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.
OtherJun 19, 2014
WJA adds element of surprise to annual awards
National Jeweler’s Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff is among the nominees for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2014 Awards for Excellence, which will be presented with a twist this year.
New York--National Jeweler’s Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff is among the nominees for the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2014 Awards for Excellence, which will be presented with a twist this year.
Normally, the WJA contacts those who have won prior to the Awards for Excellence dinner, which takes place at Chelsea Piers in New York. This year, however, the WJA has opted to keep the winners names a secret until the big night, the same as the Jewelry Information Center did with the Gem Awards this past January.
“WJA wanted to create more of an element of surprise at our annual gathering,” said WJA President Andrea Hansen. “We also wanted to ensure that all nominees were recognized and acknowledged as ‘winners’ in their own right. It really is an honor just to be nominated.”
The nominees are:
Category I: Design
Emily Armenta -- Armenta
Heather Moore -- Heather Moore
Monica Rich Kosann -- Monica Rich Kosann
Category II: Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier
Aida Fronjian -- True Knots
Chana Regev -- Carelle
Teresa Frye -- Techform
Laurie Watt -- Mayer & Watt
Category IIIa: Retail - 15 doors or more
Kim Adams -- Reeds
Jan Steck -- Helzberg
Category IIIb: Retail - Fewer than 15 doors
Stacy Sullivan -- Levy Jewelers
Sara and Rachel Read -- Lee Read Jewelers
Cathy Calhoun -- Calhoun Jewelers
Category IIIc: Non-Traditional Retail
Amy Jain/Daniella Yacobovsky -- BaubleBar
Jennifer Peck -- Amazon
Hillary Lambert -- Sundance
Nadine McCarthy Kahane -- Stone and Strand
Category IV: Sales
Jennifer Shanker -- MUSE Showroom
Amy Jackson -- Fragments
Rachel Jackson -- The Knot
Category V: Marketing & Communications
Fran Pennella -- Benali Consulting
Randi Molofsky -- Gemfields
Ginnina D'Orazio -- D’Orazio & Associates
Category VI: Editorial Media
Michelle Graff -- National Jeweler
Severine Ferrari -- Engagement 101
Monica Stephenson -- iDazzle
Karla Martinez de Sales -- W Magazine
Category VII: Special Services
Desiree Hansen -- JCK
Marlene Richey -- Marlene Richey
Catherine Sproule -- Responsible Jewellery Council
Category VIII: Watches
Rosanna Doherty -- Cartier
Michelle Peranteau -- Baume & Mercier
Annie Sommer -- Breitling
The 2014 Awards for Excellence gala, which also includes a silent raffle and auction to raise money for scholarships and grants for women in the jewelry industry, is scheduled for Monday, July 28 at Pier 60 at
Chelsea Piers, which is also the second day of the JA New York Summer show.
As previously announced, in addition to presenting the Awards for Excellence, the WJA will honor American Gem Society Executive Director and CEO Ruth Batson and Jewelers of America CEO Dave Bonaparte with lifetime achievement awards, while the Corporate Award will go to Richline Group.
RELATED CONTENT: WJA announces 2014 Hall of Fame honorees
The WJA has held its Awards for Excellence gala since 1984. It brings together industry leaders to honor the best and raises money for scholarship and grants.
The WJA awarded more than $30,000 in grants in 2013, a new record for the association as it marked its 30th anniversary.
To purchase tickets or sponsorships visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com.
More on Other
The Latest
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.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
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.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
