Jewelers Mutual/ SCAD Bench Jewelers Program
Be a part of building the next generation of bench jewelers.
Our industry. Our responsibility.
The jewelry industry is built on craftsmanship, trust, and skilled hands. Yet today, one of our most critical roles—the bench jeweler—is facing a growing talent shortage that threatens the future of our trade.
That’s why Jewelers Mutual® has entered into a transformative, multiyear alliance with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—a $10 million, 10-year impact investment to strengthen bench jeweler education and help close a critical talent gap facing the industry.
This historic commitment—the largest investment in SCAD’s jewelry program to date—supports scholarships, enhanced curriculum, modern equipment, and industry aligned training designed to prepare commercial ready bench jewelers for today’s workforce.
But we can’t do it alone.
The future of the bench depends on industry participation—from hiring and mentoring to apprenticeships, internships, and shared expertise.
Thousands of bench jewelers are needed each year to meet industry demand
Retirements are outpacing new talent, widening the skills gap
Students need real-world experience beyond classroom learning
The strongest talent pipelines are built through industry engagement
B.E.E. the change
An industry-wide call to invest in people, craft, and careers
Through the Bench Education Endowment (B.E.E.), Jewelers Mutual and SCAD are building a sustainable, long-term solution to one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The B.E.E. endowment:
- Expands access to scholarships for students pursuing bench careers
- Enhances curriculum and programming aligned with modern commercial practices
- Invests in advanced tools and equipment that mirror real-world environments
- Strengthens career pathways through internships, apprenticeships, mentorship, and hiring
By investing together, we’re not just supporting students—we’re protecting the future of craftsmanship, service, and excellence across the jewelry industry.
You can be part of the solution
Industry members can engage in meaningful, high impact ways:
- Donate to the Bench Education Endowment (B.E.E.)
- Mentor students by sharing expertise, techniques, and career guidance
- Collaborate with educators to keep training aligned with commercial realities
- Offer internships or apprenticeships to build real-world skills
- Hire emerging bench jewelers into fulltime roles
Every contribution—whether time, opportunity, or funding—strengthens the talent pipeline and helps ensure our industry continues to thrive.
Commemorative B.E.E. pin
Visionary, Leader, and Champion donors receive a commemorative B.E.E. pin designed and meticulously crafted by SCAD jewelry students and alumni, representing a meaningful collaboration between emerging talent, education, and the jewelry industry. Created using traditional metalsmithing techniques, the pin reflects the hands on excellence and technical mastery that define bench jewelry at its best.
At its center, the bee serves as a powerful and intentional symbol. As SCAD’s enduring mascot—and a direct reference to the Bench Education Endowment (B.E.E.)—it embodies diligence, community, and the collective effort required to sustain and advance the future of the jewelry industry.
Crafted in sterling silver and finished with gold plating, the pin balances refinement with durability, honoring both tradition and innovation.
Worn as a symbol of affiliation, the pin signifies a shared commitment to education, craftsmanship, and the continued evolution of the jewelry industry through the Bench Education Endowment.
Elle Jerge (B.F.A., Jewelry Senior)
Elle Jerge is a senior at SCAD, pursuing a BFA in Jewelry. Her work centers on storytelling, creating bold, visually striking pieces inspired by cinematic narratives, transformation, and high-stakes environments, often incorporating hidden mechanisms and interactive elements.
She has gained experience with David Yurman, LoveShackFancy, and Movado Group, contributing to design, product development, and brand storytelling. Her senior collection reimagines a Monaco jewelry heist, translating themes of risk and glamour into innovative pieces. Elle plans to launch her own jewelry brand focused on originality, craftsmanship, and a strong visual identity.
Jiaqi Chen (B.F.A., JEWL Senior)
Jiaqi Chen is a jeweler and designer currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Jewelry at SCAD. From 2020 to 2022, he worked in Shenzhen’s Shuibei jewelry district, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing and supply chain processes, including stone setting, surface finishing, and translating design into production.
At SCAD, he has further developed his skills across design, CAD, and bench practices, strengthening his understanding of structure and craftsmanship. His work explores the relationship between concept and execution, focusing on how material, process, and cost inform outcomes, with an emphasis on bridging design and manufacturing efficiently.
Naman Choudhary (B.F.A., Jewelry 2024)
Naman Choudhary studied jewelry design at SCAD where he built a strong foundation in creative design and technical craftsmanship. He is now the CEO of NC Jewels Co., Ltd., a Bangkok-based jewelry manufacturer specializing in custom fine jewelry, gemstone sourcing, and production development.
His work bridges design and manufacturing, focusing on translating concepts into high-quality finished pieces. With experience across sourcing, development, and production, he brings a comprehensive understanding of the jewelry pipeline. He is committed to delivering precision, reliability, and craftsmanship while supporting clients in realizing designs that balance creativity, practicality, and market relevance.
We recently joined SCAD to celebrate the dedication and official renaming of their jewelry building as Jewelers Mutual® Studio.
The newly named Jewelers Mutual Studio provides students with access to advanced tools, technology and learning environments that combine traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation. The reimagined space includes a welcoming lobby, gallery space, Gem Resource Room and high-quality lab facilities designed to prepare students for the evolving needs of the global jewelry industry.
Read the full press release here.