The Gemological Association of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) have awarded the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to fifth-generation jeweller Madelaine Genna from central Florida.

Named in honour of Mrs. Shipley for her many contributions to both organisations the scholarship provides tuition for Genna to complete the GIA Graduate Gemologist programme on-campus, the AGS Way Course and to attend the 2020 AGS Conclave in Denver, CO.

The establishment of the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, jointly by AGS and GIA, was announced by Susan Jacques, GIA President and CEO, at the 2019 AGS Conclave in Seattle, Washington.

“It is an honour to help the next generation of industry leaders prepare for their careers with education from GIA and AGS,” said Jacques. “Madelaine Genna grew up in our industry; it is wonderful to see her passion propel her into a successful career. We are so proud that she is the first to receive the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship.”

“We would like to express our gratitude to GIA for helping our members achieve their goals,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS. “I was so inspired by the applications we received from our wonderful members. I’d also like to thank John Carter, President of the AGS Board of Directors, who brought this brilliant idea to AGS and GIA.”

It will come as no surprise to learn that Genna grew up “behind the counter” of her parent’s jewellery store in Florida. It was there during her growing years that she developed a love for gems and jewellery.

After graduating from college with a degree in advertising and public relations, Genna worked for a number of jewellery designers. “Today, Genna remains involved in the family business and says that once she completes her studies at AGS and GIA, she has a vision to grow and expand the family jewellery business,” GIA said.  Genna is already an AGS certified sales associate and has her GIA Diamond Essentials certificate.

“I feel so fortunate to be the recipient of a scholarship in honour of Beatrice Shipley,” said Genna.  “She was a woman in business when there were few, and a driving force in the formation of GIA and AGS. I have the utmost respect for these organisations, as my family’s affiliation with them has truly allowed their business to flourish. Beatrice is someone I greatly admire as she represents all the amazing things that a woman can be and I’m so proud to be associated with her in this way.”

Both GIA and AGS were founded in the 1930s when Robert and Beatrice Shipley cashed in their savings to create two organisations with the goal of educating jewellers, professionalising the industry and creating a guild for these jewellers to join.