New annual scholarship will honor Dr. Shah’s legacy and lifelong belief in education by supporting professional development within the gem and jewelry industry
September, 2026 — The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation (WJAF), in partnership with Real Gems, announces the creation of the Dr. Rajnikant Shah Real Gems Memorial Scholarship, a $7,500 annual scholarship established in memory of Dr. Rajnikant Shah to support education and professional development within the gem and jewelry sector.
Revealed on the first anniversary of Dr. Shah’s passing, the scholarship memorializes his commitment to education and to the gem and jewelry trade by providing financial support to individuals seeking to start or advance careers in the industry.
Real Gems has pledged $7,500 each year for an initial three-year period, totaling $22,500 dedicated to industry education. The inaugural award will be part of the WJA Foundation’s 2027 scholarship cycle.
“Education opens doors, builds confidence, and creates career-shaping opportunities,” said Nikia Levesque-Meyer, President of the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation. “We are honored that the Shah family entrusted the WJA Foundation to carry Dr. Shah’s legacy forward. This scholarship celebrates his passion for learning and the gem and jewelry trade while enabling future professionals to develop skills, deepen knowledge, and pursue lasting careers in an industry he loved.”
About Dr. Rajnikant Shah
Born in 1935 in Dhanera, India, Dr. Rajnikant Shah trained and practiced as a physician in London and New York before returning to Jaipur. There he played a vital role in founding Santokba Durlabhji Hospital, serving as its first Medical Superintendent and General Physician at the nursing home.
In 1975, Dr. Shah and his brother founded Real Gems, Inc. in New York. A pioneer in the rough emerald trade, he helped modernize Jaipur’s emerald industry and developed longstanding supplier relationships through frequent sourcing trips to Brazil. His business reputation was built on integrity, entrepreneurship, and service to the trade.
Dr. Shah’s contributions extended beyond gemstones. He co-founded the Indian Diamond Colorstone Association (IDCA) in 1986, supported construction of the Jain Center of America Temple in Queens, New York, funded the Pasibai Revchand Shah Memorial Outpatient Block at Durlabhji Hospital in memory of his mother, and donated a building to Subodh College for its MBA program in honor of his elder brother.
Throughout his life, Dr. Shah emphasized education for his family and community. After losing his father and elder brother at an early age, he ensured that his siblings and extended family received college educations. He also enjoyed stamp collecting and poetry, editing and publishing a series titled Humsafar dedicated to important people in his life. His family is preparing a posthumous book of his stamp collection focused on the gemstone and jewelry industry.
“My father wanted to leave a legacy that would help future generations learn about our industry and advance their careers,” said Shekhar Shah, Principal of Real Gems and son of Dr. Rajnikant Shah. “Education in our trade can be costly. Through this scholarship, our family hopes to help recipients access training, certifications, and courses so they can build successful careers. This scholarship honors his life of service, leadership, and generosity by supporting and empowering the next generation of professionals—especially women—in the industry.”
Investing in the Next Generation of Jewelry Professionals
The Dr. Rajnikant Shah Real Gems Memorial Scholarship will fund education, training, and professional development within the gem and jewelry industry.
Eligible uses include qualifying courses, certifications, workshops, intensives, and professional training in areas such as gemology, gemstone cutting and faceting, lapidary arts, jewelry design, bench skills, stone setting, CAD/CAM, appraisal, and other industry-related disciplines.
Applicants pursuing education in gemstone cutting, faceting, lapidary arts, and related technical skills are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting Dr. Shah’s particular passion for stone cutting and gemstones. Scholarship funds are designated strictly for educational expenses and may not be used to purchase tools, gemstones, equipment, inventory, or other non-educational items.
About the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation
The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation (WJAF) is the philanthropic arm of the Women’s Jewelry Association. The Foundation invests in the future of the jewelry and watch industries by providing scholarships and grants that support education, professional development, entrepreneurship, and career advancement. To date, the WJA Foundation has awarded more than $700,000 in grants and scholarships, creating opportunities for aspiring industry leaders.
About Real Gems
Founded in 1975, Real Gems specializes in the wholesale import, export, cutting, manufacturing, and distribution of emeralds. For more than 50 years, the company has focused exclusively on emeralds and is recognized for a wide assortment of inventory, including calibrated sizes. Real Gems serves global clients—from large jewelry manufacturers and gemstone wholesalers to independent designers and retailers—and operates as a vertically integrated business with direct relationships to mining sources, manufacturing partners in India, and a New York City headquarters for distribution.