Jewelers of America Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Jewelers of America Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

New York, NY -Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, announced the recipients of their scholarship programs. The scholarships include the newly formed Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship, in partnership with Pittsburgh, PA-based Henne Jewelers, the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and the Jewelers of America Scholarship programs.

The Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Nina Pugliese, who worked for four decades at Henne Jewelers. In its first year, it supports students or those already working in the jewelry industry who want to increase their professionalism or knowledge through education or training. The Holtzman scholarship, in partnership with the Holtzmans of Chicago's CD Peacock, is in its third year and focuses on bringing new talent into the bench jeweler profession. Jewelers of America also awarded more than $22,000 toward employees at JA member stores toward industry diploma, professional development and certification programs.

The inaugural recipients for the Pugliese Scholarship were chosen by a committee which included Jewelers of America and Henne Jewelers staff, as well is input from the Pugliese family. The recipients of the Nina Pugliese Scholarship who were awarded more than $10,000 combined are:

• Tiana M. Camarillo, Laredo, TX to attend Gemological Institute of America
• Audriana Osborne, Montgomery, AL to attend Gemological Institute of America
• Janice Kreis, New York, NY to attend Fashion Institute of Technology

"The Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship is honored to announce its inaugural scholarship recipients, an exceptional group of talented and dedicated individuals whose passion, creativity, and commitment to the jewelry industry embody the spirit and legacy of Nina Pugliese," says John Henne, Owner of Henne Jewelers. "In this first year, the scholarship marks the beginning of a lasting tribute to Nina's extraordinary career and her enduring influence, helping to inspire and support the next generation of jewelry professionals as they pursue their dreams."

Recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Bench Scholarships were chosen by a JA Scholarship Committee consisting of JA staff and members of JA's Board of Directors, along with members of the Holtzman Review Committee.

This year's recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship received a combined $10,000 toward their studies. They are:

• Samuel J.A. Zampelli, Maspeth, NY to attend Fashion Institute of Technology
• Kylie Weinzierl, Revere, MS to attend North Bennet Street School
• Noa Bejar, San Juan, PR to attend Savannah College of Art and Design
• Anthony J. Lindwedel, St. Louis, MO to attend the Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop

"My parents have always believed deeply in the importance of craftsmanship. Jewelry making and repair require tremendous skill, patience, and dedication, yet the bench jeweler's trade is too often overlooked or forgotten. They created the Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship to help preserve this important craft and support those building careers as jewelers. We are incredibly proud to continue their legacy through this scholarship for a third year by helping aspiring bench jewelers develop the skills they need to carry this tradition forward," says Steven Holtzman, Vice Chairman, CD Peacock.

Jewelers of America's scholarship programs garnered interest from applicants from across the country, looking to further their jewelry education.

"Jewelers of America is committed to advancing the professionalism of the jewelry industry," says President & CEO David Bonaparte. "We are fortunate to have great partners in both the Holtzmans and Henne, who are working with us to prepare the next generation of jewelers."

The Jewelers of America's Scholarship program awarded more than $22,000 to employees from the following JA member stores: Afram Jewelers, Atelier Mythique, Avitabile Fine Jewelers, Ba Lan Fine Jewelry, Borsheims, David Adams Fine Jewelers, Dunbar Jewelers, Evelyn and Co., Lasker Jewelers and Diamonds, MIYAVI, New England Gold & Silver Jewelers, Noe's Jewelry, Parkville Jewelers, The Diamond Center, and Tom LaGravinese Jewelers. For more information, visit https://www.jewelers.org/member-center/resources/scholarships or contact JA's Member Services at (800) 223-0673.