Events & AwardsOct 22, 2024
WJA Foundation Names First Winner of Hedda Schupak Scholarship Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala
The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
The Awards for Excellence presentation at WJA’s upcoming “Future of Forty” gala will recognize, pictured left to right, Annie E. Doresca with the Community Award, Grant Mobley with the WJA Innovator Award, Alexis Padis with the Legacy Award, and Terry Chandler with the Kaiser Award.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association has slated its annual gala for Nov. 13 at Guastavino’s in New York City.
Dubbed “The Future of Forty,” this year’s gala will honor the accomplishments of the past while paving the way for future thought leadership, and raise money for the WJA Foundation, said the organization.
“Our vision has always been to provide women with the tools, education, and networks they need to succeed, while also developing a community that uplifts and supports each other,” said Susan Chandler, president of WJA and chief merchandising officer of Citizen Watch America.
“The ‘Future of Forty’ gala allows us to honor the legacy of our founders, while continuing to drive our mission forward with vigor, passion, and creativity.”
The highlight of the event is the Awards for Excellence presentation.
This year, the awards will recognize four visionary leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future of the trade by driving change, nurturing originality, and sharing resources with the industry, said WJA.
The recipient of the Community Award is Annie E. Doresca, chief financial officer of Jewelers of America and founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
Doresca is being honored for her outstanding dedication to fostering positive change and inclusivity within the jewelry industry and her local community.
WJA said she embodies a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation, with extensive leadership in nonprofit financial strategy and governance underscoring her deep-rooted dedication to ethical and sustainable practices across all of her professional and personal endeavors.
The recipient of the Legacy Award is Alexis Padis, president of Padis Jewelry.
The Legacy Award honors businesses that have spanned multiple generations and made an enduring contribution to the trade.
Padis Jewelry was founded by Alexis’ father, Steve Padis, in 1974.
Since 2019, Alexis has navigated the family business through challenging times by embracing innovation and an omnichannel approach that has set new benchmarks for the industry, said WJA.
She is president of the American Gem Society’s board, won the organization’s Young Titleholder of the Year Award in 2021, and was a member of the inaugural class of Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40.”
The recipient of the WJA Innovator Award is Grant Mobley, jewelry and watch editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
Mobley is being recognized for having a transformative impact on the jewelry industry through creativity and visionary leadership by using his platform and writing skills to elevate natural diamonds, said WJA.
The Kaiser Award is being presented to Terry Chandler, best known for his leadership as president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America.
This award honors a person in the industry who exemplifies qualities of the late Ben Kaiser—wit, wisdom, ethics, leadership, and unwavering support for the trade.
During his 44-year career in jewelry, WJA said Chandler’s influence has extended beyond education, as a champion of ethical standards and a guiding figure in shaping the future of the industry through mentorship and advocacy.
Related stories will be right here …
Dubbed “The Future of Forty,” this year’s gala will honor the accomplishments of the past while paving the way for future thought leadership, and raise money for the WJA Foundation, said the organization.
“Our vision has always been to provide women with the tools, education, and networks they need to succeed, while also developing a community that uplifts and supports each other,” said Susan Chandler, president of WJA and chief merchandising officer of Citizen Watch America.
“The ‘Future of Forty’ gala allows us to honor the legacy of our founders, while continuing to drive our mission forward with vigor, passion, and creativity.”
The highlight of the event is the Awards for Excellence presentation.
This year, the awards will recognize four visionary leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future of the trade by driving change, nurturing originality, and sharing resources with the industry, said WJA.
The recipient of the Community Award is Annie E. Doresca, chief financial officer of Jewelers of America and founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
Doresca is being honored for her outstanding dedication to fostering positive change and inclusivity within the jewelry industry and her local community.
WJA said she embodies a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation, with extensive leadership in nonprofit financial strategy and governance underscoring her deep-rooted dedication to ethical and sustainable practices across all of her professional and personal endeavors.
The recipient of the Legacy Award is Alexis Padis, president of Padis Jewelry.
The Legacy Award honors businesses that have spanned multiple generations and made an enduring contribution to the trade.
Padis Jewelry was founded by Alexis’ father, Steve Padis, in 1974.
Since 2019, Alexis has navigated the family business through challenging times by embracing innovation and an omnichannel approach that has set new benchmarks for the industry, said WJA.
She is president of the American Gem Society’s board, won the organization’s Young Titleholder of the Year Award in 2021, and was a member of the inaugural class of Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40.”
The recipient of the WJA Innovator Award is Grant Mobley, jewelry and watch editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
Mobley is being recognized for having a transformative impact on the jewelry industry through creativity and visionary leadership by using his platform and writing skills to elevate natural diamonds, said WJA.
The Kaiser Award is being presented to Terry Chandler, best known for his leadership as president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America.
This award honors a person in the industry who exemplifies qualities of the late Ben Kaiser—wit, wisdom, ethics, leadership, and unwavering support for the trade.
During his 44-year career in jewelry, WJA said Chandler’s influence has extended beyond education, as a champion of ethical standards and a guiding figure in shaping the future of the industry through mentorship and advocacy.
The “Future of Forty” gala will begin with a VIP welcome and then a red-carpet entry at 7:15 p.m., during which cocktails and canapés will be served.
A buffet-style dinner will follow.
The program will open with remarks from WJA President Chandler and music by DJ Renata.
The Awards for Excellence presentation will follow. Dessert and more music will end the gala.
During the gala, WJA will be selling “mystery boxes” for $100 each, with the proceeds going to the WJA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of WJA that provides scholarship and grant funds for women.
The boxes will contain prizes such as $1,500 Foundrae gift card; watches from Citizen, Bulova, Frederique Constant, or Alpina; a premium cleaning kit from The Kingswood Company; and more.
Tickets for the gala are $395 for WJA members and $495 for non-members.
They are limited and available on the “Future of Forty” gala website.
For more information on the gala and sponsorship opportunities, email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
