45 Women Win $65K from WJA Awards

RAPAPORT The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has revealed the winners of its 2018 Excellence Awards scholarships and grants. The group will award a total of $65,000 — raised through its Awards for Excellence Gala, individual member donations and sponsorships — to 45 women Twelve of those recipients are students in programs focused on jewelry making and design. “It is important that WJA encourages and continues to support the professional growth and educational endeavors of women in the jewelry and watch industries,” board president Jenny Luker said Monday. “The recipients are all extraordinary and exceptional at what they do We are excited to see what new opportunities they will bring to our industry” The 2018 scholarship and grant winners are: Award: Carelle ($5,000) Winner: Christina Miller, cofounder and former executive director of Ethical Metalsmiths Veteran Scholarship, sponsored by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group ($5,000) Lisa West, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate and freelance computer-aided-design jewelry designer Cindy Edelstein Jewelry Design. Source