GIA Announces Winners of Beyonc?(C) Scholarship

RAPAPORT... Beyonc?(C) Knowles-Carter has chosen the Black industry professionals who will win a scholarship for a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).The performer selected Audriana Osborne and Shelton Bradford to receive The Beyonc?(C) Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship, the GIA said Tuesday. In their applications, the winners wrote about their life experience and the origin of their passion for gems and jewelry, and revealed what they would do with the opportunity to increase Black representation in the industry.Osborne, an Alabama native, aspires to intersect creative expression and legal advocacy into a career that ensures that marginalized groups and their creativity are protected and cultivated. Meanwhile, Bradford, who hails from California, intends to open his own business and pass his legacy and love of gemstones down to his children, the GIA noted.In February, jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz gifted the funds for the first scholarship to Beyonc?(C) for her birthday, with the GIA matching the amount for a second scholarship."It's an honor to be part of this life-changing moment for these two young professionals; even more so because it's in Beyonc?(C)'s name, who has been my friend, muse, and the canvas for which I show my jewelry on for the last 20 years," said Schwartz. "Her work for the Black community is without limit and her efforts have inspired me and made me extremely proud to be her friend and partner on this initiative."Beyonc?(C) also chose a winner for a third scholarship she will fund herself. The recipient, Kulla Jatani from Seattle, Washington, uses jewelry as a creative outlet and a way to connect with her African heritage. She plans to develop her technical skills to help serve others in her community."I was impressed with their passion and the knowledge of gems that so many applicants displayed," said Beyonc?(C). "I am praying that this is just the beginning of opening more doors to diversity and raw inspiration in the jewelry industry."Images: Audriana Osborne, Shelton Bradford and Kulla Jatani. (Gemological Institute of America)