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Winners Announced for Beyoncé-Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship April 21, 2021 (0 comments)
Carlsbad, CA—Three aspiring Black jewelers have been awarded full tuition GIA Graduate Gemologist scholarships through the new Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship. The scholarship was gifted by world-renowned jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz to Beyoncé, her close friend and long-time client. The multi-talented performer, record producer, and philanthropist selected two recipients based on the applicants’ narratives about what they intend to achieve, share, and build with the knowledge they gain at GIA.
“I was impressed with their passion and the knowledge of gems that so many applicants displayed,” said Beyoncé. “I am praying that this is just the beginning of opening more doors to diversity and raw inspiration in the jewelry industry.”
Then, understanding how education builds opportunity that can lead to generational wealth, Beyoncé announced that she will fund a third scholarship. Each scholarship is valued at more than $20,000, which includes tuition, fees, equipment, and travel and other expenses for on-campus lab classes.
The three award recipients, Audriana Osborne, Shelton Bradford, and Kulla Jatani, drew on their life experiences in their essays. They shared the origin of their passion for gems and jewelry and what they will do with the opportunity to increase Black representation in the industry. The three embraced a community-centric approach to creating more opportunities for others in their communities.
Osborne, from Montgomery, AL, aspires to intersect creative expression and legal advocacy into a career that ensures that marginalized groups and their creativity are both protected and cultivated. This scholarship will enable her to fulfill her ambition in the jewelry industry.
Shelton Bradford, of Lake Forest, CA, has a love of gemstones that was sparked by the science and symbolism of gems. With this scholarship, Shelton plans to learn the trade, open his own business, and pass a legacy down to his children.
The recipient of the third scholarship, Kulla Jatani of Seattle, WA, uses jewelry as an outlet for her creativity, but also as a tool that connects her to her African heritage. She plans to develop her technical skills with the goal of serving others in her community.
“It’s an honor to be part of this life-changing moment for these two young, professionals; even more so because it’s in Beyoncé’s name, who has been my friend, muse, and the canvas for which I show my jewelry on for the last 20 years. Her work for the Black community is without limit and her efforts have inspired me and made me extremely proud to be her friend and partner on this initiative,” said Schwartz.
“The global gem and jewelry industry is fused together by specialized expertise and diversity of experiences, voices and differing backgrounds. All of these help to foster creativity, relevance and ultimately success. Diversity is essential for us to continue to thrive well into the future,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “We are honored to have worked with Beyoncé and Lorraine to create educational opportunities that can transform the course of a life – and for it to benefit three people makes it all that more special. Congratulations to Audriana, Shelton and Kulla. We are excited to have you join us on this special journey and we welcome you to GIA!”
Click here to watch an exciting video of the life-changing moment for these aspiring jewelry professionals.
