Majors

Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

MajorsDec 09, 2024

Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
Grant Mobley of Natural Diamond Council (left) and Thomas Davis, director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., have joined the board of the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation announced that two industry professionals have joined its board.

Grant Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council, and Thomas Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., a jewelry manufacturer and distributor.

Both bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences aligned with the foundation’s mission of empowering women and fostering innovation in the jewelry and watch industries, the organization said.

Mobley brings 17 years of industry experience to the role.

He got his start in his family’s retail jewelry stores and went on to work in jewelry sourcing and manufacturing in China and Thailand.

He later led sales for international diamond and jewelry company Pluczenik before joining the Natural Diamond Council, where he focuses on diamond-centric content.

Mobley is also a GIA graduate whose expertise has appeared in The New York Times, Brides, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, as well as on television programs such as Fox, NBC, CBS, and others.

He has also conducted red-carpet coverage for the SAG Awards and the Oscars, and he shares his experiences, knowledge, and inspiration on his Instagram account, which has more than 150,000 followers.

“I am incredibly honored to join the board of the WJA Foundation, an organization that has given so much to our industry. The foundation’s work in supporting and empowering careers is truly inspiring, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth and impact,” Mobley said.

“I look forward to working with the team to further its mission and make a lasting difference in the lives of so many in our industry.”

Last month, Mobley was honored with the organization’s WJA Innovator Award, which he received at WJA’s annual gala and foundation fundraiser.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Davis brings expertise in corporate management, specialty retail, manufacturing, merchandising, sales, and celebrity branding.

He also joined the board of directors for the Black in Jewelry Coalition last year.

“I am truly honored to join the board of trustees for the WJA Foundation. I am deeply inspired by the foundation’s mission and vision to support the advancement and professional development of those in the jewelry and watch industries through education and leadership opportunities,” Davis said.

“It is a privilege to contribute my experience and expertise to further enhance WJA Foundation’s presence and impact, building upon the incredible legacy of those who came before us. Together, we will continue to enrich and advance the professional lives of those in our industry.”

Davis balances his professional endeavors with personal passions, including cycling and cheering on his alma mater, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

Nikia Levesque-Meyer, president of the WJA Foundation, is excited about the new additions to the board.

“Both Grant and Thomas bring unique perspectives and remarkable expertise that will undoubtedly enhance our ability to drive meaningful impact,” she said.

“Thomas’ dedication to inclusivity and innovation, combined with Grant’s passion for storytelling and championing the positive impact of natural diamonds, reflect the values at the core of WJA Foundation’s mission. I look forward to the fresh ideas and invaluable contributions they will bring as we continue to empower and support women in the jewelry industry.”

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 recently awarded scholarship established earlier this year in honor of the late Hedda Schupak and the Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship, created in 2023.

To learn more about WJA Foundation, email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.

The Latest

Diamond engagement rings by designer Lorraine West
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and Why

We asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.

New Forevermark store in India
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s Future

Experts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.

Brilliant Earth Beverly Hills showroom
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills Store

Beth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

My Next Question podcast with Marion Fasel and Natalie Francisco
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report Says

The Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.

Rahaminov Diamonds Matriarch Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its Matriarch

The campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Borsheims Rachel Bennett
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award Winner

Rachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already Imposed

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

Sherry Smith, National Jeweler columnist and principal partner at The Retail Smiths
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail Smiths

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

Yafa Signed Jewels Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace and Earrings
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in Miami

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

Jin Lee Chrono24
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General Manager

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.

Eddie Sakamoto
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72

Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

NYCJAOS spring show 2026
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring Show

The April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.

Dua Lipa Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New Ambassador

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

US Supreme Court building
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s Tariffs

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry Sales

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

Boucheron Faisceaux Brooch
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A Museum

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.

Ann Weaver Bailey, also known as “Mama Ann”
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Material Good Boston Location Interior Rendering
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Original Miami Beach Antique Show sign
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in March

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Joanna Carson jewelry auction
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to Auction

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Community for Ethical Jewelry Logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive Director

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

DCA colored gemstone course on laptop
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO Event

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Cece Jewellery Traveller’s Tale Ring
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the Horse

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.

Anza gems
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in Tucson

Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy