2022 WJA Jewelry Loupe Project

The Jewelry Loupe Project is a jewelry business incubator program for emerging designers facilitated and administered by the Women's Jewelry Association. This year the program is open to WJA members nationwide with support from De Beers, offering opportunities to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ designers and those from diverse backgrounds.

The free, 6-month module-based program begins in late March and culminates with a critique in the fall. Each mentee is matched with a mentor who is a seasoned jewelry professional for one-on-one mentorship via Zoom. The program offers workshops and special sessions covering concept and design, marketing and branding, wholesale and retail partnerships, sales and tradeshows, sourcing and materials, e-commerce, packaging, and diamond sourcing and sustainability. De Beers provides all mentees access to its Diamonds Foundation online training course for one year (a $250 value).

Applicants must submit responses to essay questions and upload 1-3 images of their jewelry. Eligibility requirements include being an emerging jewelry designer in their first 5 years of business, residing in the United States or Mexico, being able to participate in all virtual workshops and events, and being a current WJA member or joining upon acceptance. Entry fee is $10.00. Announcement of the 2022 cohort will be made by the end of March.