THE JEWELRY LOUPE PROJECT 2020

THE PROGRAM

The application window for cycle 2020 is now closed.

The Jewelry Loupe Project is a design and business development program led by top Bay Area designers in partnership with the Women’s Jewelry Association Northern California Chapter, a non-profit organization.

This jewelry community-led program offers support for emerging jewelry designers in designing and launching their jewelry line by providing thoughtful mentorship and opportunities for growth and exposure within the jewelry industry. Our goal is to assist in accelerating the careers of our local artists by offering access to veterans & specialists to explore design, develop marketing strategies & business acumen to support them in their furthered growth. The program culminates in one lucky mentee presenting a completed line at a major industry trade show.

We provide mentees an 8 month program beginning in February and culminating in the Fall. The structure consists of four 2.5 hour-long weekend workshops led by some of the most interesting & successful artists in the industry:

Concept + Design (March)
Marketing (April)
Business (May)
Sales (June)

In tandem with the workshops, each designer will be paired with a single Mentor and will have access to a team of Junior Mentors who will lead group critiques. These relationships are intended to help support and streamline design & production, navigate the world of marketing & business, and finally, to help present their work in public & accessible platforms.
Final collections are evaluated by a group of industry leaders (non JLP Mentors) in August. All collections are invited to show at WJA's Jewelry Night Out in September. One designer will go on to show at a major industry trade show.

There is currently no financial cost to participate in The Jewelry Loupe Project.

Those wishing to participate in The Jewelry Loupe Project must:

Be an emerging jewelry designer
Submit an application
Reside in Northern California and be able to attend all workshops and/or events that promote participants
Join WJA if accepted - first time members who are enrolled in school receive a free membership. Email northerncaliforniachapter@womensjewelryassociation.com to inquire about free student memberships.

APPLY

THE TEAM

Marie McCarthy

Owner & Designer,
Fiat Lux and Rose Gold's Tattoo & Piercing

Danielle Mainas

Owner,
LITTLE BIRD

Past President,
WJA Northern California Chapter

Betsy Barron

Owner & Designer,
Love & Luxe

April Higashi

Designer & Owner,
Shibumi Gallery

Rebecca Overmann

Designer & Owner

Sharon Zimmerman

Designer & Owner

CONTRIBUTORS

Women's Jewelry Association Northern California Chapter

A premier business networking organization dedicated to enriching and advancing the professional lives of the women in the jewelry and watch industries.