MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionMajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter President
The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced its 2025 board of directors and two new regional chapter presidents in the wake of a rocky start to the year.
By the end of January, the leaders of four of the 20-plus regional chapters of the Women’s Jewelry Association, along with numerous national board members, had stepped down following weeks of controversy surrounding remarks made by WJA National Board President Gabrielle Grazi regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during the organization’s national annual membership meeting in December 2024.
On March 25, WJA sent an email listing its board of directors for 2025 as it stands now.
Nicole Fein, senior vice president of marketing at Kwiat and Fred Leighton, is the communications chair; Robyn Fields, vice president of sales at Goldstar Jewellery, is the secretary and membership chair; and Laurie T. Watt, an owner of Mayer & Watt, is the vice president of chapter affairs.
Jacqueline Cassaway, CEO of Diamond Wealth Ventures, returns as the organization’s past president. Cassaway was president of WJA from January 2020 through December 2021.
The email also announced the board members who are continuing their service in 2025.
Robert Goldberg, a global licensing executive, is WJA’s VP of Governance & Development; Melissa Rodgers of M. Schamroth & Sons is chair of Mentoring & Education; Donna DeLucia of National Chain is chair of Inclusion & Belonging; Tanya Parikh, owner of Janvier Diamond Concierge, and Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, director and gemologist at Mina Stones.
Three days later, on March 28, Parikh and Okpukpara sent an email to the national board, which was later forwarded to National Jeweler, announcing their resignations.
They wrote: “We [resign] because we can no longer align ourselves with the repeated and documented pattern and practice of the National leadership to take actions often in our names without proper prior consultation nor the ability to discuss, which violate the WJA National bylaws, policies and fiduciary obligations.
“Further, on numerous occasions, communication from the board has been improperly conducted, deprioritized, and marginalized despite our efforts of involvement.”
Parikh and Okpukpara continued, “As the last two women of color on the National board, and in light of recent events, we are concerned that values to which WJA has ascribed in the past and are important to us are no longer important to this board. We cannot stand by this conduct any longer.”
The email also states that their names and titles were removed from the WJA website before they had submitted a written resignation, which they said is a violation of the National bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.
Neither Parikh nor Okpukpara responded to National Jeweler’s request for comment on their letter.
Grazi said in an email to National Jeweler that WJA does not comment on any details of board director departures.
Related stories will be right here …
By the end of January, the leaders of four of the 20-plus regional chapters of the Women’s Jewelry Association, along with numerous national board members, had stepped down following weeks of controversy surrounding remarks made by WJA National Board President Gabrielle Grazi regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during the organization’s national annual membership meeting in December 2024.
On March 25, WJA sent an email listing its board of directors for 2025 as it stands now.
Nicole Fein, senior vice president of marketing at Kwiat and Fred Leighton, is the communications chair; Robyn Fields, vice president of sales at Goldstar Jewellery, is the secretary and membership chair; and Laurie T. Watt, an owner of Mayer & Watt, is the vice president of chapter affairs.
Jacqueline Cassaway, CEO of Diamond Wealth Ventures, returns as the organization’s past president. Cassaway was president of WJA from January 2020 through December 2021.
The email also announced the board members who are continuing their service in 2025.
Robert Goldberg, a global licensing executive, is WJA’s VP of Governance & Development; Melissa Rodgers of M. Schamroth & Sons is chair of Mentoring & Education; Donna DeLucia of National Chain is chair of Inclusion & Belonging; Tanya Parikh, owner of Janvier Diamond Concierge, and Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, director and gemologist at Mina Stones.
Three days later, on March 28, Parikh and Okpukpara sent an email to the national board, which was later forwarded to National Jeweler, announcing their resignations.
They wrote: “We [resign] because we can no longer align ourselves with the repeated and documented pattern and practice of the National leadership to take actions often in our names without proper prior consultation nor the ability to discuss, which violate the WJA National bylaws, policies and fiduciary obligations.
“Further, on numerous occasions, communication from the board has been improperly conducted, deprioritized, and marginalized despite our efforts of involvement.”
Parikh and Okpukpara continued, “As the last two women of color on the National board, and in light of recent events, we are concerned that values to which WJA has ascribed in the past and are important to us are no longer important to this board. We cannot stand by this conduct any longer.”
The email also states that their names and titles were removed from the WJA website before they had submitted a written resignation, which they said is a violation of the National bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.
Neither Parikh nor Okpukpara responded to National Jeweler’s request for comment on their letter.
Grazi said in an email to National Jeweler that WJA does not comment on any details of board director departures.
When the leaders of WJA’s regional chapters began resigning earlier this year, the board of WJA Chicago was the first to go, announcing via social media on Jan. 14, followed by the boards of the Northern California (NorCal), Miami, and Seattle chapters.
WJA San Diego originally was reported as one of the chapters whose leaders resigned and posted on Instagram.
However, Grazi said Tuesday that the chapter is still active, as there are several board members who remained in service.
Last week, WJA announced that Rachel Akmakjian, director of jeweler relations for jewelry insurance company BriteCo, is the new president of the WJA Chicago chapter and Aria Thomas, founder and designer of Eleux Jewelry, has been named president of the WJA Colorado chapter.
Akmakjian told National Jeweler in an email that she was honored and excited to step into the role, and that it was a privilege to serve the community. She deferred any further questions to Grazi.
Following the WJA Chicago chapter board’s resignation in late January, the Chicago chapter listing appeared to have been removed from the WJA website, but as of today, the listing has been restored as one of the 16 regional chapters shown.
Regarding the NorCal, Miami, and Seattle chapters, Grazi said that upon receipt of board nominations (either self-nominated or referral) from members, the WJA National Board Executive Committee will review and consider appointments for board service.
She also said the organization is working with individuals in Houston and St. Louis who have expressed interest in launching WJA chapters in 2025.
“We remain committed to strengthening our community and ensuring that WJA continues to be a welcoming, valuable, and supportive space for everyone in the jewelry and watch industry,” Grazi said.
“We will continue to uphold the mission that unites us—to support the advancement of women in the jewelry and watch industry through networking, education, and professional development. At our core, WJA is about women supporting women, creating space for connection, collaboration, and community, and celebrating the success of all who share a passion for this industry.”
Also, last month, the WJA Foundation launched the inaugural Bench Jeweler Scholarship in partnership with Stuller, valued at $7,500.
Applications remain open until Apr. 30, and more information is available on the WJA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
