MajorsNov 26, 2024
GIA’s Board of Governors Adds 2 New MembersMajorsDec 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 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 …
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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersAlisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We KnowBeginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’sAround 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers JewellersAssimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry SelectionsDesigns from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana SapphiresThe wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement RingsFasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
