At its upcoming Conclave in Louisville, Ky., the American Gem Society (AGS) will award the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to Natalie Wolf DiModica (pictured), CSA, of James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, Ohio.

The scholarship provides full tuition for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program, so the AGS member can earn the certified gemologist (CG) title.

“It’s always so tough to pick just one recipient for the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society, in a statement. “This year’s applicants were no exception. We had so many wonderful submissions and were inspired by the stories they shared and their commitment to bettering themselves through education. Natalie’s submission was compelling, and we’re pleased to give her this honor.”

DiModica is the second generation at her family’s jewelry store near Cincinnati. Her father, James Wolf, has been in the industry since he was 15, and together with wife Laura started James Wolf Jewelers in 2001.

DiModica earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Ohio Northern University, but her passion has always been jewelry, she said in the same statement, adding that she hopes to pass the reins of the family business to her daughter in another 20 years.

The Beatrice Shipley award was created by the GIA and the AGS in 2019 and named after the wife of Robert M. Shipley, considered the founder of both GIA and AGS. While Robert is listed as the person who started the groups, wife Beatrice is generally acknowledged to have played a large behind-the-scenes role in establishing them.

AGS’ annual Conclave will be held May 1–3.

(Photo courtesy of the American Gem Society)

 

 

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