Jewelry Careers

Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and Jewelers of America (JA) have jointly developed the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program (EJAP), a series of interactive workshops to provide selected new retail jewelry entrepreneurs with a deeper understanding of how to build and maintain a successful business in the jewelry industry.

Following up on the success of the EJAP program’s first cohort of five retail jewelry entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts (SME), we are continuing the program with a second cohort of six starting in early 2025. Once again SMEs will lead interactive workshops during the eight-month program.

After the workshops are complete, participants will provide a presentation encapsulating the program’s educational content and how it would be utilized in their business. One of the participants will be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant. The remaining five will be awarded $4,000 each. Following the completion of the EJAP program, the cohort will continue to have access to periodic check-in calls, quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events.

The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Workshop Curriculum will consist of the following topics:

• Business Strategy
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Product Development/Jewelry Forensics
• Accounting
• Marketing & Sales
• Social Media
• Legal
• Insurance and Security
• Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing

---

2025 EJAP Retailer Cohort

Jessenia Landrum | Jevela | Brooklyn, NY
Brooke Brinson | Ed & Ethel's Fine Jewelry | Christiansburg, VA
Katty Villapando Lyte & Mica Rencher | Shimmer Culture LLC | Franklin Square, NY
Olga Shatrova | Olga Shatrova Jewelry | Irvine, CA
Zoe Clark | CLARK | Brookyln, NY
Brittney Moore | Britt Moore Studio, LLC | Santa Monica, CA

---

EJAP Committee

Regina Ciarleglio | Director of Membership at Jewelers of America 
Annie Doresca | Chief Financial Officer at Jewelers of America 
Molly Fallon | Director of Marketing & Communications at Jewelers of America 
Sharie Fogarty | Executive Administration Manager at Jewelers of America 
Dahlia Fyffe | Member Service & Certification Specialist at Jewelers of America 
Amanda Gizzi | Director of PR & Special Events at Jewelers of America 
Lisa Jones | Vice President, Human Resources at Gemological Institute of America
Malyia McNaughton | GIA GG & CEO of Made by Malyia 
Susan Posnock | Director of Public Affairs & Education at Jewelers of America 
Adrianne Sanogo | GIA GG, Co-founding Board Member and Education Chair at Black in Jewelry Coalition 

---

Thank You to Our Supporters

The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program was made possible thanks to a grant from  the JCK Industry Fund. 

About the JCK Industry Fund
The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.

Whether you’re looking for your first job out of school or considering a career change, getting started on your job search can be daunting. The good news is there are plenty of tools to guide you. This section includes tips and resources you can use as a quick guide to assist your jewelry career search.

---

Job Boards and Resources

A survey of Jewelers of America members conducted in 2022 found that the majority use commercial websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter and social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook to post for jobs. That said, a number of respondents indicated they use a variety of options from signage in stores to jewelry-specific job sites, word of mouth or referrals. Regardless of the method they use, jewelers prioritize finding high trustworthy candidates. With many casting a wide net, job seekers need to be seen on a variety of sites. As a business focused on relationships, jobs seekers should look to network and use industry focused groups to strengthen or forge connections. We’ve highlighted some key job boards to consider.

Jewelry Specific Job Boards and Resources

Jewelers of America Job Board: In addition to being able to learn more about specific jewelry jobs through this Guide, Jewelers of America’s Job Board offers up-to-date listings for those looking for opportunities in the industry. It also links to more general career advice through its Career Planning Portal which aggregates articles and blog posts on topics including résumé writing and interviewing tips.

Gemological Institute of America’s Gem & Jewelry Career Center: Free for job seekers and employers, the GIA Gem and Jewelry Career Center offers powerful features to speed up the search for the perfect job or qualified candidates. Jobseekers can create a dynamic profile, connect with employers and upload their resume, portfolio, and other professional documents to apply to jobs quickly and easily. They can also stay connected with favorited jobs, keep track of application deadlines with push notifications and save searches, among other premier services and features.

MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America) Career Connections: Sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation, the site is geared toward jobs and training focused on jewelry making and design. It features a Mentors & Apprenticeships program that connects jewelers with those looking to get training and hands-on experience.

Women’s Jewelry Association Mentorship Program:The program connects experienced professionals with aspiring talent in a supportive environment. The goal is to provide both parties with a rewarding professional relationship that is mutually advantageous.

Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program: EJAP, created by Jewelers of America and Black in Jewelry Coalition, is a series of interactive workshops that provide selected new retail jewelry entrepreneurs with a deeper understanding of how to build and maintain a successful business in the jewelry industry.

2023 Salary Study Executive Study: Jewelers of America conducted the Jewelry Industry Salary Study in early 2023, asking participants to share compensation and benefits information from 2022. The document gives an overview and in-depth analysis of the results.

Commercial Job Boards and Resources

Indeed: Features a huge database of jobs along with company and salary information as well as career advice. Jewelers of America members sited it as the top site used in their search for employees.

LinkedIn: The professional networking social media site is the leader in that space, with TechRadar.com noting: “You can check out who works at any potential new company, see if you’ve already got connections working there, and research your prospective place of work.” The platform has a number of benefits and resources. 

ZipRecruiter: An AI-powered job search engine, Ziprecruiter matches a job seekers’ résumé to appropriate jobs, sending applicants an alert when there’s a fit. It allows users to apply with just one click. From the employers’ perspective it posts job listings to hundreds of job sites to help identify qualified candidates. Money Magazine rated it the best job site for employers.

GlassDoor: In addition to job listings, Glassdoor includes salary information and reviews from employees, making it one of the largest databases for salary and benefits information. Since user-posted information may be biased, job seekers should use the data along with other information when researching companies.

FlexJobs: While many jewelry jobs are on site, the opportunity for remote or hybrid work continues to grow. FlexJobs offers job listings and career advice focused on these opportunities.

Government Job Resources

CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop includes information on jobs, managing your career and pathways to success. It offers tools for job seekers, students, business and career professionals.

Jewelry Company Websites
Larger jewelry firms with corporate websites often allow job seekers to search and apply for jobs directly with the company. Even if you can’t apply directly through a jewelry company’s site, getting familiar with a company’s website is a great way to prepare for an interview and to include in a cover letter.

Offline Resources
Even as the internet now dominates the job search arena, students and job seekers can still take advantage of in-person tools.

• School Career Centers: If you are in high school or college, the career center at your school can help you to research careers and employers or find a training program.
• Public libraries carry a wealth of information on job hunting, writing résumés and interviewing and can help you research potential employers or training programs. The majority offer online career services and access to their catalogues as well.
• Hands-on career assistance can be found at local American Job Centers (AJCs) which are partners with CareerOneStop. They offer help with skills assessment, résumés and interviewing and provide access to computers, phones and fax machines. Basic services are free to jobseekers.
• Career Fairs: In person events like GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair are a great way to get facetime with potential employers and learn about opportunities in the industry. Career fairs are also held through high schools and colleges and local and state labor departments.

---

Essential Tips to Organize Your Search

Set Goals and Targets

• Define your goals: Consider your career goals and the type of jewelry job you are looking for. Use this guide to help focus your search and identify opportunities in the industry.
• Identify companies that align with your career goals and values and create a list of potential employers. Research the companies to learn more about their culture, mission, and job openings.

Get Organized

• Set up a job search notebook or use online tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Excel or Word to track information on the jobs or companies you are interested in.
• Track important dates, contacts and information and note any information you will need to follow up on such as sending thank you notes after an interview.
• Take advantage of online job sites that allow users to save their profile and résumé and keep track of applications.
• Set up a dedicated email account with a professional-sounding address to use when following up on leads, contacting employers and sending thank-you notes.
• Keep copies (physical or online) of the résumé and cover letter you send to each company, particularly if you send different versions of your résumé to different employers!
• Don’t go in blind: Even if you didn’t thoroughly research a company before applying for a job, make sure you do so before an interview.

