Events & AwardsApr 08, 2024
AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ ScholarshipEvents & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate Scholarship
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
The scholarship is in honor of Lonia Tate, who was a long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler and the first black president of Executive Women International’s Seattle chapter.
Seattle, W.A.—Seattle-based Ben Bridge Jeweler, a family-run fine watch and jewelry retailer, has opened the application window for its Lonia Tate scholarship.
The recipient of the scholarship will receive financial assistance to earn their graduate gemology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), winning approximately $10,000 to cover tuition, books, and lab equipment.
They will also receive a three-month paid internship opportunity with Ben Bridge Jeweler upon completion of the program, including potential travel to Seattle, Washington.
Applicants must be graduating high school students with plans to attend GIA’s online graduate gemology program.
To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and belong to one of the following ethnicities: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.
They must reside in Southern California or the Greater Seattle area in Washington and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada.
Applicants must also be 18 years or older at the time of enrollment for the GIA program and be available to start classes before September 2024.
Related stories will be right here …
The recipient of the scholarship will receive financial assistance to earn their graduate gemology diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), winning approximately $10,000 to cover tuition, books, and lab equipment.
They will also receive a three-month paid internship opportunity with Ben Bridge Jeweler upon completion of the program, including potential travel to Seattle, Washington.
Applicants must be graduating high school students with plans to attend GIA’s online graduate gemology program.
To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and belong to one of the following ethnicities: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.
They must reside in Southern California or the Greater Seattle area in Washington and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada.
Applicants must also be 18 years or older at the time of enrollment for the GIA program and be available to start classes before September 2024.
The scholarship was established in 2022 to support emerging talent in the gemology field.
It is named after Lonia Tate, a long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler and the first black president of Executive Women International’s Seattle chapter, who died in 2020.
The scholarship is specifically for minority high school students who aspire to work in the fine jewelry industry, said the business.
“We are proud to announce the Lonia Tate Scholarship as a tribute to our beloved colleague and her unwavering passion for the jewelry industry and her community,” said Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler.
“This scholarship not only honors Lonia’s legacy but also empowers aspiring gemologists to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the industry.”
Ben Bridge Jeweler will work with The Black in Jewelry Coalition to select a scholarship winner.
Interested candidates can submit an application through Ben Bridge Jeweler’s website.
The deadline to apply is May 15.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
