Events & AwardsApr 22, 2021
BIJC, Ben Bridge Introduce a New Scholarship IndependentsApr 27, 2021
The Deadline for WJA 2021 Scholarships is Approaching
Grants up to $7,000 are available.
New York—Current and potential students have until April 30 to apply for a scholarship through the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Each year, WJA awards approximately $30,000 in scholarships that fund women’s education in the jewelry field, from jewelry design and computer-aided design studies to gemology and business development.
This year is the first that the association is splitting its scholarships into two distinct seasons, with the current spring round geared toward scholarship applications for students to utilize in the fall and the fall round catering to small businesses seeking grants to help them in the year ahead.
Current scholarship opportunities are as follows.
The Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship was created in honor of the namesake designer advocate who helped guide the careers of many independent jewelry brands.
Related stories will be right here …
Each year, WJA awards approximately $30,000 in scholarships that fund women’s education in the jewelry field, from jewelry design and computer-aided design studies to gemology and business development.
This year is the first that the association is splitting its scholarships into two distinct seasons, with the current spring round geared toward scholarship applications for students to utilize in the fall and the fall round catering to small businesses seeking grants to help them in the year ahead.
Current scholarship opportunities are as follows.
The Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design Scholarship was created in honor of the namesake designer advocate who helped guide the careers of many independent jewelry brands.
In a statement, WJA called Edelstein, “one of the jewelry industry's most beloved and respected members,” and “a champion of the jewelry design community.”
The annual $5,000 scholarship is geared toward designers and artisans.
Another annual $5,000 scholarship, the WJA-Gabriel Love Foundation Student Scholarship, benefits a student enrolled in design or non-design courses in a jewelry or metalsmithing program at an accredited college, university or training school.
Lastly, the WJA Foundation provides various student scholarships to students enrolled in a jewelry or metalsmithing program at an accredited college, university or training school between Aug. 1, 2022 and July 31, 2022.
The foundation awards scholarships in three categories: the designer/creator category, in which applicants submit images of finished pieces they’ve designed and created; the designer category, in which applicants submit computer-aided-designs and drawings; and the non-designer category, targeted toward future gemologists, appraisers, watchmakers, bench jewelers or retailers, who must submit an essay.
The WJA Foundation scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,000. Recipients will be selected by a jury in early June.
Student applicants don’t have to be WJA members to apply but can join for free.
More information is available online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
