JCK Jewelry Agenda: Week of July 26

By Victoria Gomelsky | July 23, 2026

If, as temperatures climb, you’re seeking refuge indoors this week, use the time to apply to one of a number of promising scholarship and empowerment opportunities with looming deadlines. Otherwise, bid on some California jewels, or pop by one of two Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) events taking place, in Los Angeles and Lexington, Ky.

ATTEND

WJA Los Angeles Pearl Event: July 28, 6 p.m. PT (in person)

Pearls by Renee Newman book cover Renée Newman takes attendees on a deep dive into the extraordinary world of pearls at this week’s gathering of the WJA LA chapter at the Diamond Club West Coast in Downtown L.A. In “Pearls: Surprising Facts,” she’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind natural pearls from California and Mexico, explore the excitement of the American pearl rush, reveal some of the highest-priced pearls ever discovered, and share expert insight on distinguishing South Sea pearls from lookalike Chinese freshwater baroque pearls.

WJA OH/KY Books, Baubles, and Bubbles Event in Lexington, Ky.: Aug. 1, 2 p.m. ET (in person)

Stoned book cover The Ohio and Kentucky chapter of WJA meets at A Small Extravagance in Lexington to discuss Aja Raden’s 2015 book, Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World. Bring a bead-stringing project to work on during the talk or purchase one there, at a discount. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. This event is free for members and $20 for not-yet members.

BID

Bonhams Fine Jewelry California Auction: July 28, 10 a.m. PT (in person and online)

Bonhams diamond necklace — *(Photo courtesy of Bonhams)*

At Bonhams’ Fine Jewelry sale in L.A. on July 28, one of the standout diamond lots (pictured above) is “a 60+ ct. platinum necklace set with pear, oval, and marquise stones,” writes JCK’s Annie Davidson Watson. “Other diamond pieces on the block include a circa-1950 necklace with 18.5 cts. t.w. old European– and old mine–cut diamonds and 7.6 cts. t.w. pear-shape drops and a line necklace of graduated round diamonds suspending a detachable diamond and ruby pendant.”

APPLY

Gem X Scholarship Program 2026: Due Sept. 30

The jewelry social club Gem X is offering two scholarship opportunities for 2026: A monetary grant (up to $3,000) to support “a specific, definable, and concrete project that advances the recipient’s goals,” and a mentorship program that “pairs the recipient with an experienced member or members of our network for dedicated guidance and support in their jewelry journey, whether in design, research, curation, or related fields.”

Presentations at The Jewelry Symposium: Due Aug. 1

The Symposium for the Advancement of Jewelry Manufacturing Technology is accepting submissions for presentations at its 2027 event until Aug. 1. The organization is seeking original presentations on topics that support the jewelry industry, provided they are non-commercial. Topics on manufacturing, cutting-edge technology and research, business practices, safety, history, bench work, gemstones, metals, sustainability, and sourcing skilled employees are especially welcome.

The Jewelry Edit Foundation & LVMH North America Empowerment Program: Due Aug. 14

TJEF x LVMH Flyer The Jewelry Edit Foundation has teamed with LVMH North America on “Designing a Responsible Future,” a professional development program for emerging jewelry and luxury professionals aged 18–30 seeking careers in the jewelry and luxury sectors. Hosted in New York City on Sept. 14, the program introduces participants to the many career opportunities within the industry. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply—the program is not limited to designers or people with a jewelry background.