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Carlsbad, CA—Music superstar Beyoncé is teaming up with renowned Hollywood jeweler Lorraine Schwartz to help bring more Black representation to the jewelry industry. Beyoncé, a multi-talented performer, record producer and philanthropist, is teaming up with Schwartz to award two members of the Black community a full tuition scholarship to earn a Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Image: Beyoncé, left, and jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, right, courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment

The global entertainer will personally select two recipients from qualified applicants for The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship. The two scholarships award full tuition and paid expenses for the Graduate Gemologist program through distance education. 

“It is an honor to have this scholarship in my name, but the best part is teaming up with my friend Lorraine Schwartz to give two people an opportunity to learn,” said Beyoncé. “We both believe that learning is constant. This is a chance to learn from the best, create generational wealth and turn a love of gems into a career.”

Through a shared love of jewelry, Beyoncé and Lorraine’s friendship led to the formation of The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship. Lorraine gifted Beyoncé one of the scholarships for her last birthday, and GIA matched the funds for a second scholarship. 

“This scholarship is a homage to Beyoncé for the inspiration she's given me throughout my career,” said Lorraine. “It’s about the love formed from relationships and knowing that at the end of the day, we are all the same. Now I have the opportunity to bring that inspiration full circle and show the community the endless possibilities that are in this industry, especially for Black professionals.”

“What makes a career in the jewelry industry so special is that it is the culmination of art, science and business fused together in a passionate industry that is grounded in community,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “A Graduate Gemologist diploma provides students the skills they need to succeed in this industry and opens doors for networking opportunities to expand their relationships critical for success.”

Applications for the scholarship will be accepted from March 1 at 9:00 a.m. PST to March 16 at 11:59 p.m. PST. For more information and to apply, visit GIA.edu/beyonce-x-lorraine-GIA-scholarship.