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
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
