What Is The Jewelry Loupe Project?
The Jewelry Loupe Project is a design and business development program
led by top Bay Area designers, in partnership with the Northern California Chapter
of The Women’s Jewelry Association, a non-profit organization.
Our mission 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.
This not for profit program offers emerging designers access to well established
designers and Bay Area business owners to explore design, launch their first line,
and develop marketing strategies & business acumen.
The Jewelry Loupe Project is a design and business development program
led by top Bay Area designers, in partnership with the Northern California Chapter
of The Women’s Jewelry Association, a non-profit organization.
Our mission 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.
This not for profit program offers emerging designers access to well established
designers and Bay Area business owners to explore design, launch their first line,
and develop marketing strategies & business acumen.
"[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 mentees an 8-month program beginning in February and culminating in the Fall.
Each mentee will be matched with a mentor who is a jewelry industry leader in the Bay Area.
In addition to one-on-one mentorship, the program offers four 2.5 hour-long workshops
on the following topics:
Concept + Design (March)
Marketing (April)
Business of Wholesale & Retail Partners (May)
Sales, Showrooms and Tradeshows (June)
Sourcing Materials and Contract Work (July)
In tandem with the workshops, we provide 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.
"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
We provide mentees an 8-month program beginning in February and culminating in the Fall.
Each mentee will be matched with a mentor who is a jewelry industry leader in the Bay Area.
In addition to one-on-one mentorship, the program offers four 2.5 hour-long workshops
on the following topics:
Concept + Design (March)
Marketing (April)
Business of Wholesale & Retail Partners (May)
Sales, Showrooms and Tradeshows (June)
Sourcing Materials and Contract Work (July)
In tandem with the workshops, we provide 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.
"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
- Reside in Northern California and be able to attend
ALL virtual workshops and/or events that promote participants.
-BIPOC 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'm self taught and want to make my passion a business."
"I just graduated from art school or other jewelry/design program."
"I have a jewelry line but want to expand it."
"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.
However, if selected, mentees are responsible for materials and any production costs
associated with creating their line. Each mentee is also required to have an up-to-date
membership with the WJA NorCal chapter.
To learn more about the benefits of being a WJA member, click here.
Image courtesy of Monica Riley.
What Is WJA?
WJA is the Womens' Jewelry Association. We are an international membership organization.
Our mission is to help women in the jewelry and watch industries advance and develop professionally
through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services.
WJA is the Womens' Jewelry Association. We are an international membership organization.
Our mission is to help women in the jewelry and watch industries advance and develop professionally
through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services.
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.