Press Release

GIA and AGS Establish Scholarship in Honor of Beatrice Shipley

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 23

CARLSBAD, Calif. – July 30, 2019 – In recognition of the important contributions of Beatrice Shipley to both GIA and AGS (American Gem Society), the sister organizations have created a scholarship in her honor. The Beatrice Shipley Scholarship provides the tuition for one AGS member to undertake the GIA Graduate Gemologist program on-campus, funded by a grant from the GIA Endowment Fund, and the AGS Way Course.
 
“We are delighted that our two organizations, with our shared missions of protecting consumers and ensuring their trust in gems and jewelry, continue to work closely together to provide education for the next generation of jewelry professionals,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “Neither AGS nor GIA would exist today if it were not for Beatrice Shipley’s contribution to our founding and success.”
 
Beatrice Shipley, the wife of Robert Shipley, who founded both GIA and AGS, was an excellent businesswoman at a time when there were few women in business. The former church administrator, school dean and art gallery owner provided the emotional, financial and managerial support to fulfill the vision she and Robert Shipley shared for the two organizations. Learn more about her many contributions at https://www.gia.edu/gia-news-research-three-women-of-gia.
 
AGS will administer the application process and award the scholarship. Eligible recipients must be AGS members and meet certain requirements. AGS members interested in the awards may contact AGS at (702) 255-6500 ext. 1020; email AGSeducation@ags.org.
 
“Being able to honor Beatrice Shipley, and the representation of the relationship between the AGS and GIA in working together to complement one another, is significant and meaningful for us,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories.
 
Both GIA and AGS were founded in the 1930s when Robert M. Shipley and Beatrice Shipley cashed in their savings to create two organizations with the goal of educating jewelers and professionalizing the industry and creating a guild for these jewelers to join.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), 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.