EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
IndependentsMay 20, 2021
Former WJA Chapter President Karen Golembeski Dies
She was president of the WJA New England chapter from 2005 to 2012.
Karen Golembeski, a previous president of WJA New England, died this month at the age of 74.
Warwick, R.I.—Karen Golembeski, a former president of the WJA New England chapter, died earlier this month.
She was 74.
Golembeski was born in Providence, Rhode Island.
According to her obituary, she attended Providence College and Rhode Island College.
Her career brought her to the jewelry manufacturing industry. Before retiring, she was the director of sales and marketing at Elite Associates.
Per Golembeski’s LinkedIn, Elite Associates’ specialty was marketing luxury jewelry to retailers, training sales forces, and developing product and merchandising plans.
She was also heavily involved in her community. Her obituary said she was “a faithful communicant and Eucharistic Minister” at Saint Gregory the Great Church, as well as on the board of directors for the Trinity Academy of Performing Arts and a past president of the Ocean State Toastmasters Association.
The Women’s Jewelry Association called Golembeski, “a mentor and motivator who believed in women helping women and … a source of encouragement for emerging professionals in the jewelry industry.”
She was involved for years in WJA’s New England chapter, serving on various committees, before acting as president from 2005 to 2012.
She was 74.
Golembeski was born in Providence, Rhode Island.
According to her obituary, she attended Providence College and Rhode Island College.
Her career brought her to the jewelry manufacturing industry. Before retiring, she was the director of sales and marketing at Elite Associates.
Per Golembeski’s LinkedIn, Elite Associates’ specialty was marketing luxury jewelry to retailers, training sales forces, and developing product and merchandising plans.
She was also heavily involved in her community. Her obituary said she was “a faithful communicant and Eucharistic Minister” at Saint Gregory the Great Church, as well as on the board of directors for the Trinity Academy of Performing Arts and a past president of the Ocean State Toastmasters Association.
The Women’s Jewelry Association called Golembeski, “a mentor and motivator who believed in women helping women and … a source of encouragement for emerging professionals in the jewelry industry.”
She was involved for years in WJA’s New England chapter, serving on various committees, before acting as president from 2005 to 2012.
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