Events & Awards

WJA Accepting Applications for Carelle Grant

Events & AwardsFeb 06, 2017

WJA Accepting Applications for Carelle Grant

The $5,000 grant is awarded annually to a female business owner in her first five years of business.

20160825_Melissa-Spencer.jpg
Jewelry designer Melissa Spencer, pictured here alongside her self-portrait necklace, was the recipient of last year's WJA-Carelle grant.

New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) is now accepting applications for its WJA-Carelle Grant.

The $5,000 grant is awarded annually to a female business owner and WJA member in her first five years of business.

Carelle created the grant in honor of its employee, Brooke Tivol McGrath, who died in 2011 at age 28 from a rare blood infection.

McGrath grew up in the jewelry industry. But instead of immediately working for her family’s business, Tivol Jewelers in Kansas City, Missouri, she pursued the opportunity to work at Carelle in New York City, joining the company in 2007.

McGrath had a hand in several important aspects of the company, from marketing to design, and supported Carelle’s involvement in the WJA.

Now, McGrath’s legacy lives on through Carelle and the WJA’s support of emerging female businesswomen in jewelry.

Grant applicants are required to submit an essay for consideration that demonstrates their determination, dedication and a positive attitude toward the jewelry industry.

Last year’s recipient was jewelry designer Melissa Spencer of Spencer Fine Jewelry.

Interested applicants should apply online and can direct any questions to Lisa Kim, the WJA-Carelle Grant Chair, at info@lisakimfinejewelry.com or Bernadette Mack at bernadette@womensjewelryassociation.com.

All applications must be received by March 3.
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

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