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!”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJun 07, 2023
Experts Discuss Disability Inclusion at WJA’s Las Vegas BreakfastMembers gathered Friday morning at JCK to hear from Diversability founder Tiffany Yu and Molly Kettle of Gamut Management.
WatchesJun 07, 2023
Citizen to Open New NYC Multi-Brand FlagshipThe three-story location will house dedicated spaces for Citizen, Bulova, Accutron, Frederique Constant, and Alpina timepieces.
ColumnistsJun 06, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: The Challenge of Closing Sales Many times, customers walk away without buying because of this one thing salespeople neglect to do, Peter Smith writes.
Brought to you by
The Next Step for GIA Diamond ReportsThe most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.
Policies & IssuesJun 06, 2023
Grandview Klein Diamonds, Local Partners Donate to Primary SchoolThe donation to a school in Namibia included computer equipment, infrastructure repair and sanitary wear.
Weekly QuizJun 02, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2023
HardRock Summit Organizers Gear Up for Third Annual ShowMore than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
TrendsJun 02, 2023
Take a Peek at Couture’s Newest Design Talents This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.
Brought to you by
Beyond Borders: Crucial Factors in Colored Stone Origin DeterminationNavigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.
CollectionsJun 02, 2023
Piece of the Week: Saboo Fine Jewels’ Emerald EarringsThey’re a testament to the power of excellent design.
IndependentsJun 02, 2023
These Are the 2023 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.
TrendsJun 01, 2023
See 50+ Jewels Debuting at Couture in Las VegasThe industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.
Lab-GrownJun 01, 2023
35-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Going on Display in VegasCreated by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.
MajorsJun 01, 2023
Bottom Line Marketing Announces Restructured Leadership, New Service OfferingsThe marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerThe jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.
TrendsMay 31, 2023
Here’s a Sneak Peek of New Jewelry to Check Out at JCKLuxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.
CollectionsMay 31, 2023
Verragio’s Debut Fine Jewelry Collections Honor Company HeritageOne of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Signet Jewelers Names New Head of Investor RelationsRob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.
MajorsMay 31, 2023
Jewelers Mutual Launches App for Retailers, Introduces New BrokerageWith the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.
Lab-GrownMay 30, 2023
Lightbox Is Testing Out a Trendy Concept Shop in BrooklynIt is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
These Are the Can’t-Miss JCK Talks Education SessionsFrom consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.
AuctionsMay 30, 2023
Sotheby’s to Auction Mellon Family JewelrySignature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.
Events & AwardsMay 30, 2023
24 Karat Club of Southern California Recognizes 3 HonoreesThey will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.
GradingMay 26, 2023
State of the Diamond Industry: AI and the Future of Diamond GradingGemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Watch: Diamond Cut Quality: The Final Frontier Part 2Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI
Recorded WebinarsMay 26, 2023
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds: What It’s Like to Sell Both Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.
FinancialsMay 26, 2023
Movado Sales Slip in Q1 Amid Inflation Woes, Tough CompsThe company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.
AuctionsMay 26, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond NecklaceSet with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.
