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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.
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