EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
GradingDec 12, 2019
Fifth-Generation Jeweler Awarded Beatrice Shipley Scholarship
Madelaine Genna is the first recipient of the scholarship, which covers the cost of a Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and a Certified Gemologist diploma from AGS.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Fifth-generation jeweler Madelaine Genna is this year’s recipient of the first Beatrice Shipley scholarship, presented by the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society.
Madelaine Genna is the first recipient of the Beatrice Shipley scholarship. The award is named in honor of Beatrice Shipley, a notable businesswoman and the wife of GIA founder Robert Shipley.
“Beatrice is someone I greatly admire as she represents all the amazing things that a woman can be, and I’m so proud to be associated with her in this way,” Genna said in a press release announcing the award winner.
The scholarship covers the full cost of a Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and a Certified Gemologist diploma from AGS as well as the cost of attending 2020 AGS Conclave in Denver.
The debut of the award was announced by GIA CEO Susan Jacques at 2019 AGS Conclave in Seattle during the Shipley Luncheon.
Genna’s interest in jewelry began when she was young, spending time in her family’s jewelry store, Genna’s Jewelers, in Florida.
She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in public relations and advertising, her LinkedIn profile shows.
Genna is an AGS certified sales associate and holds a GIA Diamond Essentials certificate.
She previously worked in the family store, overseeing management and sales as well as organizing trunk shows and coordinating with local charities.
Currently, Genna handles training and visual merchandising at Effy Jewelry, appearing as a brand ambassador on Gem Shopping Network and training retail sales associates.
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