The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) recently awarded 23 scholarships at its conference in Chicago, held from July 13-16. The scholarships were distributed among three distinct categories, with eight recipients receiving full scholarships and 15 obtaining partial scholarships.
Bill Roberts Memorial Scholarship
The Bill Roberts Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by IJO Owner and Chairman Jeff Roberts, awarded a total of $5,000 for Gemological Institute of America (GIA) studies. Jeff Roberts initiated this scholarship to honor his father, Bill Roberts, who founded IJO over 50 years ago and emphasized education.
Jeff Roberts stated, “In founding IJO more than 50 years ago, my dad [Bill Roberts] always focused on education. He created the IJO/GIA Title Program – with more stringent requirements than most programs – to ensure IJO members were working smarter than their competition. I created this scholarship to honor his legacy.”
Recipients of this scholarship include:
- Rachael Theodore, Artful Eye Jewelry Design Center, studying Jewelry Essentials
- Essiah Hudson, Bauble Patch Jewelers, studying Jewelry Essentials
- Taylor Camillo, Cindi’s Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, studying Jewelry Essentials
- Mandy Balkman, Dickinson Jewelers, studying Colored Stone Grading Lab
- Heather Frye, Jerald Jewelers, studying Applied Jewelry Professional
- Elizabeth Weber, Jim Kryshak Jewelers, studying Diamond Essentials
- Kristen Wall, Kelly Waters, studying Applied Jewelry Professional
- Joey Sandler, Leslie E. Sandler Fine Jewelry, studying Pearls
- Diana Landrin, Mar-Bill Diamonds & Jewelry, studying Applied Jewelry Professional
- Sergio Palazzo, Ocean View Jewelers, studying Colored Stone Essentials
- Madison Webster, Peter & Company Jewelers, studying Pearls
- Daniel Garulé, Plaza Jewelers, studying Pearls
- Mahogany Rivera, Scott & Company Fine Jewelers, studying Diamond Essentials
- Kamryn Thompson, Tipton’s Fine Jewelry, studying Diamond Essentials
- Camryn Dempsey, Whalen Jewelers, Jewelry Essentials
Richard Swetz Memorial Scholarship
The Richard Swetz Memorial Scholarship, created by IJO President Stephen Barnes and his wife Rebecca Barnes, offered $3,000 for any jewelry-related study. Initially a $1,000 award, it was later supplemented by an additional $2,000 from Dolores Swetz and the Swetz family.
Recipients include:
- Matthew Bryce Maynor, Barnett Jewelers, studying at Stuart’s International
- Beth Greene, Conti Jewelers, studying at Colored Stone Grading Lab
- Tim Bartels, Don’s Jewelry, studying at Laser Welding-Midwest Jewelry Academy
- Taylor Benton, Fort Thomas Jewelers, studying at Stone Setting-New Approach School
- Andrea Venn, Kirk & Company Jewelers, studying at Digital Jewelry Sketching
- Stephen Chapman, Main Street Jewelers, studying at AWCI Watch Certification Courses
- Elena Davis, Towne Square Jewelers, studying at Colored Stone Grading Lab
Banice & Beverly Bazar Memorial Pearl Scholarship
Sponsored by Imperial Pearl, the Banice & Beverly Bazar Memorial Pearl Scholarship awarded $640 for the full tuition of the GIA Pearls Course. The recipient of this scholarship is Braeden Bond of K. Bond Jewelers.
IJO President Stephen Barnes commented on the program’s future, stating, “The talent exhibited by these applicants was so impressive, and we are encouraged by the potential we see for the future of this industry.” Jeff Roberts added, “The excitement over this program was truly heartwarming, and it’s the goal of IJO to provide an increased number of educational opportunities to the membership, especially for the NextGen portion [next generation] of the family.”
Additional Fundraising
In an impromptu auction held on July 14, IJO member Travis Piper of Piper Diamond Company raised an additional $5,500 for the 2025 scholarship program, further demonstrating the organization’s dedication to supporting educational advancement in the jewelry industry.
