Kathy Hillelson Joins Board of WJA Foundation
Hillelson is a second-generation diamantaire and CEO of Owl Financial Group.

Kathy Hillelson is the CEO of Owl Financial Group, a provider of asset-back financing to the diamond trade.
She is also a second-generation diamantaire who manages the global buying and selling of diamonds and jewelry for her family’s business, Blue River Gems Inc.
Hillelson is an active member of the World Diamond Council and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Her contributions to advancing industry standards and practices are widely recognized, WJA said.
Outside of work, she is an avid traveler and is committed to supporting charitable causes, particularly those that benefit children.
“Kathy’s lifelong connection to the diamond industry and her deep-rooted passion for fine jewelry bring a fresh and inspiring energy to our team,” WJA Foundation President Nikia Levesque-Meyer said.
“Growing up in a world where diamonds and jewelry were a part of everyday life, she has developed a dynamic blend of expertise and intuition that will greatly benefit our mission of empowering women throughout the industry. I am excited to welcome Kathy to the board and look forward to the remarkable contributions she will undoubtedly make.”
The WJA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that offers a variety of scholarships and grants to professionals in the jewelry and watch industries.
These include the scholarship established earlier this year in honor of the late Hedda Schupak and the Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship, created in 2023.
The Latest

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.


From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.

The lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.

Chandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.






















