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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
