Events & AwardsOct 04, 2023
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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.
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