Events & AwardsOct 04, 2023
BIJC to Honor Simone I. Smith at Upcoming ‘Rock the Jewels’Events & AwardsOct 24, 2023
WJA to Mark 40th Anniversary at Ruby Gala
The event will be held in New York City on Nov. 2, complete with a red carpet entrance and several entertainment acts.
The Women’s Jewelry Association will host a gala next month in New York City to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) is marking its 40th anniversary in style.
The organization will host the Ruby Gala in New York City on Nov. 2 at The Pool in the historic Seagram Building.
The elegant event space is an interior landmark, recently restored in 2016, and has hosted a number of fashion, film, and nonprofit events, said WJA.
The evening will begin with a red carpet entrance for guests, with photographer Patrick McMullan of Getty Images snapping pictures.
Greeters in bejeweled gowns by Astarte Creative will welcome guests to the cocktail reception, which will feature various immersive entertainment experiences.
Performers will include harpist Lexie Lowell and musicians Drumadics from Élan Artists and aerialists from Astarte Creative.
John Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green, will serve as the night’s emcee.
There will be passed hors d’oeuvres and gourmet dinner stations from Major Food Group, the hospitality company behind restaurants like Carbone and Lobster Club.
Cocktails, spirits, champagne, and wine will also be available throughout the evening.
“This year marks a significant milestone for the Women’s Jewelry Association. We have impacted women’s lives for forty years,” said Susan Chandler, WJA president and Citizen Watch America chief merchandising officer.
“[On] Nov. 2, we will celebrate with the industry and so many of the women who helped pave the way for our past, current, and future successes.”
At the event, the organization will recognize founding members, international board and chapter past presidents, as well as scholarship recipients, for their contributions to WJA.
The highlight of the night, said WJA, will be an auction led by auctioneer, gemologist, and jewelry specialist, Caroline Ervin.
The headlining lot, provided by Inspirato for Good, is a luxury five-star corporate retreat package to a destination such as Costa Rica; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Kiawah Island, South Carolina; and Rosemary Beach, Florida. It also includes a six-month Inspirato Travel membership.
After the auction, there will be a dance act with a custom jewel-themed montage created just for the evening. Following that, musician Lorenzo Laroc will play his five-string plexiglass electronic violin for attendees.
The gala is aimed at raising funds to support WJA’s mission, which is to help women in the industry to advance and develop professionally through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services.
Chandler highlighted the organization’s commitment to “engagement, inclusion, and community.”
“Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, and Gen-Z research seminar, are great examples of how we will continue to deliver important conversations for our membership and supporters throughout the jewelry and watch industry,” she said.
A portion of the proceeds from each gala ticket and sponsorship will go to the WJA Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm that distributes grants and scholarships.
“The WJA Foundation’s mission is to build relationships and maximize opportunities for financial support and professional development across all facets of our industry for women whether they are beginning, advancing, or enriching their careers,” said Gabrielle Grazi, president of the WJA Foundation and Natural Diamond Council vice president, head of retail strategy and partnerships.
The dress code for the night is black tie optional. Guests are encouraged to wear the color red in honor of the anniversary color and theme.
Tickets are limited and available for purchase online.
For sponsorship opportunities and further information, contact info@womensjewelryassociation.com.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
