Events & AwardsJan 06, 2022
92Y Is Resuming Its Jewelry Artist ResidencyEvents & AwardsJan 13, 2022
Meet the Winner of the 2021 Wag Award
The Edge Retail Academy gives the annual honor to a store that demonstrates business excellence.
Dana Friedman, owner of Petite G Jewelers, is the recipient of the fourth annual Wag Award.
New York—Jewelry business consultancy Edge Retail Academy has named the recipient of its annual award for independent retailers.
Petite G Jewelers has been awarded the 2021 William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award.
Owned by Dana Friedman, Petite G Jewelers has served Indianapolis for more than 20 years, becoming the area’s premiere boutique jewelry store.
It specializes in curated estate jewels, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, and bridal jewelry.
ERA President David Brown said, “Dana diligently embraced strategies and recommendations from her Edge Retail Academy Business Advisor that allowed her to increase sales by 31 percent, raise gross profit by 40 percent and even increase her gross margin by 3.3 percent.”
ERA Business Advisor Charleen Pfaff explained, “Petite G focused on inventory management; the store achieved its optimum inventory level, including reducing aged inventory by $120,000.”
Friedman said ERA helped Petite G Jewelers achieve its goals through “sharpening our inventory mix” and “creative store events.”
She said, “Charleen provided us with sales team development and training, which led to an engaged team, and helped grow our revenue significantly.”
Now in its fourth year, ERA gives the Wag Award to a business that has achieved exceptional growth in the past year.
It is named in honor of a former ERA Business Advisor, William (Wag) Wagner, who died in 2018.
Brown said, “The Award has two goals: (1) to acknowledge business excellence from independent retailers and (2) to honor the memory of long serving ERA Business Advisor William (Wag) Wagner, whose service, loyalty and advice went well beyond the expectations of our clients, his work colleagues and our company.”
Petite G Jewelers received a check for $1,000.
Last year’s Wag Award recipient was Falls Jewelers in Concord, North Carolina.
Related stories will be right here …
Petite G Jewelers has been awarded the 2021 William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award.
Owned by Dana Friedman, Petite G Jewelers has served Indianapolis for more than 20 years, becoming the area’s premiere boutique jewelry store.
It specializes in curated estate jewels, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, and bridal jewelry.
ERA President David Brown said, “Dana diligently embraced strategies and recommendations from her Edge Retail Academy Business Advisor that allowed her to increase sales by 31 percent, raise gross profit by 40 percent and even increase her gross margin by 3.3 percent.”
ERA Business Advisor Charleen Pfaff explained, “Petite G focused on inventory management; the store achieved its optimum inventory level, including reducing aged inventory by $120,000.”
Friedman said ERA helped Petite G Jewelers achieve its goals through “sharpening our inventory mix” and “creative store events.”
She said, “Charleen provided us with sales team development and training, which led to an engaged team, and helped grow our revenue significantly.”
Now in its fourth year, ERA gives the Wag Award to a business that has achieved exceptional growth in the past year.
It is named in honor of a former ERA Business Advisor, William (Wag) Wagner, who died in 2018.
Brown said, “The Award has two goals: (1) to acknowledge business excellence from independent retailers and (2) to honor the memory of long serving ERA Business Advisor William (Wag) Wagner, whose service, loyalty and advice went well beyond the expectations of our clients, his work colleagues and our company.”
Petite G Jewelers received a check for $1,000.
Last year’s Wag Award recipient was Falls Jewelers in Concord, North Carolina.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
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.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
