Majors

The 2015 WJA Awards for Excellence nominees are …

MajorsJun 11, 2015

The 2015 WJA Awards for Excellence nominees are …

The list of nominees for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2015 Awards for Excellence are out, but the winners won’t be announced until next month.

New York--The list of nominees for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2015 Awards for Excellence are out, but the winners won’t be announced until next month.

Last year, the WJA kept the names of winners a secret until the night of its annual gala, and the organization is continuing that tradition this year. 

The WJA’s 2015 Awards for Excellence gala is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at Chelsea Piers in New York. The evening will include the traditional raffle held to raise money for the scholarships and grants the WJA awards to women in the jewelry industry. For more information or tickets, visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com.

As announced in January, at the gala the WJA also will honor J.C. Penney’s Pam Mortensen with its Lifetime Achievement Award and C. Clayton Bromberg of Underwood Jewelers with the Ben Kaiser Award, which goes to a man who has helped women advance in the jewelry industry. In addition, Gumuchian will receive the Corporate Award.

The nominees are: 

Category I – Design
Emily Armenta, Emily Armenta
Pamela Froman, Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry
Suzanne Kalandjian, Suzanne Kalan
Monica Rich Kosann, Monica Rich Kosann

Category II – Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier
Karishma Javeri, SDC Designs LLC
Sylvie Levine, Sylvie Collection
Zina Sherman, Zina Sterling
Laurie Watt, Mayer & Watt

Category IIIa – Retail, 15 doors or more
Lisa Bridge, Ben Bridge Jewelers
Eve Rogers, Graff

Category IIIb – Retail, fewer than 15 doors
Ellen Hertz, Max’s
Veronica Guarino, Louis Anthony Jewelers
Tara Silberberg, The Clay Pot
Melissa Quick, Steve Quick Jeweler

Category IIIc – Non-Traditional Retail
Alexis Clarbour, Portero
Amy Jain/Daniella Yacobovsky, BaubleBar
Beth Gerstein, Brilliant Earth
Deborah Nicodemus, Moda Operandi
Ruth Thuston, Circa

Category IV – Sales
Amy Levine, Gurhan
Tina Bruno, Stephen Webster
Jennifer Shanker, Muse Showroom

Category V – Marketing & Communications
Kirsten Darrow, Fred Meyer
Donna Jolly, American Gem Society
Rebecca Moskal, Communique LA
Colby Shergalis, Forevermark

Category VI – Editorial Media
Sarah Lisitski-Gerrish, Redbook magazine
Eileen McClelland, InStore magazine
Danielle Miele, Gem Gossip
Monica Stephenson, iDazzle

Category VII – Special Services
Donna Borrelli, JCK
Cindy Chandler, Smart Jewelry Show
Becka Johnson Kibby, The Edge Retail Academy
Heather Smith Nunez, Cartier

Category VIII – Watches
Audrey Bogdonoff, Gucci
Agnes Campanile, Swatch Group/ Omega
Jeanine Drtina, Cartier
Michelle Peranteau, Baume & Mercier

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy