The American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have announced the recipients of their 2026 scholarship awards, recognizing two jewellery professionals for their commitment to education, leadership and career development within the industry.

Karen Fox, shop manager at Fox Fine Jewelry in Ventura, California, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, presented jointly by AGS and GIA. The scholarship covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist programme, offered either online or at GIA's Carlsbad, California campus, along with the AGS Way Course and registration for the 2026 AGS Conclave.

A second-generation jeweller, Fox works alongside her father at the family-owned business, overseeing the complete in-house custom jewellery process from design and CAD to casting and finishing. She has more than a decade of experience in CAD/CAM and specializes in custom engagement rings and antique-inspired jewellery.

The 2026 AGS Women in Leadership Scholarship has been awarded to Jenna Siegel of Argo & Lehne Jewelers in Columbus, Ohio. The scholarship includes complimentary registration to the 2026 AGS Conclave, a personalized mentorship programme through AGS and a US$500 gift card to support professional development.

Siegel entered the jewellery industry in 2025 and is currently pursuing her Graduate Gemologist credential while building her retail and gemmological expertise. The scholarship aims to support emerging female leaders in the jewellery sector by providing education, mentorship and networking opportunities.

Both scholarship recipients will be recognized during the 2026 AGS Conclave, scheduled to take place from September 14–17 in Orlando, Florida. The annual event brings together jewellery professionals for education, networking and discussions on industry developments. Through these scholarships, AGS and GIA continue their collaboration to encourage professional growth and strengthen the industry's future talent pipeline.