TJS Awards Six Scholarships for 2026 to Students and Emerging Jewelers

The Jewelry Symposium has named six recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding full attendance packages to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler who recently advanced from an apprenticeship. The grants, sponsored by GIA, Mano Acero Jewelry, TechForm Advanced Casting, and the Dougherty Charitable Fund, will send the winners to TJS 2026 at the Detroit Marriott Troy hotel in Troy, Michigan, May 17 through 19.

The six awardees, listed alphabetically, are Aaron Taylor, shop lead and jeweler at Skeie's Jewelers and the sole recipient designated as an emerging jeweler; Amelia Zavagnin, a GIA Canada student; Camille Richard, apprentice to master jeweler Ronda Coryell; Kylie Weinzierl and Ron White, both students at North Bennet Street School; and William Lew, enrolled in the Jewelry and Metals program at Skidmore College.

Each scholarship covers symposium registration, three nights at the Detroit Marriott Troy hotel, TJS-catered meals, a book, a flash drive containing all conference presentations, and a formal certificate of attendance. Awardees are responsible for arranging and financing their own travel.

"We were delighted by the passionate interest in TJS and the quality of the scholarship applications this year," said Linus Drogs, chairman of the Board at TJS. "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."

Lew, whose work can be found on Instagram at @therealwill_lew and @thingswillfinds, offered his own reflection. "This means a great deal to me. I care deeply about craftsmanship, and being able to attend TJS and learn from leaders in the field is an opportunity I'm incredibly grateful for."

Richard, apprenticing under Coryell, posts her studio work at @hammersong.studios. Taylor, the only recipient who came to the program as a working professional rather than a current student or apprentice, is active on Instagram at @the_aarontaylor. Weinzierl can be found at @kyneticarts, and White at @2ronnn2.

TJS describes itself as the jewelry industry's annual international event dedicated specifically to the advancement of jewelry manufacturing technology. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle was January 26, with eligibility open to anyone 18 or older who is a student, intern, apprentice, or early in a jewelry industry career. Applications required a résumé and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or mentor.

For information on future cycles or event details, contact Jessa Cast at jessa@thejewelrysymposium.com or visit thejewelrysymposium.com.