Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2021
WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education FundIndependentsMay 20, 2021
DCA, GIA Partner on Scholarships
The education grants are available for DCA graduates to enroll in GIA distance courses.
New York—Two organizations with the shared goal of providing diamond, gemstone and jewelry education have partnered up to offer educational scholarship opportunities.
The Gemological Institute of America has supplied the Diamond Council of America with $25,000 of scholarship funds.
The funds are earmarked for DCA graduates to enroll in GIA online distance courses.
Both organizations provide professional certification in diamonds, colored gemstones and more aspects of the fine jewelry industry.
DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler commented, “DCA appreciates this exceptional gesture by GIA to work together to provide our students an opportunity to continue their education and improve their professional profile. This generous grant will allow DCA students to continue their education in advanced coursework offered only by GIA.”
DCA members and their current employees who are at least 18, graduates of a DCA course and not already enrolled in another GIA distance education course are eligible for the scholarships.
DCA will accept scholarship applications through Dec. 31, 2021.
The scholarships may be applied to GIA’s eLearning courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials, Pearls, Colored Stones, Diamonds and Diamond Grading, and Gem Identification.
Information on the application process is available at diamondcouncil.org. Completed applications should be submitted to Carey Miller via email at cmiller@jewelers.org.
Related stories will be right here …
The Gemological Institute of America has supplied the Diamond Council of America with $25,000 of scholarship funds.
The funds are earmarked for DCA graduates to enroll in GIA online distance courses.
Both organizations provide professional certification in diamonds, colored gemstones and more aspects of the fine jewelry industry.
DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler commented, “DCA appreciates this exceptional gesture by GIA to work together to provide our students an opportunity to continue their education and improve their professional profile. This generous grant will allow DCA students to continue their education in advanced coursework offered only by GIA.”
DCA members and their current employees who are at least 18, graduates of a DCA course and not already enrolled in another GIA distance education course are eligible for the scholarships.
DCA will accept scholarship applications through Dec. 31, 2021.
The scholarships may be applied to GIA’s eLearning courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials, Pearls, Colored Stones, Diamonds and Diamond Grading, and Gem Identification.
Information on the application process is available at diamondcouncil.org. Completed applications should be submitted to Carey Miller via email at cmiller@jewelers.org.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
