Jewelers of America Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

Jewelers of America Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

New York, NY - Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, proudly announces the creation of the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship in partnership with Henne Jewelers.

The Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship is for jewelry professionals who are looking to increase their professionalism or knowledge through education or training and was named in memory of Nina Pugliese, who worked four decades at Henne Jewelers.

The Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Application period is from May 14 - June 30, 2026. Applicants will be asked to explain how their current work or studies in the jewelry industry, their personal values, and their future career goals embody the legacy of Nina Pugliese. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in an accredited and/or certified jewelry training program starting by the fall of 2026; and/or currently employed in the jewelry industry.

"Nina Pugliese's passion, creativity and eye for timeless beauty left her mark on Henne Jewelers and our community. Her warmth, kindness, and faith shone through in everything she did, and her generosity of spirit touched countless lives. Through her jewelry designs, Nina has left more than her mark, she has left a legacy. We are proud to present the Nina Pugliese Scholarship in partnership with Jewelers of America as a way for Nina's legacy to profoundly impact the jewelry industry," says Henne Jewelers President John Henne.

Nina held various roles over her career including buyer, designer, and salesperson. She was also dedicated to and supported industry education, craftsmanship, integrity, and the local community through charitable giving.

"Jewelers of America is honored to partner with Henne Jewelers for this meaningful Scholarship. Through this Nina Pugliese Memorial scholarship, Nina's spirit will continue to be a source of inspiration for the next generation of jewelry professions," says Jewelers of America President & CEO David Bonaparte.

On Thursday, May 14, Henne Jewelers hosted a special gathering to honor Nina, featuring an exhibition of her past and most recent jewelry designs. A portion of every sale from the Exclusively Nina collection will help fund the scholarship and support future jewelry professionals. The industry can also support the Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship by donating at https://www.mjsa.org/pugliese.

For more information and to download an application, visit https://www.jewelers.org/jewelry-careers/career-tools/scholarships or contact JA Member Services at (800) 223-0673.

Images are available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/usjmwxo3lw468gvnvv86e/AHP99CEOkYygoprhISJkOK0?rlkey=yxiyqfoycnzt8odwhp9egvvvj&st=rlzrmbrn&dl=0