TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
Events & AwardsJul 26, 2017
Army Vet Wins 2017 WJA Female Veteran Grant
Kim Kowalski was part of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and is now developing her own jewelry business.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has awarded $40,000 in grants and scholarships this year, and honored a number of those winners at Monday night’s Awards for Excellence gala.
The WJA Female Veteran Grant went to Kim Kowalski, who was a part of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.
Kowalski left the Army after a bad landing caused lower-body injuries and then became an occupational therapy assistant with help from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
She started making jewelry when she created a jewelry kit to help patients, but soon found that it also helped her manage her own obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Kowalski is now developing her own jewelry business as well, designing with found objects and non-traditional materials, and she hopes to be able to combine that with continued help for patients who need occupational therapy.
She will complete an independent study in studio arts at her local community college this fall.
When she took the stage at the WJA gala on Monday to accept her grant, Kowalski said the money was going to help her pay for classes and supplies she wouldn’t be able to otherwise afford, as well as a few pieces of equipment she’s “been daydreaming about for a few years.”
She also said the money is really helping two veterans: Her husband is also a vet who’s getting into jewelry, so any knowledge she gains can be passed on to him.
“But beyond that--just the things that I can afford now--is the validation for me that, yeah, I really am doing something worthwhile, and people outside my family and friends believe in me and my ability to succeed,” she said.
Kowalski also talked about how proud and passionate she was about the work that she’s doing, a feeling she hopes to pass on to women who might defer to being humble and demur.
“I’m hoping with this grant that I can help change that,” she said from the podium Monday night. “I want my voice to be heard, I want my art to be seen, and I want to help other women learn to find themselves in art, no matter what kind, the way I’ve been able to.”
Meanwhile, the $5,000 merit-based 2017 Carelle-WJA Grant was awarded to Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Rachel Weld Newton, who creates wearable, sculptural pieces for her brand, Rachel Weld.
She was an architect, interior designer and ballet dancer before she
became a jewelry designer. She describes her aesthetic as a “juxtaposition of opposing forces,” pairing the hard edge against the feminine.
Carelle created the grant in honor of employee Brooke Tivol McGrath, who died in 2011 at age 28 from a rare blood infection.
Adrienne Sanogo also was named as the first 2017 Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship winner, and Sarah Silvey from WJA’s Twin Cities chapter won the Charlotte Preston “Gets It Done” Grant, a special grant given every year with funds from WJA and WJA's Twin Cities chapter in memory of the late Charlotte Preston.
Meanwhile, member grants are as followed, listed by the WJA chapter that submitted their names.
--Boston: Susan Warren
--Chicago: Nancy Hudson, Gayle Inbinder, Kelly Jacobson, Susanne Siegel
--Colorado: Katherine Whipple
--Dallas: Debra Navarro
--Florida: Maryann Scandiffio
--Los Angeles: Carol Koch, Kathleen Liu, Pheap Lorn-Canossi
--NY Metro: Marcia Budet, Denise Chislett, Asia Nail, Kristen Romans, Catherine Rudacille
--Northern California: Lilly Hoang, Olivia Shih
--Ohio/Kentucky: Meghan Carroll
--Providence: Marilyn Salvatore, Jaclyn St. Laurent, Suzanne Wernevi
--San Diego: Marreena Appleton, Rebecca Buys, Jennifer DeMoro, Janet Williams
--Seattle: Catherine Stam
--Twin Cities: Sara Commers, Diane Munsinger, Sarah Silvey, Kelly Williams
WJA also granted scholarships to 11 women across three categories.
Designer/Creator Category
--$4,000 June Herman Award: Haiyin Liang of Virginia Commonwealth University
--$3,000 Peggy Kirby Award: Valerie James of Rhode Island School of Design
--$2000 Award: Sarah Spomer of Texas Tech
--$1,000 Award: Christina Fandino of Pasadena City College
--$1,000 Award: Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada of University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Designer Category
--$2,500 Award: Chen Lu Cao of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
--$1,000 Award: Carmen Liu of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Non-Designer Category
--$2,500 Award: Sicily Blakely of GIA
--$1,000 Award: Marei Dose of North Bennet St. School
--$1,000 Award: Angela Noble of GIA
--$1,000 Award: Molly Robinson of Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College
Carelle created the grant in honor of employee Brooke Tivol McGrath, who died in 2011 at age 28 from a rare blood infection.
Adrienne Sanogo also was named as the first 2017 Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship winner, and Sarah Silvey from WJA’s Twin Cities chapter won the Charlotte Preston “Gets It Done” Grant, a special grant given every year with funds from WJA and WJA's Twin Cities chapter in memory of the late Charlotte Preston.
Meanwhile, member grants are as followed, listed by the WJA chapter that submitted their names.
--Boston: Susan Warren
--Chicago: Nancy Hudson, Gayle Inbinder, Kelly Jacobson, Susanne Siegel
--Colorado: Katherine Whipple
--Dallas: Debra Navarro
--Florida: Maryann Scandiffio
--Los Angeles: Carol Koch, Kathleen Liu, Pheap Lorn-Canossi
--NY Metro: Marcia Budet, Denise Chislett, Asia Nail, Kristen Romans, Catherine Rudacille
--Northern California: Lilly Hoang, Olivia Shih
--Ohio/Kentucky: Meghan Carroll
--Providence: Marilyn Salvatore, Jaclyn St. Laurent, Suzanne Wernevi
--San Diego: Marreena Appleton, Rebecca Buys, Jennifer DeMoro, Janet Williams
--Seattle: Catherine Stam
--Twin Cities: Sara Commers, Diane Munsinger, Sarah Silvey, Kelly Williams
WJA also granted scholarships to 11 women across three categories.
Designer/Creator Category
--$4,000 June Herman Award: Haiyin Liang of Virginia Commonwealth University
--$3,000 Peggy Kirby Award: Valerie James of Rhode Island School of Design
--$2000 Award: Sarah Spomer of Texas Tech
--$1,000 Award: Christina Fandino of Pasadena City College
--$1,000 Award: Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada of University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Designer Category
--$2,500 Award: Chen Lu Cao of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
--$1,000 Award: Carmen Liu of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Non-Designer Category
--$2,500 Award: Sicily Blakely of GIA
--$1,000 Award: Marei Dose of North Bennet St. School
--$1,000 Award: Angela Noble of GIA
--$1,000 Award: Molly Robinson of Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
