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
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.
