AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
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.
More on Grading
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
