(PRESS RELEASE) The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has awarded Eve Streicker, the founder of Original Eve Designs, the 2020 Carelle/WJA Member Grant in memory of Brooke Tivol McGrath.
WJA created the grant in collaboration with the jewelry brand, Carelle, and its co-founder and designer, Chana Regev. McGrath worked at Carelle, helping to establish the brand’s identity, before her untimely death at 28 from a rare blood infection. She was a great supporter of WJA.
The WJA Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, administers the merit-based grant via a jury process and a competitive scoring matrix. It’s awarded to a member in the first five years of business to help her achieve her aspirations and grow her fledgling company with a $5,000 grant.
Streicker specializes in creating custom fine jewelry and jewelry collections. With work experience at Tiffany & Co. in education and luxury sales training, in museum and auction house settings, as well as managing jewelry production for small designers and purchasing estate jewelry from the public, she has a wide array of experiences that contribute to her love for jewelry, history, gemstones, and craftsmanship.
The designer holds Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Pearl diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She received her M.F.A. in Metal/Jewelry/CAD-CAM from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Philadelphia, and her B.A. in Art History and Studio Art Practice from Williams College, Williamstown, MA.
Streicker is currently president of the WJA Metro New York chapter. She is also a member of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), Jewelers of America (JA), and the GIA Alumni Association. She has jewelry work in the permanent collection of the Bernard Museum in NYC and is also the recipient of the 2017 WJA Shining Star Award, a 2015 WJA Member Grant, and the 2013 Bertha Anolic Memorial Grant.
The WJA Foundation raises funds for its member grants and scholarships throughout the year. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide education, business support, and mentorship to its members.
On May 5, WJA is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, an opportunity for people around the world to stand together in unity during the COVID-19 crisis. Individuals are encouraged to use the power of generosity to remain connected and support their communities during this critical moment.
Donations to the WJA Foundation can be made here. Industry members who want to support WJA grants and scholarships can also designate the WJA Foundation as their charity supporter via the AmazonSmile program. Details available at the link above.