MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
