MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
Events & AwardsJul 26, 2016
WJA Awards for Excellence Winners Honored in NYC
The Women’s Jewelry Association recognized the recipients last night at its annual gala in New York.
New York--Members of the jewelry industry headed to the Hammerstein Ballroom Monday night for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s annual Awards for Excellence gala.
Winners of 10 awards across eight categories were announced live at the event, while the three previously announced Hall of Fame honorees also took the stage to accept their awards.
Claudia Kretchmer won in the Design, Fine Jewelry and Watches category for her work at Steven Kretchmer, the company started by her late stepfather who, she noted at Monday’s awards, would have celebrated his birthday on Monday.
Tiffany Kay, daughter of the late Scott Kay, won in the Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier category. Her acceptance speech echoed the sentiments of many of the night’s winners and honorees: “I’ve grown up in this industry. You’ve all become my family,” she said.
The Retail category was split into three separate awards.
Winning for Retail, 15 Doors or More was Saks Fifth Avenue’s Marta Nowakowski.
Jennifer Gandia and Christina Gandia Gambale, meanwhile, took home the award for Retail, 15 Doors or Fewer.
The sisters thanked their parents, who were in attendance.
“Any excellence we exhibit is a direct testament to their hard work, their support, their direction and their love,” said Jennifer Gandia.
Kris Kulesza of Jewelry Television won in the Retail, Non-Traditional category while the Sales and Merchandising award went to Stuller’s Maren Rosen.
“I have to thank my background in the fashion industry in New York City,” said Rosen as she accepted her award. “When I walked into my very first interview and had a boardroom full of men laugh at me, I took that as the most motivating tool to conquer my dreams.”
To many laughs, Jen Cullen Williams admitted that winning the Communications and Marketing Award fulfilled her childhood fantasy of winning an Oscar, so she rightfully thanked “the academy.”
Syl Tang won in the Editorial Media category while Dona Mary Dirlam of the Gemological Institute of America took home the award for Special Services and Michelle Peranteau of Baume and Mercier won in the Watches category.
Also at the event, the WJA recognized this year’s three Hall of Fame honorees.
Bill Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin was on hand to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his mother, the industry legend simply known as Sissy.
Sissy Jones is battling breast cancer and could not attend the awards but she did record a message thanking the WJA for all it
does, and Bill Jones vowed that his mother would be at the Awards for Excellence next year to thank everybody in person.
Ben Bridge Jeweler won the WJA Corporate Award and Peter Engel, the president of Fred Meyer Jewelers, was the recipient of the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ben Bridge Jeweler won the WJA Corporate Award and Peter Engel, the president of Fred Meyer Jewelers, was the recipient of the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
