what I needed help with," she said. "I feel like I've gained a lot in my professional and technical development, and a lot of confidence in my own work."
The program, which launched in 2023, is designed to help professional jewelers bring on and train bench workers.
It includes a 50-week curriculum with more than 200 online videos and resources covering core bench skills, casting, and CAD/CAM, among other areas.
It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which makes participants eligible for potential state and federal funding through available grants, tax credits, and tuition support.
To become certified, each apprentice must complete 18 specified projects, ranging from pierced earrings to stone-set rings to 3D printed models.
"The projects hit a lot of fundamental techniques that every bench jeweler should know,” Barden said.
"It was really helpful to start out with projects that are more simple, like the pierced earrings, and then work my way up and see how the skills can transform and develop. I found the program really straightforward, with clear goals—someone who's never worked with metals before could come in off the street, follow [the curriculum], and learn so many things."
Barden credited the program with helping her secure her job, which was originally supposed to be a three-month internship.
"I mentioned I was doing this program [and] explained everything I was learning,” she said.
“I was hired on as a bench jeweler rather than an intern, just because I came in with more skills and [a certification] that says I have those skills."
To learn more about the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program and receiving a free training kit, contact MJSA Foundation Executive Director Rich Youmans at 1-800-223-0673, ext. 8073, or at rich.youmans@mjsa.org.
To learn more about MJSA and the MJSA Education Foundation, go to MJSA.org.
Related stories will be right here …
Barden apprenticed at Jost Jewelers in West Allis, Wisconsin, while also pursuing her BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
She graduated in May and now works as a bench jeweler at Heidi Lowe Gallery in Lewes, Delaware.
"The [MJSA] program is mapped out well; it gave me the ability to pinpoint what I needed help with," she said. "I feel like I've gained a lot in my professional and technical development, and a lot of confidence in my own work."
The program, which launched in 2023, is designed to help professional jewelers bring on and train bench workers.
It includes a 50-week curriculum with more than 200 online videos and resources covering core bench skills, casting, and CAD/CAM, among other areas.
It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which makes participants eligible for potential state and federal funding through available grants, tax credits, and tuition support.
To become certified, each apprentice must complete 18 specified projects, ranging from pierced earrings to stone-set rings to 3D printed models.
"The projects hit a lot of fundamental techniques that every bench jeweler should know,” Barden said.
"It was really helpful to start out with projects that are more simple, like the pierced earrings, and then work my way up and see how the skills can transform and develop. I found the program really straightforward, with clear goals—someone who's never worked with metals before could come in off the street, follow [the curriculum], and learn so many things."
Barden credited the program with helping her secure her job, which was originally supposed to be a three-month internship.
"I mentioned I was doing this program [and] explained everything I was learning,” she said.
“I was hired on as a bench jeweler rather than an intern, just because I came in with more skills and [a certification] that says I have those skills."
To learn more about the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program and receiving a free training kit, contact MJSA Foundation Executive Director Rich Youmans at 1-800-223-0673, ext. 8073, or at rich.youmans@mjsa.org.
To learn more about MJSA and the MJSA Education Foundation, go to MJSA.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingOct 05, 2026
De Beers to Take Full Ownership of Gahcho KuéIt is the last fully operational diamond mine in Canada following the recent closures of Ekati and Diavik.
AuctionsOct 05, 2026
The Star Cats of the Sandy Lerner AuctionThese jewels stood out at Bonhams’ sale of the cat-loving tech entrepreneur’s collection of objects depicting the feline form.
CollectionsOct 05, 2026
Sorellina Writes Another Love Letter for ‘Postscript’ CollectionThe fine jewelry brand has expanded the collection that debuted at Couture with four new designs based on its most popular styles.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SourcingOct 05, 2026
Bruce Bridges Joins CIBJO BoardThe AGTA president was elected for a two-year term on the board of directors.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 02, 2026
De Beers, National Geographic Society Renew Okavango Eternal Partnership The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
MajorsOct 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New $150M Manufacturing Facility in VietnamThe new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsOct 02, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Heart PendantThe special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
