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.
GradingMar 01, 2021
Beyoncé, Lorraine Schwartz Create GIA Scholarship
The superstar will hand-select two Black professionals to receive full tuition and paid expenses for its Graduate Gemologist program via distance education.
Beyoncé and jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz bonded over a shared love of jewelry. The pair are sponsoring a new GIA scholarship for Black professionals.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Beyoncé and friend and jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz have teamed up to create a GIA scholarship.
The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz Scholarship will be awarded to two Black professionals, personally selected by the superstar.
The two scholarships award full tuition and paid expenses for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program through distance education.
“It is an honor to have this scholarship in my name, but the best part is teaming up with my friend Lorraine Schwartz to give two people an opportunity to learn,” Beyoncé said in a press release about the scholarship.
“We both believe that learning is constant. This is a chance to learn from the best, create generational wealth and turn a love of gems into a career.”
Beyoncé and Schwartz bonded over a shared love of jewelry.
The two first worked together in 2003, when Schwartz designed the earrings Beyoncé wore on her first solo album cover, “Dangerously in Love.”
Beyoncé has played the role of client and muse throughout Schwartz’s career, with the latter creating much of her red carpet and editorial jewelry, sharing her diamond and gemstone knowledge along the way.
For Beyoncé’s last birthday, Schwartz gifted her a GIA scholarship, which was matched by GIA to fund a second scholarship.
“This scholarship is an homage to Beyoncé for the inspiration she’s given me throughout my career,” said Schwartz, who hails from two generations of diamond dealers.
“It’s about the love formed from relationships and knowing that at the end of the day, we are all the same. Now I have the opportunity to bring that inspiration full circle and show the community the endless possibilities that are in this industry, especially for Black professionals.”
Earlier this year, Lorraine Schwartz announced a partnership with the Natural Diamond Council to offer $1 million of financing to BIPOC designers. Recipients will also receive mentorship from a host of Schwartz's celebrity friends and clientele, including Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles.
Applications for the GIA scholarship will be accepted starting today at 9:00 a.m. PST to March 16 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
For more information or to apply, visit GIA’s website.
The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz Scholarship will be awarded to two Black professionals, personally selected by the superstar.
The two scholarships award full tuition and paid expenses for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program through distance education.
“It is an honor to have this scholarship in my name, but the best part is teaming up with my friend Lorraine Schwartz to give two people an opportunity to learn,” Beyoncé said in a press release about the scholarship.
“We both believe that learning is constant. This is a chance to learn from the best, create generational wealth and turn a love of gems into a career.”
Beyoncé and Schwartz bonded over a shared love of jewelry.
The two first worked together in 2003, when Schwartz designed the earrings Beyoncé wore on her first solo album cover, “Dangerously in Love.”
Beyoncé has played the role of client and muse throughout Schwartz’s career, with the latter creating much of her red carpet and editorial jewelry, sharing her diamond and gemstone knowledge along the way.
For Beyoncé’s last birthday, Schwartz gifted her a GIA scholarship, which was matched by GIA to fund a second scholarship.
“This scholarship is an homage to Beyoncé for the inspiration she’s given me throughout my career,” said Schwartz, who hails from two generations of diamond dealers.
“It’s about the love formed from relationships and knowing that at the end of the day, we are all the same. Now I have the opportunity to bring that inspiration full circle and show the community the endless possibilities that are in this industry, especially for Black professionals.”
Earlier this year, Lorraine Schwartz announced a partnership with the Natural Diamond Council to offer $1 million of financing to BIPOC designers. Recipients will also receive mentorship from a host of Schwartz's celebrity friends and clientele, including Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles.
Applications for the GIA scholarship will be accepted starting today at 9:00 a.m. PST to March 16 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
For more information or to apply, visit GIA’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
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.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
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.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
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.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
