The American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have awarded scholarships to Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek .
Graham, the recipient of the Beatrice Shipley grant, began his career in jewelry retail and later became a certified sales associate at his current workplace Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers in Los Angeles, where he is the store director and manager. Under the mentorship of the store owner, Graham has gained hands-on experience in custom design, jewelry repair, and appraisals, the organizations said Tuesday. The scholarship will cover tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program and the AGS Way Course, as well as registration for the 2025 AGS and GIA Converge conference in California.
“Receiving the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship is an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of my dedication to gemology,” said Graham. “It is a generous show of support that motivates me to keep learning with integrity and curiosity, and to uphold the excellence it represents.”
Meanwhile, Kohoutek a GIA Graduate Gemologist, scored the Women in Leadership Scholarship. She is on track to become a Certified Gemologist with the AGS and is a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, where she is currently continuing her education. Kohoutek works at Redlands Jewelers in Redlands, California, where she serves as a custom jewelry designer and a gemologist/appraiser. The organizations recognized her due to her leadership potential and dedication to the industry, they said. Kohoutek will receive complimentary registration to Converge 2025, a personalized mentorship experience coordinated by AGS and a $500 gift card.
“The American Gem Society has long been a name that I have looked up to for setting the standard of integrity in our industry, and to be recognized by such an organization — especially at this point in my journey — is both humbling and deeply encouraging,” she said.
Images: Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek. (American Gem Society)