---

Résumés and Cover Letters

Your résumé should highlight your relevant skills, education, and experience when applying for a job.

There are a wide variety of resources to help you create your résumé and cover letters including those already mentioned in this guide. If you are currently in school or a training program, your instructors or school’s career center may offer résumé and cover letter review services.

Tips for a Strong Resumé

Tailor it to the job: Review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications required for the position. Then customize your résumé to highlight how your experience and skills match those requirements.

Keep it clean: Use an easy-to-read format for your résumé and be consistent with headings, font and spacing. Make sure your contact information is easy to find.

Include a summary statement: Used at the top of your résumé, a summary statement can provide a brief overview of your qualifications and experience targeted to the specific job you are applying for.

Focus on relevant experience: Highlight your experiences, skills and accomplishments that best fit the job for which you are applying. If you don’t have direct industry experience include highly transferable skills like sales, customer service or marketing experience.

Include education and certifications: If you are enrolled in or recently graduated from school, or in a jewelry industry training program, your résumé should include this information.

Use keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen résumés so include keywords from job descriptions.

Proofread and edit: Check your résumé for errors and typos and have someone else review it as well. A polished, error-free résumé shows attention to detail and professionalism.

Follow instructions: Some firms have specific instructions for submitting applications and may prefer you to upload your information to their website instead of sending a résumé as an email attachment.

---

Job Training Within the Jewelry Industry

Traditionally, people in the jewelry industry relied on "on the job" training for sales and administrative positions and formal or informal apprenticeships for jewelers and watchmakers. Today, it is still possible to get a jewelry industry job without formal training or jewelry experience - good news for people starting out as well as career-changers! Many employers are looking for the skills you need for success in any industry: a strong work ethic, the ability to listen and learn, computer and organizational skills and, above all, passion and enthusiasm. But getting at least some training before you start (or within your first few years) can make you a stronger applicant and will certainly make achieving your career goals an easier task.

Because of the varied nature of the jewelry industry and its many occupational pathways there are numerous educational programs available to meet your needs, from weekend classes or seminars to intensive hands-on studio or lab sessions, comprehensive diploma programs and convenient night classes and  online education. Additionally, while many professionals in the jewelry industry have benefited from a college degree, others have seen a high level of success without one. The jewelry industry offers individuals disinclined to attend a traditional college many career choices that can bring great satisfaction as well as tremendous personal and financial rewards.

You can use the same (or similar) organizational tools when researching training and education options. Compare costs, program length, location and other factors for each program of interest. Check out Jewelers of America’s Jewelry Schools Directory which highlights training and education programs in the industry. Also note that many industry organizations offer scholarships toward jewelry training. GIA has a comprehensive list of jewelry-related scholarships on their website.

Keep records of calls and emails to or from schools, and before signing any contracts, ask a friend, school counselor or business-savvy relative to look over the fine print for you. You want to be sure you are spending your money well – and that you know what will happen if for some reason you can’t continue once you start.

Make a list of what documents each school’s application requires and keep copies on file (online using tools like Google Drive that you can easily print out) to save time when having your high school or college send transcripts.

Be aware that trade schools are required to provide career assistance to graduates and include that department in your preliminary research. It is not too soon to start thinking about your job search, and many instructors report that students who are thinking about their career goals often get more out of their studies.

Jewelers of America offers certification programs for jewelers to demonstrate and show-off their skills. A JA Certification can advance your jewelry career, differentiate your store and enhance your reputation with fine jewelry customers by increasing credibility. Each certification validates jewelry knowledge and proficiency to national standards.

