What is The Jewelry Loupe Project?
The Jewelry Loupe Project is a jewelry business development program for emerging designers
facilitated and administered by the Women's Jewelry Association.
For the second year we are pleased to announce that the program will be open to WJA members
nationwide thanks to support from De Beers. With their partnership, WJA's Jewelry
Loupe Project will be able to offer more opportunities to our designer members, including BIPOC
LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds.
Our goal is to break down some of the many industry barriers and support
emerging jewelry designers by providing thoughtful mentorship and
opportunities for growth and exposure.
WJA offers emerging designers access to well-established designers, business
owners, and seasoned industry professionals to explore design, launch
their first line, and develop marketing strategies and business acumen.
The Jewelry Loupe Project is a jewelry business development program for emerging designers
facilitated and administered by the Women's Jewelry Association.
For the second year we are pleased to announce that the program will be open to WJA members
nationwide thanks to support from De Beers. With their partnership, WJA's Jewelry
Loupe Project will be able to offer more opportunities to our designer members, including BIPOC
LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds.
Our goal is to break down some of the many industry barriers and support
emerging jewelry designers by providing thoughtful mentorship and
opportunities for growth and exposure.
WJA offers emerging designers access to well-established designers, business
owners, and seasoned industry professionals to explore design, launch
their first line, and develop marketing strategies and business acumen.
Many thanks to De Beers for supporting the 2023 Jewelry Loupe Project
and enabling WJA to offer this program nationwide!
and enabling WJA to offer this program nationwide!
"[The Jewelry Loupe Project] provided clarity around creating a coherent
and intentional collection through design."
-Monica Riley, 2020 JLP graduate
and intentional collection through design."
-Monica Riley, 2020 JLP graduate
Image courtesy of Kate Eickelberg.
What Do We Offer?
We provide a free, 6-month module-based program which commences in April and culminates
with a critique in the fall. Each mentee is matched with a mentor who is a seasoned jewelry
professional, for one-on-one mentorship. The program also offers the following workshops
and special sessions:
Concept & Design
Sourcing & Materials
Marketing & Branding
Packaging
Pricing
Wholesale & Retail Partnerships
E-Commerce
Sales, Showrooms, & Tradeshows
In tandem with the workshops and special sessions, the program provides highly focused monthly
one-on-one meetings with your mentor via Zoom. The meetings will provide feedback on design
& production, help you navigate the world of marketing & business, and suggest actionable next
steps toward your individual goals. Anna Samsonova of Samsonova Consulting, a small business consultant focusing on brand development and upscaling will act as the programs facilitator adding her experience in addition to the mentors and experts.
Additionally, De Beers is offering all mentees access to its highly regarded Diamonds
Foundation online training course for one year (a $250 value).
Top 5 Program Benefits:
1. One-on-one mentorship and training
2. Real-time feedback on your work
3. Opportunities to showcase your jewelry
4. Access to De Beers Diamonds Foundation course
5. Highlights in WJA press and marketing materials
"The program... provided me the opportunity to learn from top industry professionals
who shared their knowledge of design, marketing and business practices."
-Lindsay Knox, 2020 JLP graduate
Image courtesy of Olivia Shih.
Who is eligible and is there a cost?
Eligibility
- Submit a completed application
- Be an emerging jewelry designer in their first 5 years of business
- Reside in United States or Mexico and be able to participate in
all virtual workshops and/or events associated with the program
-Be a current member of WJA or join upon acceptance into the program
-BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and applicants from diverse backgrounds
are strongly encouraged to apply
Who do you consider to be "emerging"?
We understand that people come to the field of jewelry design at different points
in their life with varying circumstances. Here are a few examples to help
determine if you would be a good fit and benefit from this program.
Examples:
"I have a jewelry line/business that is under 5 years old, but want to expand it."
"I've launched a collection but am not sure where to go from here."
"I'm in a couple of stores but want to take my business to the next level."
Financial Cost
There is no financial cost to participate in The Jewelry Loupe program, other than a $10 application fee.
However, if selected, mentees are responsible for materials and any production costs associated with creating their line.
Each mentee is also required to be a current member of WJA or join upon acceptance into the program.
To learn more about the benefits of being a WJA member, click here.
Admission is not guaranteed. All applications will be reviewed by WJA and Jewelry Loupe Mentors.
Announcement of 2023 cohort will be made by the end of March.
Image courtesy of Monica Riley.
What is WJA?
For 40 years, the Women's Jewelry Association has supported and empowered women
to grow successful careers in the jewelry and watch industries. WJA was created to provide women
with resources and a platform to elevate their voice in the industry. Our organization focuses on
three important pillars: Community, Connection, and Collaboration.
For 40 years, the Women's Jewelry Association has supported and empowered women
to grow successful careers in the jewelry and watch industries. WJA was created to provide women
with resources and a platform to elevate their voice in the industry. Our organization focuses on
three important pillars: Community, Connection, and Collaboration.
JLP 2020 mentors and mentees. From left to right: Monica Riley, Lindsay Knox, Galen Boone, Kate Eickelberg, Olivia Shih, April Higashi, Marie McCarthy, Rebecca Overmann, Gina Marie Pinzari. Image courtesy of Melissa Scoppa.
