Events & AwardsJul 08, 2021
The Industry’s About 50/50 on Vegas This Year, Survey ShowsEvents & AwardsAug 05, 2021
WJA’s Awards for Excellence Will Be In Person Again This Fall
The Oct. 20 event in New York City will have the theme of “Building Resilience with Responsible Business.”
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association’s Awards for Excellence will join the industry events returning to in-person formats in 2021.
Slated for Oct. 20, the event will be held at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City under the theme “Building Resilience with Responsible Business.”
The fundraising event will bring together 250 people in person as well as hundreds more virtually for networking in celebration of the Visionary Award winners: Borsheims CEO Karen Goracke and Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week and former executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
It will include an extended cocktail hour, a theater-style program, and an afterparty to mingle with industry leaders and colleagues.
The virtual presentation will also include a keynote from Tensie Whelan, the former president of Rainforest Alliance and the current director of New York University’s Center for Sustainable Business.
Related stories will be right here …
Slated for Oct. 20, the event will be held at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City under the theme “Building Resilience with Responsible Business.”
The fundraising event will bring together 250 people in person as well as hundreds more virtually for networking in celebration of the Visionary Award winners: Borsheims CEO Karen Goracke and Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week and former executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
It will include an extended cocktail hour, a theater-style program, and an afterparty to mingle with industry leaders and colleagues.
The virtual presentation will also include a keynote from Tensie Whelan, the former president of Rainforest Alliance and the current director of New York University’s Center for Sustainable Business.
During the event, WJA will also talk about the importance of operating a responsible business model and showcase industry partners doing just that.
The Awards for Excellence event is designed to support WJA’s programming, including the recent launch of WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund, the Conversations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, and the Masterclass leadership development series.
Individual tickets for the in-person and virtual event will be available starting at the end of August.
WJA also invites companies and organizations that support responsible business practices to sponsor the Awards for Excellence.
For more information, visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com.
Meanwhile, donations to the WJA Foundation can be made directly online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
