Chuck Duke Lapidary & Jewelry Skills Development Scholarship

Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore

The Chuck Duke Lapidary Skills Development Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship supporting new and emerging craftspeople in lapidary arts, gem cutting, metalsmithing, jewelry design, and geology. It honors the late Charles “Chuck” Duke, whose passion for rockhounding, geology, and creative expression inspired many in our community. No prior experience is necessary, and applicants for whom financial assistance makes participation possible are especially encouraged to apply.

Award

●     One year of Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore membership

●     Full tuition and materials for two instructor-led classes (e.g. Lapidary 1.0 and Intro to Soldering)

●     Open shop access for the duration of the award period

Eligibility

●     A genuine interest in lapidary arts, metalsmithing, geology, or jewelry design

●     Open to all experience levels — no prior training required

●     Persons for whom financial assistance makes participation possible are especially encouraged to apply

How to Apply

Complete the form below and submit it along with:

●     A short letter of interest (max 1 page) — see prompt below

●     5–10 images of your work or sketches (optional, but encouraged)

●     A brief note of reference from an instructor, mentor, or artist (optional)

Email your completed application and materials to scholarship@gemcuttersguild.com with the subject line “Chuck Duke Scholarship Application – [Your Name].”

Deadline

This is a rolling application process and will continue until the full amount of the scholarship fund is depleted.

Application Form

Contact Information

Full Name: _____________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________________

Your Experience

Are you a current member of the Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore?  ☐ Yes   ☐ No

Have you taken any classes at the Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore?  ☐ Yes   ☐ No

If yes, which class(es): _____________________________________________

Letter of Interest (attach separately, max 1 page)

In your letter, please address:

●     Your interest in lapidary arts, metalsmithing, geology, or jewelry design — and, if you have prior experience, your journey so far

●     Why this scholarship matters to your growth and why you need financial assistance

Optional Materials

●     Portfolio: 5–10 images of your work or sketches

●     Letter of reference (1–2 paragraphs)