Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsEvents & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship
Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
On Wednesday, Jewelers of America announced the recipients of the new Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship, the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship, and its own scholarships.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced the winners of numerous industry scholarships, including the one created in honor of Nina Pugliese, a longtime and beloved employee of Henne Jewelers who died last year.
In its first year, the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship supports students or those already working in the industry who want to increase their professionalism or knowledge through education or training, JA said.
A committee that included JA and Henne Jewelers staff chose the winners, with the Pugliese family providing input as well.
The recipients, who were awarded more than $10,000 total, are:
Tiana M. Camarillo of Laredo, Texas, who plans to attend Gemological Institute of America;
Audriana Osborne of Montgomery, Alabama, who also plans to attend GIA; and
Janice Kreis of New York, who plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
Henne Jewelers owner John Henne described the inaugural recipients as talented and dedicated, noting that their passion and creativity “embody the spirit and legacy of Nina Pugliese.”
“In this first year, the scholarship marks the beginning of a lasting tribute to Nina’s extraordinary career and her enduring influence, helping to inspire and support the next generation of jewelry professionals as they pursue their dreams,” he said.
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In its first year, the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship supports students or those already working in the industry who want to increase their professionalism or knowledge through education or training, JA said.
A committee that included JA and Henne Jewelers staff chose the winners, with the Pugliese family providing input as well.
The recipients, who were awarded more than $10,000 total, are:
Tiana M. Camarillo of Laredo, Texas, who plans to attend Gemological Institute of America;
Audriana Osborne of Montgomery, Alabama, who also plans to attend GIA; and
Janice Kreis of New York, who plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
Henne Jewelers owner John Henne described the inaugural recipients as talented and dedicated, noting that their passion and creativity “embody the spirit and legacy of Nina Pugliese.”
“In this first year, the scholarship marks the beginning of a lasting tribute to Nina’s extraordinary career and her enduring influence, helping to inspire and support the next generation of jewelry professionals as they pursue their dreams,” he said.
Also on Wednesday, JA announced the winners of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship, as well as its own scholarship programs.
Now in its third year, the Holtzman scholarship was created in 2024 in partnership with the Holtzmans of CD Peacock in Chicago and focuses on an area of need: bringing new bench jewelers into the industry.
A committee consisting of JA staff and members of its board of directors, along with members of the Holtzman Review Committee, chose the winners, who received a combined $10,000 toward their studies.
They are:
Samuel J.A. Zampelli of Maspeth, New York, who plans to attend FIT;
Kylie Weinzierl of Revere, Mississippi, who plans to attend the North Bennet Street School;
Noa Bejar of San Juan, Puerto Rico, who plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design;
and Anthony J. Lindwedel of St. Louis, who plans to attend the Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop.
“My parents have always believed deeply in the importance of craftsmanship. Jewelry making and repair require tremendous skill, patience, and dedication, yet the bench jeweler’s trade is too often overlooked or forgotten,” CD Peacock Vice Chairman Steven Holtzman said.
They created the Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship to help preserve this important craft and support those building careers as jewelers. We are incredibly proud to continue their legacy through this scholarship for a third year by helping aspiring bench jewelers develop the skills they need to carry this tradition forward.”
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Jewelers of America also awarded more than $22,000 to employees of the following JA members stores: Afram Jewelers, Atelier Mythique, Avitabile Fine Jewelers, Ba Lan Fine Jewelry, Borsheims, David Adams Fine Jewelers, Dunbar Jewelers, Evelyn and Co., Lasker Jewelers and Diamonds, Miyavi, New England Gold & Silver Jewelers, Noe’s Jewelry, Parkville Jewelers, The Diamond Center, and Tom LaGravinese Jewelers.
The scholarship recipients can use the funds to further their jewelry education through industry diplomas, professional development, and certification programs.
“Jewelers of America is committed to advancing the professionalism of the jewelry industry,” President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“We are fortunate to have great partners in both the Holtzmans and John Henne, who are working with us to prepare the next generation of jewelers.”
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