There are three categories of JA Professional Certification:

• Sales Professional Certification
• Management Professional Certification
• Bench Professional Certification

---

Sales Professional Certification 

JA Members only
Level 1 | Certified Sales Professional (CSP): Entry-level jewelry sales personnel with about one year’s experience. JA Members receive Level 1 at no cost! 
Level 2 | Certified Senior Sales Professional (CSSP): Moderate to advanced sales skills and knowledge of a jewelry sales professional. 

---

Management Professional Certification

JA Members only
Level 1 | Certified Management Professional (CMP): Entry-level jewelry management personnel with about one year’s experience; reflective of what is commonly needed to manage stores in a multi-unit operation. 
Level 2 | Certified Senior Management Professional (CSMP): Managers of independently owned stores, who must address concerns such as financing, advertising and pricing. Completion of Management Professional Certification Level 1  is required. 

Jewelers of America Members can register for Sales and Management Certification here.
Learn more about becoming a JA Member.

---

Bench Professional Certification

The JA Bench Professional Certification Program establishes national standards and administers tests to rate the talents and proficiency of bench jewelers at three levels:

• JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler
• JA Certified Bench Jeweler 
• JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler

Learn more about Bench Professional Certification

Whether you are creative, technical-minded, like working with your hands, or have a passion for beautiful objects, the gem and jewelry industry is the place to build your career. Like the gems, diamonds, and precious metals that are at the heart of this work, the opportunities within the gem and jewelry industry are boundless, fueled by the limitless potential of imagination, passion, and the essential professional skills required for success.

Careers in gems and jewelry enable professionals to work with some of the earth’s rarest and most valuable natural resources, have a hand in creating or selling beautiful objects, and help bring joy to others as they celebrate life’s important milestones.

---

About the Careers Guide

This third edition of Jewelers of America’s Guide to Careers in the Jewelry Industry offers a broad overview of jewelry careers. Among the highlights:

• A fresh look at 12 career pathways across the supply chain. These cover everything from the beginning sales position to the entrepreneur starting a jewelry business. Use the guide to get a snapshot of the day-to-day activities of these pathways and the skills and training you’ll need to succeed.
• New “Skills Spotlights” that look at how some “non-jewelry” skills – like being fluent in technology or finances – have become essential to jewelry businesses and in some case opened up new career opportunities.
• Updated Salary Data: The Guide will provide data from a recently-conducted Jewelry Industry Salary Study that asked jewelers to share information on compensation and benefits across the many jobs the industry offers.
• Profiles and input from jewelry professionals who share how they got started and how the industry has shaped their careers and personal lives.

Thank You to Our Supporters

The updates to this guide would not be possible without generous support from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the JCK Industry Fund. GIA’s Career Services Department has been instrumental in sharing insight and expertise that have informed and improved this guide.

About GIA
Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry. Respected throughout the industry and around the world, the Gemological Institute of America® offers a wide variety of diplomas and certificates that provide the knowledge, skills, and credentials to help get the best start on a rewarding career in Gems and Jewelry. A GIA education can provide the knowledge, hands-on skills and professional network that will help you succeed in whatever path you choose in this exciting industry.

About GIA Career Services
GIA offers much more than academic growth. As a GIA student or graduate, you enjoy a professional affiliation with GIA. GIA Career Services is committed to providing you not only with a strong business foundation, but also with a complete support system you can rely on throughout your career. With its prestige and global reach, GIA Career Services offers career guidance and assistance to help advance your career and open new pathways to success.

About the JCK Industry Fund
The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.

Since 1997, the fund has awarded over $7 million toward program grants to support the health and success of the jewelry industry at large. In 2022, the JCK Industry Fund’s donations exceeded benchmarks from the past five years, totaled nearly $300,000. Eleven worthy organizations with missions including security, DEI, a sustainable industry workforce, environmental protection and product quality secured grants. The JCK Industry Fund’s Advisory Committee is made up of passionate, senior leaders from JCK and various categories within the industry.

