Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
You Can Now Apply for 2020 GIA Scholarships
The Gemological Institute of America is also offering a new scholarship for American Gem Society members.

Carlsbad, Calif.—Applications are now being accepted for 2020 Gemological Institute of America scholarships.
From Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, $2 million in scholarship funds are up for grabs for current or prospective GIA students.
Scholarships can be used toward any GIA classes, from gemology to jewelry manufacturing and design, distance courses or in-person lab classes.
Supplied by the GIA Endowment Fund and private donors, applications are available online. Scholarships can be applied toward study at any GIA campus or used for online courses.
Duncan Pay, GIA vice president and chief academic officer, commented in a news release: “Scholarships are an important part of our mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry, and our goal of educating the next generation of industry professionals. Through our professional credentials, career services and alumni network, GIA graduates are positioned for success.”
Additionally, in conjunction with the American Gem Society, GIA has created a scholarship in honor of Beatrice Shipley.
Shipley was married to Robert Shipley, founder of GIA and AGS, and in addition to working as a church administrator, school dean and art gallery owner, “provided the emotional, financial and managerial support to fulfill the vision she and Robert Shipley shared for the two organizations,” GIA said.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said: “We are delighted that our two organizations, with our shared missions of protecting consumers and ensuring their trust in gems and jewelry, continue to work closely together to provide education for the next generation of jewelry professionals.
“Neither AGS nor GIA would exist today if it were not for Beatrice Shipley’s contribution to our founding and success.”
The Beatrice Shipley Scholarship will fund the tuition for one AGS member to complete the GIA Graduate Gemologist program on campus as well as the AGS Way Course, funded by a GIA Endowment Fund grant.
Applications for the Shipley scholarship will be accepted through AGS until Aug. 23.
For more information, AGS members may contact the organization at 702-255-6500, ext. 1020, or via email at AGSeducation@ags.org.
More information on Shipley’s contributions and accomplishments are available online.
“Being able to honor Beatrice Shipley, and the representation of the relationship between the AGS and GIA in working together to complement one another, is significant and meaningful for us,” American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories CEO Katherine Bodoh said.
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

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.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.