MajorsJan 30, 2024
6 Retailers Chosen for New JA, BIJC Business Program MajorsFeb 12, 2024
WJA Launches First Canadian Chapter
The association also announced WJA Toronto’s board of directors.
WJA has launched WJA Toronto, its first chapter outside of the U.S.
New York— The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has announced its first Canadian chapter, WJA Toronto, as well the chapter’s 2024 board of directors.
Last September, WJA hosted its first Toronto event at the Arcadia Studio, in partnership with the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA). Of the 75 in attendance, many expressed interest in chapter leadership positions, WJA said.
The association has since conducted interviews with potential candidates, selecting Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds as WJA Toronto’s inaugural presidents.
“I’m delighted to welcome our newest WJA Toronto chapter. Our co-presidents, Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds, are building a board to bring the WJA mission to the Canadian jewelry industry,” said WJA President Susan Chandler.
“We are grateful for the Canadian Jewellers Association who shared our vision and helped us last fall kick off our latest international initiative. I look forward to all that the Canadian chapter will accomplish in the next many years.”
Related stories will be right here …
Last September, WJA hosted its first Toronto event at the Arcadia Studio, in partnership with the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA). Of the 75 in attendance, many expressed interest in chapter leadership positions, WJA said.
The association has since conducted interviews with potential candidates, selecting Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds as WJA Toronto’s inaugural presidents.
“I’m delighted to welcome our newest WJA Toronto chapter. Our co-presidents, Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds, are building a board to bring the WJA mission to the Canadian jewelry industry,” said WJA President Susan Chandler.
“We are grateful for the Canadian Jewellers Association who shared our vision and helped us last fall kick off our latest international initiative. I look forward to all that the Canadian chapter will accomplish in the next many years.”
Campbell has been a WJA member since 2021 and served as a board member of the New York Metro chapter in 2022 and 2023. She owns AC Appraisals, which provides independent jewelry appraisal services in the region of Ottawa, Ontario, as well as membership coordinator for CJA.
She started in the jewelry industry in 2013 as a sales representative for a local fine jewelry store and in 2016, earned her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA. Campbell earned her Registered Master Valuer designation in 2018.
She is delighted to support WJA’s entry into Canada with Dodds, the association said.
Dodds is a Toronto-based jeweler and is a partner in metal casting company Triocast, which she joined as casting assistant in 2021, the year it launched. She later rose to lead and principal caster and eventually to her current role with the company.
In her role, she has propelled Triocast into over a million dollars in sales, the association said, as well as prepared curriculum and taught casting intensives, most recently in Edmonton, Alberta.
She graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2015 with her BFA in jewelry design and metalsmithing, followed by several artist residency programs, including one with the Harbourfront Centre in 2017.
Dodds has also received grants from the Arts Nova Scotia and the Ontario Arts Council and participated in exhibitions nationally and internationally.
Co-presidents Campbell and Dodd are joined by fellow 2024 WJA Toronto Board Members:
Communications Co-Vice President, Sydney Abrams of Fair Trade Jewellery Co;
Membership Co-Vice President, Gada Alejlo of Williams Distinctive Gems;
Treasurer, Anita Bhandari of Aarkish Diamonds;
Communications Co-Vice President, Sanaz Doost of Sanaz Doost Fine Jewelry;
Programming Vice President, Ari Fudim of York International Gems Ltd; and
Membership Co-Vice President, Ashley McFarlane of Omi Woods.
“We are overwhelmed by the positive response following the WJA Toronto launch event that took place in September 2023. We have the support of a diverse and extremely talented board. We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of these and other volunteers to assist in bringing WJA Toronto to life,” said Campbell.
Dodds added, “2024 will be focused on establishing a solid foundation for WJA Toronto. We look forward to hosting a selection of WJA’s signature events as well as growing our membership.”
More on Majors
The Latest
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.
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
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.
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.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
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.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
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.
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.
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.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2025
Instore Show Debuts New Name, Look, and FocusNow called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
