Jewelers Mutual invests 10 million dollars in SCAD Bench Jeweler Education program

Jewelers Mutual Group has announced a $10 million, 10-year investment in bench jeweler education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), marking the largest financial contribution to the university’s jewelry program to date.

The alliance aims to address a growing talent shortage in the jewelry industry, where retirements are outpacing new entrants and an estimated 4,000 bench jewelers are needed annually to maintain capacity.

Bench jewelers are skilled professionals responsible for fabricating, repairing and restoring fine jewelry.

The funding will support the Bench Education Endowment (B.E.E.) scholarship fund, expanded academic programming, upgraded jewelry-making technology and equipment, and a naming gift to SCAD’s jewelry building.

Strengthening commercially ready graduates

The initiative is designed to strengthen the pipeline of commercially ready graduates and improve connections between students and retailers, manufacturers and designers.

SCAD’s jewelry design program, part of its School of Fashion, is described as the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in North America, blending traditional bench craftsmanship with digital design training.

University leaders said the partnership will support plans to expand enrollment and enhance industry collaboration over the next decade.

Jewelers Mutual said the investment aligns with its broader workforce development strategy through its Impact Fund, which supports education and innovation across the jewelry sector.