(PRESS RELEASE) SEATTLE, WA — Ben Bridge Jeweler announced the selection of Bradlei Smith for the Lonia Tate Scholarship. Lonia Tate, a Registered Jeweler and long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler made history as the first Black President of the Seattle Chapter of Executive Women International.
Established in 2022, the Lonia Tate Scholarship was designed to honor the memory of Ben Bridge associate Lonia Tate and her commitment to supporting community building and the jewelry industry. For some, the opportunity to enter unique industries, like fine jewelry, can feel limited and out of reach. To equip the new generation of aspiring voices with the training they need to succeed, the Lonia Tate scholarship works with Black in Jewelry Coalition to offer its recipients an invaluable chance to earn their Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America along with $10,000 to cover the cost of tuition and necessary school supplies and equipment. After graduation, the recipient is also offered an opportunity for a 3-month paid internship with Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle, Washington.
The scholarship in her honor seeks to support minority high school graduates who aspire to work in the fine jewelry industry. Bradlei Smith, with the support of the scholarship, hopes to fulfill her lifelong passion for gemstones and jewelry. Fueled by her love for gemstones and jewelry design, she has passionately pursued the development of her skill set. From working alongside Senegalese artisans in the jewelry-making process to her experiences as an industrial buyer, Bradlei has demonstrated her devotion to the craft and her future as an innovator in the world of jewelry design and gemology.
Bradlei Smith
Based in Los Angeles, Bradlei was selected because of her incredible skill as a project buyer and her unique approach to jewelry designing. Her experience in project buying sharpened her analytical skills and attention to detail which are crucial for gemstone identification and evaluation. Additionally, her background as a jewelry designer deepened her appreciation for gemstones, motivating her to blend design creativity with technical expertise gained from the GIA program.
Bradlei’s aspirations, much like Lonia Tate’s also extend to community support, intending to provide internship, mentorship, and apprenticeship opportunities to women of color in the future. “Upon completing the Graduate Gemologist Program, my vision extends beyond personal achievement to encompass a transformative journey into the world of haute jewelry design, particularly targeting women of color—an underrepresented demographic within this esteemed domain,” says Smith. “Drawing from my fluency in French, coupled with over five years as a Parisian expatriate and a background in jewelry design, I am aiming to carve a niche where our presence is currently lacking”
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Malyia McNaughton, chairwoman of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, adds, “As a jewelry designer and gemologist, I am thrilled to congratulate Bradlei Smith on receiving the Lonia Tate Scholarship. This remarkable opportunity will empower her to earn her Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America, an achievement that I deeply understand the value of. We are profoundly grateful to Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lisa Bridge for their generous commitment to shaping the future of the jewelry industry. Their support not only honors Lonia Tate’s legacy, but also ensures that talented individuals like Bradlei can pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to our field.”
Bradlei is committed to contributing to the field through innovation and collaboration, supported by a strong work ethic and dedication to continuous learning. Her passion for community service, spanning mentoring, coaching, and advocating for diversity and inclusion globally, underscores her belief in using valuable experiences to create opportunities and foster inclusive growth.
“Ben Bridge extends its heartfelt congratulations to Bradlei Smith on all her past accomplishments and are excited to see what the future holds for her,” says Lisa Bridge, president & CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler. “We are proud of our on-going collaboration with BIJC, helping to support and create inroads into our incredible world of fine jewelry for all.”
For more information about the Lonia Tate Scholarship or Ben Bridge Jeweler, please contact: Katie Kinsella.
