Jewelers Mutual Launches $50K GIA Scholarship

Jewelers Mutual has introduced a new $50,000 scholarship in collaboration with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that will be used to support the education of future gemologists.

The funding is named the Ron Harder Gemological Scholarship, in honor of the former CEO of the jewelry-insurance provider, who served from 1982 to 2007, Jewelers Mutual said last week. It will be implemented over a five-year period, with an annual award of $10,000.

“We are honored to establish the Ron Harder Gemological Scholarship with GIA to elevate the love of jewelry and carry forward Ron’s legacy by supporting the next generation of gemologists,” said Jewelers Mutual CEO Scott Murphy. “Together we are helping to advance and strengthen the jewelry industry for the future.”

The scholarship is available to all students currently enrolled in the GIA’s gemology program, and is open for submissions from April 1 to 30.

“I am delighted to see Jewelers Mutual and GIA investing in future gemologists,” said Harder. “This scholarship reflects our shared dedication to nurturing talent and ensuring the industry’s continued growth and success.”

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Main image: Diamonds graded by the GIA. (Shutterstock)