---

JA Member Only

Jewelers of America’s Certification exams test your jewelry knowledge and skills to boost both your resume and your company’s reputation. Get JA Certified. 

Employees of JA Members can apply for scholarship funds to institutions like GIA, AGS, DCA and more. Learn more about scholarships. 

Whether you are seeking your first job or looking to make a career change, we encourage you to use this guide to help match your interests and passions with the many opportunities within this amazing industry.

A lot has happened in the 10 years since Jewelers of America last updated this Guide to Careers in the Jewelry Industry; yet the fundamentals of what make jewelry an exciting and fulfilling industry to work in remain the same. Trends like shifts in consumer behavior and the digitalization of the industry got fast-tracked by major events, while they also reinforced and grew the personal connections that are an underlying strength of the industry and the beautiful pieces it produces.

Today, whether you are interested in creating, selling, marketing or just being around beautiful jewelry, the industry has a place for you!

Click on a Career Pathway or check out the Skills Spotlight section to get started!

Jewelry Owner/Executive	Gem and Jewelry Management Professional	Jewelry Sales Professional
Bench/Manufacturing Jeweler	Jewelry Designer	Watchmaker
Jewelry Manufacturer	Jewelry Wholesaler/Importer	Lab Grader/Quality Assurance Technician
Jewelry Appraiser	Auction/Estate Jewelry Dealer and Pawnbroker	Marketing

Jewelers of America developed the Bench Professional Certification program in 1997 to promote the professionalism of jewelers and store owners. The nationally recognized certification ensures consumers are confident in the ability of the certified bench jeweler to perform quality work.

The JA Bench Professional Certification Program establishes national standards and administers tests to rate the talents and proficiency of bench jewelers at three levels. 


The levels are outlined below and provide more detail about the proficiency required for each level. When you enroll in the program, you simply take and pass an “open book” online written exam and a series of practical tests to become JA certified.

---

Bench Certification Levels

Certification is Available in Three Levels:
JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ): Reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience.
REGISTER FOR CBBJ 

JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ): Reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a bench jeweler generalist performing most jewelry repairs with two or more years of experience.
REGISTER FOR CBJ

JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ): The highest level of JA Bench Professional Certification. For the hands-on practical bench test, candidates at this level must demonstrate mastery at all skill levels.
REGISTER FOR CMBJ


JA Members have access to Sales and Management Certification - Learn More 
Not a JA Member? Join today!

---

Fees

The fee schedule for the JA Bench Professional Certification is billed in two installments:
1^st Installment Fees - Registration and Written Exam

• $475.00 for JA Members | $575.00 for non-JA Members
• Payment is due with completed Bench Professional Certification application

2^nd Installment Fees - Bench Certification Practical Test

• The Bench Certification practical test materials cost is calculated based on the price of gold at the time of shipment.
• Payment is due upon successful completion of the Bench Certification written exam.
• Jewelers of America will send an invoice outlining the amount due before the credit card on file is charged. Practical test materials will not be sent if the invoice is not paid in full.
• Check payments must be received within 7-10 days of emailed invoice. 

In light of the increasing price of gold, Jewelers of America is offering the option to purchase JA’s Bench Certification kits by project to help defray costs.

• For Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler Exam - enrollees may purchase test projects 1–4 and then projects 5–8.
• For Certified Bench Jeweler Exam - enrollees may purchase test projects 1–4 and then projects 5–7.
• For Certified Master Bench Jeweler Exam - enrollees may purchase test projects 1–3 and then projects 4–6.
• All completed test projects must be submitted to the grader at the same time.

Jewelers of America will issue an invoice detailing the amount due for the test projects, which must be paid in full before practical test materials are released.

Scholarships are also available for the JA Bench Professional Certification program. For more details, contact Jewelers of America at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800-223-0673.

