TJS Scholarship Recipients on Their Goals as Jewelry Professionals

By Brittany Siminitz | March 18, 2026

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) has announced the recipients of its annual scholarships, which allow people just starting out in the jewelry profession to attend TJS free of charge.

This year’s scholarship winners are four students—William Lew (who made the “spoon rings” pictured above), Kylie Weinzierl, Ron White, and Amelia Zavagnin—an apprentice, Camille Richard, and an emerging jeweler, Aaron Taylor.

The scholarships cover the registration fee for the May 16–19 event and three nights at its host hotel, the Detroit Marriott Troy, as well as meals at TJS, a thumb drive of all presentations, and a formal certificate of attendance. TJS’ scholarships are sponsored by GIA, Mano Acero Jewelry, TechForm, and Illinois jeweler Tom Dougherty’s charitable fund.

“We were delighted by the passionate interest in TJS and the quality of the scholarship applications this year,” said Linus Drogs, TJS chairman of the board, in a statement. “Given the concerning attrition of skilled workers in our industry, we could not be happier to welcome these talented students and apprentices. We hope that they will gain new skills and make connections that will launch their careers, just as so many of us TJS attendees have over the years.”

TJS’ 2026 scholarship recipients spoke with JCK about their present and future work in jewelry, their favorite techniques and materials, and what they expect from the TJS experience.

Lew is a student in the jewelry and metals program at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Under his brand (and Instagram) name ThingsWillFinds, he makes rings out of spoons he’s found at antique and thrift stores, as well as other repurposed items.

“What started as making rings out of old spoons turned into something I want to build my life around,” Lew says. “Once I started working at the bench, I realized how much I enjoy the process of making, refining, and finishing a piece.

William Lew ring — *A ring designed by Lew*

“My goal is to become a highly skilled bench jeweler working at the highest level of craftsmanship,” Lew adds. “I want to be in an environment where I’m constantly challenged, learning from people who are better than me, and improving every day. I care a lot about the details and the finish of a piece, and I want to keep developing that standard.

“Long-term, I’m interested in learning techniques from different parts of the world. I’m especially drawn to traditions like goldsmithing in Italy and mokume-gane in Japan. I’d like to keep expanding both my technical skills and my design perspective over time. At the core of it, I just want to keep improving and be in a place where I’m always learning.”

Richard is an apprentice to Ronda Coryell, a Jewelers of America Certified Master Bench Jeweler based in Albuquerque, N.M., who specializes in argentium. “I aim to combine hand-fabrication techniques with production methods like casting to create bespoke pieces full of whimsy and intrigue,” says Richard, who designs under the name Cam Hammersong.

Cam Hammersong ring — *A piece by Richard, aka Cam Hammersong*

“In addition to honing my skills, I am filming and editing videos of my processes to provide free education online,” she notes. “One of my aspirations is to host workshops myself and encourage people to think outside the box. I’ve had an unorthodox start to my career, but I can’t wait to see where it takes me. I hope to one day provide inspiration to anyone interested in metalsmithing, whether as a hobby or a profession.

“During my time practicing jewelry fabrication, I have had the joy of attending amazing workshops that challenged my perception of what is possible with fine metals. One of my favorite aspects of going to workshops is that the classes are always filled with people from diverse backgrounds, all joining together to participate in a tradition humans have shared for millennia.”

Taylor is a metalsmith and the shop lead at Skeie’s Jewelers in Eugene, Ore., recently promoted from apprentice. “I am very honored to have the opportunity to attend this year’s Jewelry Symposium. It will be a truly invaluable experience to spend time with such pioneers in the industry and learn from fellow jewelers and goldsmiths that have the same passion for pushing the limits of the craft,” Taylor said in a statement. Thank you to TJS for giving me the chance to continue to gain new friends in the jewelry community and learn from the very best.”

Weinzierl, a student at Boston’s North Bennet Street School, says, “My goal in the jewelry industry is to ultimately own my own studio—specifically one that is a beacon of the community—and offer bespoke handmade jewelry, lessons, events, and more.”

According to Weinzierl’s Instagram, her favorite jewels to make are chunky statement rings and wedding bands in yellow gold. She uses recycled metal in some of her jewelry and also makes custom engagement rings.

“I have always found myself caught between the worlds of art and craft,” she says. “Going to art school, learning jewelry from an artistic perspective, to currently focusing on refining my technical skills and precision, I hope to continue to have conversations to bridge the gap, and bring people together, whether they are makers, educators, buyers, enthusiasts, or anything in between.

Kylie ring — *A custom engagement ring designed by Weinzierl, in sterling silver with garnet*

“A long-term dream of mine since I was a kid,” says Weinzierl, “is to buy or rent a space that has a jeweler studio with a coffee shop attached. I would love to own a place where creatives of all kinds can come and meet, network, and enjoy craft coffee—we all know how much caffeine it can take to fuel a jeweler—and share ideas, surrounded by people of similar interests.

“I currently rent a small studio outside of Boston where I work on commissions and teach small weekly classes, but I really hope to grow a larger brand and name, and meet [clients] where they are, whether they want to purchase ready-made pieces, design something custom, reuse or redesign family heirlooms, or take classes to make their own jewelry.”

White is also a student at North Bennet Street School. “Ultimately in the jewelry industry, I would like to gain mastery of my craft, he says. “My wildest goal would be to start mixing techniques and procedures to hopefully find a wonderful new way to present jewelry creations. Being able to add a story to design adds a certain importance and authenticity about the adornments, and I aim to have this element in every creation I make.”

Zavagnin is studying at GIA in western Canada. “How can one not be inspired by the mountains and prairies of Alberta?” she says. “Their enduring beauty—shaped over centuries and lasting for centuries more—calls to be captured.

“For me, fine jewelry is the perfect medium. My goal is to create a recognizable line of designs that are both beautiful and practical—custom pieces of exceptional quality that become lasting, generational treasures.”

Envisioning a future legacy, Zavagnin says, “Imagine you’re traveling abroad and stop at an inn. While chatting with the lady at the front desk, her ring or pendant catches your eye. It feels familiar, and you can’t help but ask. To your delight, your guess was right: It is a Zavagnin piece.”