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
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
SourcingMay 05, 2025
Crater of Diamonds Yields 4-Carat Brown Diamond“The Duke Diamond” is the largest diamond registered at the Arkansas park so far this year.
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