---

Test Procedures

JA Bench Professional Certification requires successful completion of the written exam and the practical tests to achieve Bench Certification status. The online “open book” written exam requires the candidate to successfully complete the exam with a minimum grade of 75%.
View Sample Written Exam Questions

The practical tests require the candidate to prove proficiency in performing a variety of tasks set to national standards. The candidate may utilize whatever tools and technology available to complete the projects (i.e., laser, various welders, press, etc.). The practical bench tests may be taken at the candidate’s own bench using his/her own tools and equipment or a location of their choice. To pass the practical bench tests, the candidate must achieve a minimum grade of 75%.

Written Test
Successful completion of the written test is a pre-requisite for the practical bench tests. This is an “open book” exam, allowing the use of reference materials, books, trade publications, or online references. Questions are based on information common to most bench jewelers, requiring the test-taker to demonstrate familiarity with terms and concepts needed in everyday work. The exam is an online exam.

Jewelers of America will send the exam password to access the online written exam for your test level to your selected proctor. The written exam is a one hour timed exam and must be taken in one sitting. An internet-enabled device is required to take this exam. The written exam is available to take in Spanish.

Practical Test
Jewelers of America will send the practical bench tests for your level to your proctor. Candidates and proctors create their own schedule for testing. Practical bench test time limits vary; listed on each practical bench test envelope is the estimated time for completing the project. These times are guidelines only; the candidate may take more or less than the estimated time to perform a specific bench test. However, the total test time must stay within the total time-frame requirement. The proctor tracks the time it takes the candidate to complete each test.

Selecting a Proctor
Candidates will need a proctor to administer the practical bench tests. A proctor may be anyone other than a member of the candidate’s own family or an immediate co-worker where the candidate works. The proctor does not have to be a professional jeweler.

Choose a responsible person who is willing to take the necessary time to perform the role, such as a teacher, librarian, or accountant. To help recruit a potential proctor, show them the list at right of responsibilities associated with proctoring the tests.

Receiving Certification
The candidate must pass the written exam, all practical bench tests and have paid all applicable fees in full in order to receive Jeweler of America Professional Bench Certification status.

---

Grading Procedures 

Jewelers of America sends the completed practical tests anonymously to approved graders, who work in a controlled environment using a comprehensive grading system consistent with quality standards for jewelry repair and manufacturing. Graders use a multi-level procedure to ensure thorough evaluation and maximum accuracy, fairness, and consistency in reviewing and assessing your work.

To make this program as valuable as possible, the skills assessment or grading phase includes feedback about your test performance. You will receive a feedback report identifying your ratings for each test, to be used to improve the quality of your work in areas that need strengthening – regardless of whether you were or were not successful in taking the test. Jewelers of America will send the results within 30 business days of receiving your test. 

---

Reworking/Retaking Bench Test Procedures

The graders of the JA Bench Professional Certification program decide whether a bench test with errors in workmanship will need to be reworked or retaken. In general, the criteria will be similar to that used in a shop. There are two ways for a candidate to rectify errors on practical bench tests:

1. Reworking areas where minor infractions in workmanship occurred or
2. Retaking a test in which major infractions occurred.

Reworking A Bench Test
A minor infraction would be a small detail, an error in workmanship corrected by sending the item back to the shop before delivering the piece to the customer. In the test situation, the candidate would have a chance to rework it. Jewelers of America will return the test article to the proctor with instructions and a time limit for reworking that part of the job.

Retaking A Bench Test
When a candidate has major infractions in workmanship on a particular bench test but has demonstrated sufficient proficiency to qualify for continuing testing at that level, the candidate may retake the test. The candidate must pay for the cost of materials used in that test. The candidate should notify Jewelers of America of the intention to retake the test within 30 days of receiving the performance evaluation. The time allowed for retaking this test is marked on the instruction envelope and is similar to that allowed for the original test. A candidate has a maximum of two attempts to pass the practical bench test.

