SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsJun 10, 2016
WJA Announces Awards for Excellence Nominees
The Women’s Jewelry Association has released the list of nominees for its annual awards, which will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom this year.
Nominations were made across eight categories including design (nominees pictured here), manufacturing, retail (which is split into three sub-categories), sales, marketing, editorial, special services and watches.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has released its list of nominees for their annual “Awards for Excellence.”
Awards will be given out across eight categories, including design, manufacturing, retail, (which is split into three sub-categories), sales, marketing, editorial, special services and watches. Three to five nominees were chosen in each category or sub-category.
“Each nominee exemplifies the great power, incredible work ethic, intellect and talent of women throughout the jewelry and watch industries,” said Brandee Dallow, president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. “These women are the leaders, mentors and influencers that will propel our business into the future.”
Awards will also be given to three WJA Hall of Fame honorees: a WJA Lifetime Achievement Award to Sissy Jones, owner of Sissy’s Log Cabin; a Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award to Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers’ and a WJA Corporate Award to Ben Bridge Jeweler.
The awards will also provide an opportunity to raise funds, via a silent auction and raffle, for the WJA Foundation, which gives scholarships and grants to women in the jewelry industry. Last year, the WJA raised a total of $60,000 at its gala.
WJA members and industry professionals voted online to nominate industry members for the awards during the month of January. A panel of past winners selected the final nominees, and will choose the winner of each category, to be announced at the Awards for Excellence gala on Monday, July 25.
This year, the gala will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th Street, in close proximity to the JA New York trade show, which will be held at the Javits Convention Center.
See below for a full list of nominees.
Category 1 - Design, Fine Jewelry and Watches:
Malak Atut, owner/designer, Zaiken Jewelry
Wendy Brandes, owner/president, Wendy Brandes Jewelry
Jennifer Dawes, principal/designer, Jennifer Dawes Design
Claudia Kretchmer, president, Steven Kretchmer
Ilaria Lonzoni, design director, Hearts On Fire
Category 2 - Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier:
Nina Cooper, chief creative officer and president, Nina Designs Ltd.
Donna DeLucia, chief commercial officer, North America, Intercontinental Jewellery Manufacturing, PCL (Thailand)
Tiffany Kay of Tiffany Kay (nominated for her work as former vice president of merchandising, Scott Kay)
Grace Terezian, vice president and creative director, Kirk Kara
Category 3A - Retail, 15 or More Doors:
Jacqueline Cassaway, divisional vice president, Helzberg Diamonds
Marta Nowakowski, VP divisional merchandise manager, Jewelry, Watches and Home, Saks Fifth Avenue
Toby Ritchie, marketing director, Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers
Jamie Singleton, senior vice president, Signet Jewelers
Category 3B -
Retail, 15 or Fewer Doors:
Soraya Cayen, CEO, Cayen Collection
Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale, co-owners, Greenwich St. Jewelers
Alexis Padis, director of operations, Padis Jewelry
Trish Roberson, owner, Roberson’s Fine Jewelry
Category 3C - Retail, Non Traditional:
Ivka Adam, founder & CEO, Iconery
Kate Fordham, operations manager, Ritani
Beth Gerstein, co-CEO/founder, Brilliant Earth
Kris Kulesza, senior vice president merchandising, Jewelry Television
Category 4 - Sales and Merchandising:
Ramona Genao-Archibald, executive vice president, sales and merchandising, Richline Group
Rachel Jackson, jewelry director, The Knot
Maren Rosen, vice president, merchandising, Stuller Inc.
Nikki Siegel, executive vice president, Armenta
Category 5 - Marketing and Communications:
Ashley Brown, executive director, marketing and public relations, Stuller Inc.
Jen Cullen Williams, managing director, Luxury Brand Group
Hayley Henning, vice president, sales, marketing, and development, True North Gems
Donna Jolly, director, marketing, American Gem Society
Category 6 - Editorial Media:
Shane Clark, senior fashion & accessories editor, Brides
Hannah Connorton, retailer account manager, Luxury & Luxury Prive, Reed Exhibitions (nominated for her work as former senior editor at National Jeweler)
Barbara Palumbo, founder/editor-in-chief, Adornmentality
Syl Tang, contributor, Financial Times Watches & Jewellery, CEO, HipGuide
Category 7 - Special Services:
Dona Mary Dirlam, director of RTL Library and Information Center, Gemological Institute of America Debbie Hiss, owner, Debbie Hiss Consulting
Kristie Nicolosi, president & CEO, The Kingswood Company
Kate Peterson, president/CEO, Performance Concepts, Inc.
Category 8 - Watches:
Stacie Orloff, former president, Bell & Ross, the Americas
Michelle Peranteau, former director of marketing and communication, Baume et Mercier
Ellen Seckler, vice president- marketing, Citizen Watch Company of America
Soraya Cayen, CEO, Cayen Collection
Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale, co-owners, Greenwich St. Jewelers
Alexis Padis, director of operations, Padis Jewelry
Trish Roberson, owner, Roberson’s Fine Jewelry
Category 3C - Retail, Non Traditional:
Ivka Adam, founder & CEO, Iconery
Kate Fordham, operations manager, Ritani
Beth Gerstein, co-CEO/founder, Brilliant Earth
Kris Kulesza, senior vice president merchandising, Jewelry Television
Category 4 - Sales and Merchandising:
Ramona Genao-Archibald, executive vice president, sales and merchandising, Richline Group
Rachel Jackson, jewelry director, The Knot
Maren Rosen, vice president, merchandising, Stuller Inc.
Nikki Siegel, executive vice president, Armenta
Category 5 - Marketing and Communications:
Ashley Brown, executive director, marketing and public relations, Stuller Inc.
Jen Cullen Williams, managing director, Luxury Brand Group
Hayley Henning, vice president, sales, marketing, and development, True North Gems
Donna Jolly, director, marketing, American Gem Society
Category 6 - Editorial Media:
Shane Clark, senior fashion & accessories editor, Brides
Hannah Connorton, retailer account manager, Luxury & Luxury Prive, Reed Exhibitions (nominated for her work as former senior editor at National Jeweler)
Barbara Palumbo, founder/editor-in-chief, Adornmentality
Syl Tang, contributor, Financial Times Watches & Jewellery, CEO, HipGuide
Category 7 - Special Services:
Dona Mary Dirlam, director of RTL Library and Information Center, Gemological Institute of America Debbie Hiss, owner, Debbie Hiss Consulting
Kristie Nicolosi, president & CEO, The Kingswood Company
Kate Peterson, president/CEO, Performance Concepts, Inc.
Category 8 - Watches:
Stacie Orloff, former president, Bell & Ross, the Americas
Michelle Peranteau, former director of marketing and communication, Baume et Mercier
Ellen Seckler, vice president- marketing, Citizen Watch Company of America
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
