The Jewelry Symposium Awards Six Scholarships to Emerging Talent

Fostering the Next Generation of Jewelry Professionals

The Jewelry Symposium (TJS) has announced the recipients of its six scholarships for the 2026 conference, an international event dedicated to advancing jewelry manufacturing technology. The scholarships are designed to support individuals early in their careers, covering registration fees, accommodation, and meals for the event held at the Detroit Marriott Troy from May 16–19.

This year’s honorees include four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler who has recently transitioned from an apprenticeship. TJS Chairman of the Board, Linus Drogs, expressed delight at the high caliber of applicants and the passionate interest shown.

“Given the concerning attrition of skilled workers in our industry, we could not be happier to welcome these talented students and apprentices,” Drogs stated. “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.”

The scholarships are generously sponsored by GIA, Mano Acero Jewelry, TechForm Casting, and the Dougherty Charitable Fund.

Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The six recipients, each bringing unique perspectives and aspirations, are:

• William Lew: A student in the jewelry and metals program at Skidmore College. Under his brand, ThingsWillFinds, Lew creates rings from repurposed materials like antique spoons. His goal is to become a highly skilled bench jeweler, constantly learning and refining his craft, with a long-term interest in global techniques like Italian goldsmithing and Japanese mokume-gane.
• Camille Richard: An apprentice to Master Bench Jeweler Ronda Coryell. Richard, who designs under the name Cam Hammersong, aims to combine hand-fabrication with casting to create bespoke, whimsical pieces. She is also dedicated to online jewelry education and hopes to host workshops, inspiring others in metalsmithing.
• Aaron Taylor: Shop lead and jeweler at Skeie’s Jewelers in Eugene, Ore., recently promoted from his apprenticeship. Taylor expressed his honor and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from industry pioneers and goldsmiths, looking forward to making new connections and pushing the boundaries of the craft.
• Kylie Weinzierl: A student at Boston’s North Bennet Street School. Weinzierl aspires to own a community-focused studio offering bespoke jewelry, lessons, and events. She bridges the gap between art and craft, utilizing recycled metals and specializing in statement rings and custom engagement bands. A long-term dream involves a studio combined with a coffee shop for creatives.
• Ron White: Also a student at North Bennet Street School, White seeks mastery of his craft. He hopes to innovate by mixing techniques and procedures to discover new ways of presenting jewelry, emphasizing the importance of story and authenticity in his designs.
• Amelia Zavagnin: A student at GIA in Canada, Zavagnin is inspired by the natural beauty of Alberta. Her goal is to create a recognizable line of practical, beautiful custom pieces of exceptional quality that become treasured generational heirlooms, envisioning her designs becoming familiar to people worldwide.

The TJS event aims to provide these emerging talents with invaluable learning experiences, networking opportunities, and exposure to the latest advancements in jewelry manufacturing technology, helping them to launch and further their careers in the industry.

For more information about The Jewelry Symposium, visit www.thejewelrysymposium.com.