Retaking Written Tests
Each candidate must pass each the open book test with a minimum grade of 75%. The candidate has three attempts to pass the written test. 

---

I'm JA Certified, Now What?

Upon successful completion of the JA Bench Professional Certification program, you will receive:

• A JA Bench Professional Certification certificate to frame and display to customers in your place of business. This high-quality, blue-foil certificate is suitable for the finest type of presentation framing. Copies are available for $15 each.
• A JA Bench Professional Certification lapel pin
• The JA Bench Professional Certification logo, which can be used in social media, advertising, business cards and on your store website
• A press release template, prepared by Jewelers of America, announcing your accomplishment, that you can distribute to your local media

JA members receive additional publicity benefits:

• JA Bench Professional Jeweler Certification decals for display in the window or door of a store, shop, or other place of business.
• JA Bench Professional Certification logo for special recognition on your store’s listing in Jewelers of America's website directory.

---

Questions?

Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions on JA Certification.
Download the Bench Certification PDF Guide here.

Jewelers of America’s scholarships help students further their professional careers in the jewelry industry.  Take advantage of these scholarship funds to cut down on course costs, helping to further professional careers and grow your staff's knowledge.

---

JA Scholarship Program

JA members only

Any employee of a JA member company can apply for JA's scholarship program from the following institutions: American Gem Society (AGS), Diamond Council of America (DCA), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), JA Bench Professional Certification (JA) and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Scholarships are awarded on the availability of funds through the application deadline
• Employees of JA Member companies must be at least 18 years of age
• Applicants must have at least one year’s experience working at a JA member store and are not already be enrolled in another home study course from any of the educational providers

Jewelers of America members can learn more about scholarships here.
Not a JA member? Become a member today.

---

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship

Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman (CD Peacock) in partnership with Jewelers of America

The 2026 Scholarship application and dates will be posted in the Spring.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship aims to bring new talent into the the bench jeweler profession by providing tuition help to students enrolled in an accredited bench jeweler or metalsmith education program. The Holtzman family, in partnership with Jewelers of America, is offering bench scholarships, primarily aimed to support low-income students, with the goal of attracting new talent and strengthening the industry’s talent pool in bench jewelry.

The scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing programs at an accredited college, university, or training school between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. Recipients are selected by a selection committee in June and are awarded scholarships based on the cost of the program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 or older to apply
• Enrolled or show proof of acceptance in a jewelry or metalsmithing program at an accredited college, university, or training school within the United States
• Applicant must be based in the United States

Applicants are required to submit a brief of your program of study, your reason for choosing the program and your professional goals, as well as images of three of their jewelry pieces.

Due to fund regulations, scholarships are paid directly to the school. Recipients must email their bill(s) to Jewelers of America and a check will be sent directly to the institution.

Scholarship Review Process

• Application period is from May 1 - June 12, 2025.
• Scholarship Application Review: Jewelers of America Scholarship Review Board will be comprised of three JA staff members and two JA Board members. The JA Scholarship Review Board will review all applications and narrow down the final group to three based on need, application essay, and jewelry examples. The Review Board will also determine scholarship dollar amounts for the finalists. The Review Board will submit the three finalists for the Holtzman Review Committee to select the final two candidates. The review board has the ability to request to review all applications at any time for further review.
• Selections will be finalized by the Holtzman Review Committee and submitted to Jewelers of America by mid-July. 
• Bench scholarship selections will be announced by Jewelers of America by July 31, 2025. 

---

Other Industry Scholarships

Jewelers of America is not affiliated with any of the below scholarship programs.

American Gem Society (AGS)	AGS Way Scholarships
American Gem Society (AGS)	The Women in Leadership Scholarship
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)	Merit and Needs-Based Scholarships
Kill NYC	Scholarship for the Jewelry Arts
Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA)	MJSA Scholarship
The Clear Cut	The Clear Cut Scholarship
Women's Jewelry Association (WJA)	Grants and Scholarships