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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
