Majors

The 2015 WJA Awards for Excellence nominees are …

MajorsJun 11, 2015

The 2015 WJA Awards for Excellence nominees are …

The list of nominees for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2015 Awards for Excellence are out, but the winners won’t be announced until next month.

New York--The list of nominees for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2015 Awards for Excellence are out, but the winners won’t be announced until next month.

Last year, the WJA kept the names of winners a secret until the night of its annual gala, and the organization is continuing that tradition this year. 

The WJA’s 2015 Awards for Excellence gala is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at Chelsea Piers in New York. The evening will include the traditional raffle held to raise money for the scholarships and grants the WJA awards to women in the jewelry industry. For more information or tickets, visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com.

As announced in January, at the gala the WJA also will honor J.C. Penney’s Pam Mortensen with its Lifetime Achievement Award and C. Clayton Bromberg of Underwood Jewelers with the Ben Kaiser Award, which goes to a man who has helped women advance in the jewelry industry. In addition, Gumuchian will receive the Corporate Award.

The nominees are: 

Category I – Design
Emily Armenta, Emily Armenta
Pamela Froman, Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry
Suzanne Kalandjian, Suzanne Kalan
Monica Rich Kosann, Monica Rich Kosann

Category II – Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier
Karishma Javeri, SDC Designs LLC
Sylvie Levine, Sylvie Collection
Zina Sherman, Zina Sterling
Laurie Watt, Mayer & Watt

Category IIIa – Retail, 15 doors or more
Lisa Bridge, Ben Bridge Jewelers
Eve Rogers, Graff

Category IIIb – Retail, fewer than 15 doors
Ellen Hertz, Max’s
Veronica Guarino, Louis Anthony Jewelers
Tara Silberberg, The Clay Pot
Melissa Quick, Steve Quick Jeweler

Category IIIc – Non-Traditional Retail
Alexis Clarbour, Portero
Amy Jain/Daniella Yacobovsky, BaubleBar
Beth Gerstein, Brilliant Earth
Deborah Nicodemus, Moda Operandi
Ruth Thuston, Circa

Category IV – Sales
Amy Levine, Gurhan
Tina Bruno, Stephen Webster
Jennifer Shanker, Muse Showroom

Category V – Marketing & Communications
Kirsten Darrow, Fred Meyer
Donna Jolly, American Gem Society
Rebecca Moskal, Communique LA
Colby Shergalis, Forevermark

Category VI – Editorial Media
Sarah Lisitski-Gerrish, Redbook magazine
Eileen McClelland, InStore magazine
Danielle Miele, Gem Gossip
Monica Stephenson, iDazzle

Category VII – Special Services
Donna Borrelli, JCK
Cindy Chandler, Smart Jewelry Show
Becka Johnson Kibby, The Edge Retail Academy
Heather Smith Nunez, Cartier

Category VIII – Watches
Audrey Bogdonoff, Gucci
Agnes Campanile, Swatch Group/ Omega
Jeanine Drtina, Cartier
Michelle Peranteau, Baume & Mercier

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Rendering of renovated Orloff Jewelers store
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better Location

The California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.

Chelsea Gabrielle Momentum Infinite Ring
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring

A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.

JCK Industry Fund logo
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 Applications

The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Remi Guillemin
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of Watches

The auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.

Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Simon G CEO Zaven Ghanimian
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry Design

Zaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Robert Pattinson Jaeger-LeCoultre
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand Ambassador

The British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.

Sydney Evan Little Love Open Coin Fixed Necklace
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New Collections

The “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi Scheme

Nelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.

Glitter in the Grove Logo
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’

The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.

Stainless steel Patek Philippe Calatrava watch
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry Box

The stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.

Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal Problem

Engagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Anne Marie Shulman
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA Global

The veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.

Photo of one of the suspects in theft of Queen Nazli’s necklace from MAK museum
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum

Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).

Ethiopian paraiba tourmaline
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in Ethiopia

The labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.

Levinger & Bissenger silver floral pendant
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition

“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Catbird First Men’s Collection Worn Well
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry Collection

The “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.

Buddha Mama Butterfly Necklace
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace

This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.

Gareth Penny
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary Congress

The former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.

Day’s Jewelers store in Salem New Hampshire
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace Awards

The employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.

Alex Consani in Pandora Talisman campaign
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues

The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds

General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Counterfeit Cartier Love bracelet
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry

The package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.

Jessica McCormack South Coast Plaza California Store Exterior
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast Store

The new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.

×

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