Events & AwardsMar 31, 2021
Meet the First 6 Participants in the Emerging Designers Diamond InitiativeEvents & AwardsApr 21, 2021
Meet the 3 Recipients of the Beyoncé x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship
Originally intended for two Black aspiring jewelry professionals, three individuals will have their gemology education fully funded.
From left to right: Kulla Jatani, Shelton Bradford and Audriana Osborne are the recipients of the Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarships.
Carlsbad, Calif.— Many celebrities would say Lorraine Schwartz is their jewelry fairy godmother.
Now, a few lucky soon-to-be GIA students can call Beyoncé Knowles-Carter theirs.
Thanks to the pop star, Schwartz, and the Gemological Institute of America, three promising Black professionals can pursue their graduate gemologist diplomas and know they were chosen by Queen Bey herself.
The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship funds full tuition via distance education, as well as fees, equipment, and travel expenses, for the required on-campus lab class component.
The scholarships are valued at more than $20,000.
In a statement, GIA explained the scholarships are “rooted in the understanding that education builds opportunity that can lead to generational wealth.”
It was this belief that led Schwartz, arguably the leading independent designer when it comes to outfitting celebrities, to create the scholarship in honor of her longtime friend and client Knowles-Carter.
Announced earlier this year, GIA matched the scholarship for what originally was to be a total of two full rides.
Schwartz said, “It’s an honor to be part of this life-changing moment for these two young professionals; even more so because it’s in Beyoncé’s name, who has been my friend, muse, and the canvas for which I show my jewelry on for the last 20 years.
Related stories will be right here …
Now, a few lucky soon-to-be GIA students can call Beyoncé Knowles-Carter theirs.
Thanks to the pop star, Schwartz, and the Gemological Institute of America, three promising Black professionals can pursue their graduate gemologist diplomas and know they were chosen by Queen Bey herself.
The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship funds full tuition via distance education, as well as fees, equipment, and travel expenses, for the required on-campus lab class component.
The scholarships are valued at more than $20,000.
In a statement, GIA explained the scholarships are “rooted in the understanding that education builds opportunity that can lead to generational wealth.”
It was this belief that led Schwartz, arguably the leading independent designer when it comes to outfitting celebrities, to create the scholarship in honor of her longtime friend and client Knowles-Carter.
Announced earlier this year, GIA matched the scholarship for what originally was to be a total of two full rides.
Schwartz said, “It’s an honor to be part of this life-changing moment for these two young professionals; even more so because it’s in Beyoncé’s name, who has been my friend, muse, and the canvas for which I show my jewelry on for the last 20 years.
“Her work for the Black community is without limit and her efforts have inspired me and made me extremely proud to be her friend and partner on this initiative. Both recipients are so passionate about furthering their education and jumpstarting their futures—not only for themselves, but for their communities and for the generations to follow.”
Knowles-Carter personally selected the scholarship winners, but then decided two wasn’t enough.
She said, “I was impressed with their passion and the knowledge of gems that so many applicants displayed. I am praying that this is just the beginning of opening more doors to diversity and raw inspiration in the jewelry industry.”
The songstress has funded a third full-ride scholarship.
WATCH: The Scholarship Winners Are Announced
The three recipients are: Audriana Osborne, Shelton Bradford, and Kulla Jatani.
Each wrote essays in their applications that spoke of their passion for gems and jewelry and how they would like to increase Black representation in the industry.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Osborne is interested in the intersection of creativity and her current field, legal advocacy.
From Lake Forest, California, Bradford is following his love of the science and symbolism behind gemstones to learn a trade and start his own business.
Seattle’s Jatani has a creative interest in jewelry and hopes to develop her technical skills with an eye on a potential storefront of her own.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said, “The global gem and jewelry industry is fused together by specialized expertise and diversity of experiences, voices and differing backgrounds. All of these help to foster creativity, relevance and ultimately success. Diversity is essential for us to continue to thrive well into the future.
“We are honored to have worked with Beyoncé and Lorraine to create educational opportunities that can transform the course of a life—and for it to benefit three people, makes it all that more special. Congratulations to Audriana, Shelton and Kulla—we are excited to have you join us on this special journey and we welcome you to GIA!”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
