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Beatrice Shipley and Women in Leadership Scholarships awarded for 2026

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Key Takeaways:

• The American Gem Society (AGS) and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced the 2026 recipients of the Beatrice Shipley and Women in Leadership Scholarships.

• Karen Fox of Fox Fine Jewelry received the 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, covering tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program and AGS Conclave registration.

• Jenna Siegel of Argo & Lehne Jewelers received the 2026 Women in Leadership Scholarship, which includes a $500 gift card, Conclave registration, and a mentorship experience.

(LAS VEGAS, NV) – The American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announce the recipient of the 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship. Additionally, AGS has awarded a recipient of the Women in Leadership Scholarship.

Karen Fox Headshot

Beatrice Shipley Scholarship: Karen Fox

The 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, presented in collaboration with GIA, has been awarded to Karen Fox of Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura, CA. The scholarship covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist® program—either online or at the Carlsbad, CA, campus—as well as the AGS Way Course and registration for the 2026 AGS Conclave.

“I am thrilled to receive the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my gemological journey as I work toward earning my Graduate Gemologist® and Certified Gemologist® credentials. Continued education is essential to providing clients with the highest level of expertise, confidence and service. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to further my education and career with the support of AGS and GIA,” said Karen.

A second-generation jeweler, Karen works alongside her father, George Fox, GG, CGA, CMBJ, at the family’s Ventura, CA, store. As Fox Fine Jewelry’s shop manager, she oversees the entire creative lifecycle of custom jewelry in-house—from initial design through CAD and casting to final polish. With more than a decade of experience in CAD/CAM, Karen specializes in custom engagement rings and antique replica pieces, recreating heirlooms that have become too worn to wear. She is a graduate of the New Approach School for Jewelers and GIA’s Graduate Diamonds program, holds a BA in Design, and is a member of the Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Retailers class of 2026.

Jenna Sieglel Headshot

Women in Leadership Scholarship: Jenna Siegel

The American Gem Society created the AGS Women in Leadership Scholarship to support emerging women leaders in the jewelry industry. The 2026 recipient is Jenna Siegel of Argo & Lehne Jewelers in Columbus, OH. Jenna will receive complimentary registration to Conclave 2026, a $500 gift card and a personalized mentorship experience coordinated by AGS.

“I am honored to have been awarded the 2026 Women in Leadership Scholarship,” said Jenna. “This investment in my future will provide valuable learning and growth opportunities. Thank you for supporting the development of my skills and knowledge, which I need to make a greater impact in this field.”

Jenna Siegel is a newcomer to the jewelry industry. Following a lifelong interest in jewelry, she pursued her passion, which led her to Argo & Lehne. Jenna is pursuing further education to become a Graduate Gemologist®.

Both Ms. Fox and Ms. Siegel will be recognized at the American Gem Society’s annual Conclave in Orlando, Florida, September 14-17. To learn more about Conclave, visit www.americangemsociety.org/Conclave. 

For more information about the American Gem Society and its scholarship programs, visit www.americangemsociety.org.

About the American Gem Society

The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to ethics, knowledge and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. AGS awards credentials to its members, who are held to the industry’s highest standards and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Members of the AGS are passionate about jewelry and dedicated to creating a positive buying experience for their customers. Visit americangemsociety.org to learn more.

About GIA


An independent nonprofit organization, GIA, established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™, which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality. 

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Visit GIA.edu.

About the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship


Established in 2019 by GIA and administered by AGS, the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship honors the legacy of Robert and Beatrice Shipley, who founded GIA and AGS in the 1930s to educate jewelers and elevate industry standards. This scholarship continues its mission by supporting the next generation of jewelry professionals through advanced gemological education.

About the Women in Leadership Scholarship


The Women in Leadership Scholarship is part of AGS’s ongoing effort to foster diversity and leadership within the jewelry community. The program reflects the Society’s belief in the power of mentorship and the opportunity to shape future leaders and drive industry progress.

The post Beatrice Shipley and Women in Leadership Scholarships awarded for 2026 appeared first on Southern Jewelry News.



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