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
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
