The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
WJA Names its 2020 Female Veteran Grant Winner
This year’s winner is a Los Angeles-based designer and jeweler.

New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation has named its 2020 Female Veteran Grant recipient.
Latoya Boyd, a jewelry designer based in Los Angeles, has been awarded the $5,000 award, which is offered to a U.S. military veteran to assist in their professional growth in the jewelry or watch industries.
The grant is sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group.
Boyd served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic and was stationed in Afghanistan for a year. She was honorably discharged in 2014.
She studied jewelry and metalsmithing arts at Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, before earning a graduate gemologist diploma at the Gemological Institute of America, plus a computer-aided design certificate.
Additionally, Boyd earned a diamond jewelry repair certificate from John Fish Jewelry School in Las Vegas.
Now, Boyd is the proprietor of Latoya Boyd Jewelry, creating custom jewelry designs as well as a fine jewelry collection.
In a statement from WJA, Boyd said her grant would be used toward marketing, including copywriting and photography services, plus web hosting fees and bookkeeping software.
Sheri Ihde, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group’s direction of industry relations, commented: “Congratulations to Latoya Boyd on winning the 2020 Female Veteran Grant.”
“Jewelers Mutual is honored to be a continuing sponsor of the grant for the sixth consecutive year. This grant is not only a way of giving back to the industry, but it is bestowed on a deserving female veteran, who has the passion and desire to invest her talents in our industry. It’s very meaningful, and we’d like to thank Latoya for her service and wish her luck in her ongoing jewelry career.”
The WJA Foundation has funded hundreds of thousands of dollars toward education, business support and mentorship since its inception.
The foundation president is Brandee Dallow, while the Female Veteran Grant committee chair is Isabel Cajulis.
WJA conducts much of its grant fundraising at the annual Awards for Excellence. This year, it’s happening virtually on July 27.
The Latest

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.


Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.