Program completed by High School students at Brooklyn STEAM Center
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) completed a successful jewelry-focused high school education program, “The Future Jewelers Academy.” Launched at the Brooklyn STEAM Center and sponsored by Jewelers Mutual® Group, this inaugural program prepares students with the skills needed for a successful career in jewelry design and bench jewelry.
To celebrate the completion of the 2023/2024 program, a capstone event was held to showcase the students’ remarkable work. The curriculum prepared them to delve into various aspects of jewelry making, including design, gem-setting, materials, laser repair, casting, and molding. Additionally, industry experts shared their invaluable insights with the students.
“Loved every part of the program, the community that we built, the professor, and over all the jewelry that we learned and made. I am definitely coming back next year if the program is offered again,” said Daniel, a student from the Future Jewelers Academy.
Jewelers Mutual’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Murphy, understands the significance of joining forces with BIJC and Brooklyn STEAM Center as the company continues to look for measurable ways to uplift the jewelry industry. “When the Black in Jewelry Coalition approached us to support the Future Jewelers Academy, we saw the opportunity to help drive excitement for the industry while helping make a positive impact on the students. This is just the beginning as the program continues to nurture students’ curiosity and education in the jewelry trade.”
Malyia McNaughton, BIJC Chairman and Founder of Made By Malyia, expressed her admiration for the scholars at Brooklyn STEAM Center, “As a jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and gemologist, I know firsthand the transformative power of discovering your passion early. Our high school bench jewelry program is not just about crafting beautiful pieces; it’s about creating opportunities for underserved youth, bridging the gap in the declining bench jeweler workforce, and fostering the next generation of jewelry professionals. I wish I had access to a program like this when I was younger—it empowers students to find their careers and ignites a lifelong love for the art and science of jewelry.”
Whether students choose to pursue a career in the industry or simply enjoy jewelry making as a rewarding hobby, the Future Jewelers Academy equips them with the necessary skills to craft one-of-a-kind creations. With continued support from Jewelers Mutual, the BIJC and Brooklyn STEAM Center are set to plan programming for the 2024/25 school year.
For more information about the Black in Jewelry Coalition and its initiatives, please visit Blackinjewelry.org.
For press inquiries please contact [email protected].
About Black In Jewelry Coalition
Black in Jewelry Coalition strives for the advancement of Black professionals within the gem, jewelry, and watch industry through networking, education, representation, and an abundance of resources. We promote change in our industry with the fundamental understanding that by uniting our resources and partnering with allies, we cultivate growth and create opportunities through an alliance that is for us, by us. Our strategies include providing tools and resources for professional success and growth, and recruitment for increased representation through heightened awareness. To learn more, visit blackinjewelry.org.
About Jewelers Mutual
Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 by a group of Wisconsin jewelers to meet their unique insurance needs. Later, consumers began putting their trust in Jewelers Mutual to protect their jewelry and the special memories each piece holds. Today, Jewelers Mutual continues to support and move the industry forward by listening to jewelers and consumers and offering products and services to meet their evolving needs. Beyond insurance, Jewelers Mutual’s powerful suite of innovative solutions and digital technology offerings help jewelers strengthen and grow their businesses, mitigate risk, and bring them closer to their customers. The Group insurers’ strong financial position is reflected in their 37 consecutive “A+ Superior” ratings from AM Best Company, as of November 2023. Policyholders of the Group insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other Group offices in Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida. To learn more, visit JewelersMutual.com.
