(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — The WJA Foundation announced a new partnership with Stuller, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of fine jewelry and jewelry-related products, to launch a Bench Jeweler Scholarship in the spring of 2025. This initiative, valued at $7,500, is designed to foster growth in the bench jeweler career path by providing crucial hands-on training to aspiring women professionals.
Through this scholarship, the recipient will have the opportunity to attend a selection of workshops and training programs at Stuller’s headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana. The recipient will choose from a range of specialized courses, including Bench Jewelers Workshop, Basic Stone Setting, Intermediate Stone Setting, Advanced 1 Stone Setting, Advanced 2 Stone Setting, Laser Welding, and Soldering. In addition to the educational experience, the WJA Foundation will cover up to $1,500 of airfare costs, ensuring accessibility to this invaluable opportunity.
“The demand for skilled bench jewelers has never been greater, and hands-on training is essential to keeping this craft alive and thriving,” said Nikia Levesque-Meyer, President, WJA Foundation. “Through this partnership with Stuller, we are proud to provide women with the opportunity to develop their technical expertise and refine their skills in an environment that fosters growth and mentorship. This scholarship is more than just financial support, it’s an investment in the future of our industry.”
Across the jewelry industry, there is a growing need for artisans who can master the intricate work of jewelry repair, setting, and finishing. As the field becomes more specialized, access to technical training is crucial. By partnering with Stuller, the WJA Foundation is helping to bridge this gap by offering a direct pathway for women to receive top-tier training and skills.
“We are excited to announce Stuller’s first-ever scholarship partnership with WJA. Continuing education is essential to the growth and success of the jewelry industry, and we are excited to play a role in supporting that. We look forward to welcoming the winner to our headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and connect with industry experts.” Morgan Waters, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Stuller.
This collaboration aligns with WJA Foundation’s mission to support education and career advancement for women in the jewelry and watch industries. With decades of expertise in bench jeweler training, Stuller provides the perfect environment for the scholarship recipient to hone her skills and gain invaluable industry experience.
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The Bench Jeweler Scholarship will launch on March 1st, and details on how to apply are available on the WJA website.
For more information about the scholarship, visit here.
