MajorsDec 27, 2024
Buccellati to Expand Workforce by 500 Employees Over Next Three YearsThe Richemont-owned company is investing in its jewelry production and watchmaking workshops.
Events & AwardsJun 20, 2017
The Nominees for The WJA Awards Have Been Revealed
National Jeweler’s Senior Editor, Brecken Branstrator, is up for an award in the Media Excellence category.
National Jeweler Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator (pictured top left) is one of four nominees up for a Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence in the media category. Winners will be revealed July 24 in New York at the Awards for Excellence gala.
Poughkeepsie, NY--Across nine categories, 33 individuals have a chance of nabbing a Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence next month.
The Women’s Jewelry Association released its list of potential winners Monday. Earlier this year, WJA members and jewelry industry professionals were able to nominate their colleagues through an open, online submission process.
The pool was whittled down by a committee of past winners, headed by jewelry editor and former winner of an Award for Excellence in the Media Excellence category, Jennifer Heebner. This year, the committee honed and refined its criteria for selecting the final nominees.
"An eligible nominee must have a reputation for integrity, honesty, high ethical standards, and credibility, according to the new WJA Awards for Excellence criteria," Heebner explained. "She also must devote time and effort to help women in the jewelry industry excel."
The committee will go on to select the winner of each category, which will be announced live at the WJA Awards for Excellence gala on July 24 in New York at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60.
Here are the 2017 nominees:
Design
Wendy Brandes, owner/president, Wendy Brandes Jewelry
Deirdre Featherstone, founder, Featherstone Fine Jewelry
Annie Koenig, president, Annie K. Jewelry
Pippa Small, owner, Pippa Small
Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier
Maureen Murphy, group director of customer service, Lee
Betty Sue King, owner, King
Gabriella Harvey, director of procurement and product services, Gemfields
Merchandising and Product Development
Anna Samsonova, assistant fashion buyer, Ben Bridge Jeweler
Nan Lung Palmer, owner and managing director, FACEts Jewelry Consulting
Laura Klemt, president, Artistry, Ltd
Business Services
Pat Henneberry, vice president of learning and development, Hearts On Fire
Jo-Ann Sperano, paralegal/mediation specialist, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
Judith Shechter, director of global business development, Gemological Institute of America
Rachel Jackson, vice president of client solutions, ERCBPO, and former director of jewelry, XO Group
Large-Scale Retail
Carol Pennelli, president and chief commercial officer, David Yurman
Judy Fisher, senior vice president of merchandising, Signet Jewelers
Lisa Bridge, vice president of education, and designer, Ben Bridge Jeweler
Independent Retail
Alexis Padis, director of operations, Padis Jewelry
Jan Rose, owner, Rose Jewelers
Tara Silberberg, owner, The Clay Pot
Melissa Quick, president, Steve Quick Jeweler
Open-Format Retail
Nadine Kahane, founder & CEO, Stone & Strand
Beth Gerstein, co-CEO, Brilliant Earth
Sophie Kahn & Bouchra Ezzahraoui, co-founders, AUrate New York
Marketing and Communications
Olga González, CEO/founder, Pietra PR
Donna Jolly, director of marketing, American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories
Megan Whitmire, marketing manager, American Gem Trade Association
Monica Elias, CEO, Elias World Media
Editorial
Eileen McClelland, managing editor, InStore magazine
Brecken Branstrator, senior editor, National Jeweler
Barbara Palumbo, founder/editor-in-chief, Adornmentality
Severine Ferrari, editor in chief, Engagement 101
President of WJA, Brandee Dallow, commented "WJA congratulates our 2017 WJA Awards for Excellence nominees, each of whom has demonstrated significant achievements throughout their careers. We look forward to applauding our honorees and nominees at the WJA Awards for Excellence gala on July 24."
In addition to the nine awards being given out at the Awards for Excellence gala, three other awards will be given to industry heavyweights for their contributions over the years.
As previously announced, Cecilia Gardner, president, CEO, and general counsel of Jewelers Vigilance Committee, will receive the WJA Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael Pollak, CEO of Hyde Park Jewelers, will receive the Ben Kaiser Award. Day's Jewelers will receive this year’s WJA Corporate Award.
Besides honoring industry leaders, the gala’s purpose is to raise funds to go toward WJA scholarships for women in the jewelry industry. A silent auction and raffle at the gala will aid this pursuit.
"The Awards for Excellence Gala is our prime opportunity to raise funds for our scholarship and grants program," said WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack. "We are grateful to all of our honorees, nominees, attendees, and sponsors for their dedication in participating in this event, to invest in the new women entrepreneurs, veterans, and students
who win our grants and scholarships. Last year, the WJA Awards for Excellence Gala raised $40,000 for these cash awards. Our goal is to top that amount in 2017."
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities this year may contact Mack at bernadette@womensjewelryassociation.com, or obtain additional information on the WJA website.
Gala tickets may also be purchased on the site.
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities this year may contact Mack at bernadette@womensjewelryassociation.com, or obtain additional information on the WJA website.
Gala tickets may also be purchased on the site.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingDec 27, 2024
IDCA Announces 2025 Board MembersManoj Bhandari, a principal of RMC Gems Inc., is the new president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
Weekly QuizDec 27, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningThe move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
