72 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2026 Jewelers of America also has the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of Nina Pugliese, who worked for four decades at Henne Jewelers and exemplified the highest level of professionalism and values. The scholarship is available to jewelry professionals who are looking to increase their professionalism or knowledge through education or training. Any employee of a Jewelers of America member company can also apply for JA’s general scholarship program to offset the cost of education from credible institutions. Professional growth doesn’t stop after entering the workforce. Jewelers of America’s Bench Certification Program provides jewelers with an opportunity to validate their technical knowledge through a nationally recognized certification. For employers, certification offers greater confidence in employee skills. For jewelers, it demonstrates a commitment to craftsmanship and professional excellence while supporting career advancement. STRENGTHENING THE INDUSTRY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Knowing it takes the indus- try working together to create change, Jewelers of America is also supporting organiza- tions outside its own programs through the Jewelers of America Impact Initiative. Seven worthy organizations were awarded funds in 2026 and three specifically ad- dress the workforce challenge. Among those organizations is 92NY, whose Teen Gems program provides free, advanced jewelry arts education for New York City high school students. Through rigorous technical instruc- tion, mentorship, and financial stipends, Teen Gems removes barriers to partici- pation while exposing students to careers in jewelry design, fabrication, and crafts- manship. The Future Jewelers Academy is taking a workforce- first approach by creating direct training pathways for high school students and young adults. Since launching in 2024 at the Brooklyn STEAM Center and Baldwin High School, the academy has expanded its programming with a Summer Learning Pathway and new initiatives planned in White Plains and Hempstead, New York. The organization’s emphasis on industry partnerships helps pre- pare students for immediate entry into jewelry careers. The Diamond Council of America empowers jewelry retail professionals through affordable, accessible distance education that builds the expertise, credentials, and confidence to sell with integrity and passion. Seeing the U.S. jewelry industry’s workforce crisis, the Diamond Council of America is looking to grow Second Spark, a workforce initiative that recruits veterans and returning-to-work parents into credentialed jewelry sales careers. Jewelers of America is also supporting the Jewelers Mutual bench programs at the Savannah College of Art and Design. AN INDUSTRY-WIDE COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE “The solution doesn’t reside in one program alone,” Bonaparte said. “It’s an industry-wide commitment to investing in people. When we create more opportunities to discover the trade and to learn from experienced professionals, we’re solidifying the future of the jewelry industry.” The workforce shortage won't disappear overnight. However, Jewelers of America and the MJSA Education Foundation believe that the industry’s increasingly coordinated response will rebuild the talent pipeline. After all, investing in the next generation may prove to be one of the industry’s most precious investments. The Jewelers Mutual Studio at SCAD opened in May. JA is supporting Jewelers Mutual in its 10-year partnership with the college. The Diamond Council of America’s Second Spark initiative aims to attract veterans and parents who are returning to work to the jewelry industry. JA SPOTLIGHT
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