The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
WJA Announces Virtual Awards for Excellence Speakers
They include a diversity consultant.

New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced the lineup of speakers for its upcoming virtual Awards for Excellence.
Happening July 27 at 7 p.m. EDT, two keynote speakers will talk business transformation, managing change, and purpose, WJA said in a press release.
Jim Hemerling comes from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), while Dolly Meese comes from one of its companies, Brighthouse, a global creative consultancy.
Hemerling is a senior partner, managing director and fellow at BCG.
The author of several books and with interviews in publications like Bloomberg Businessweek, Fortune and Forbes, Hemerling works with clients in the technology, consumer, financial and manufacturing sectors on "transformation" to deliver breakthrough performances.
Meese specializes in helping organizations uncover their purpose to grow employees, profits and social impact. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies around the world and coauthored a book with Hemerling. She also contributed to a paper called “The Rewards of an Engaged Female Workforce.”
Both keynote speakers boast more than 20 years of experience in their fields.
“Jim’s and Dolly’s keynotes will explain how businesses can move confidently into a future that’s rapidly evolving,” WJA President Jennifer Markas said.
“As Jim notes, these times require agility and flexibility, but asking employees to constantly adapt can take a toll if company leaders don’t inspire and empower them. Dolly’s presentation will take a deep dive into the importance of underscoring a company’s purpose as a ‘North Star’ to help teams focus on what’s constant amid a sea of change.”
The event will also feature sessions on diversity and mentorship, WJA said.
Nicole Taylor, a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant and director of the international women’s nonprofit Changemaker Chats will be interviewed live on the difference between equality, equity and inclusion, the dimensions of racism and tools for being a better listener.
Event sponsors for the virtual Awards for Excellence include the Natural Diamond Council, Boston Consulting Group, Citizen, Forevermark and Jewelers of America.
To register for Awards for Excellence, visit the WJA website.
To become a sponsor, contact WJA’s Markas at jennifer@womensjewelryassociation.com.
The Latest

Two suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.

Finsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Michel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.


Longtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.

The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Jamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.

Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

Honest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.

QVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.





















