Say hello to Rachel Akmakjian, the new President of the WJA Chicago Chapter! Rachel’s love for diamonds began early—while other kids had lemonade stands, she was running “diamond stands,” selling rocks and pinecones as precious gems to her neighbors. That childhood spark grew into a dynamic career spanning retail, diamond wholesale, jewelry insurance, and a marketing role in London’s diamond industry. A Graduate Gemologist from GIA, Rachel is the Founder and CEO of Ariane Diamonds and the Director of Jeweler Relations at BriteCo, a leading jewelry and watch insurance provider. With a deep love for the trade and a powerful industry voice, she’s committed to supporting professionals and clients as they navigate the world of fine jewelry. We’re thrilled to welcome her leadership in Chicago! #WJAChicago #WomensJewelryAssociation #ArianeDiamonds #BriteCo #WomenInJewelry #JewelryLeadership #GIAAlumni #finejewelrycommunity (fb)

✨ Jumpstart Your Jewelry Career with the 2025 Student Scholarship / Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship! ✨ The WJA Foundation, in partnership with the Gabriel Love Foundation, is awarding scholarships up to $7,000 to female-identifying students in accredited jewelry or metalsmithing programs. One exceptional Non-Designer applicant will receive a $5,000 Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship for their commitment to community impact. ✔ Enrolled between Aug 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026 ✔ Open to design + non-design students Categories: ✅ Designer (CAD/drawings) ✅ Designer & Creator (finished pieces) ✅ Non-Designer (gemologists, watchmakers, appraisers, etc.) 🔗 APPLICATION LINK: https://wja.submit.com/show/18 Apply between March 1 – April 30, 2025! #WJAFoundation #GabrielLoveScholarship #JewelryStudents #DesignYourFuture #womeninjewelry (fb)