TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
MajorsFeb 13, 2018
WJA Elects Jenny Luker President of Board of Directors
Luker is president of Platinum Guild International.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s International Board of Directors.
New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced the newly elected officers for its International Board of Directors.
Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International, has been elected president of the board. She, along with the other new board members, will serve a two-year term.
Luker said: “I’m delighted to serve as the new president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. We have a new executive committee and a board reflecting our diverse membership in terms of geography and segment of the industry. This gives us a chance to view our mission with fresh eyes.
“The range and depth of experience of our board members, and our strong regional chapters and affiliates are our greatest assets. I look forward to all that we will accomplish in the next two years.”
Joining Luker on the executive committee are Sara Yood, senior counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, as treasurer; Rebecca Moskal, partner at Communique, as corporate secretary; and Lauren Thompson, associate director of communications and digital development at Jewelers of America, as vice president of chapter affairs.
Immediate past board president Brandee Dallow of Fine Girl Luxury Brand Building & Communications will also serve on the committee.
WJA also elected four new women to its board of directors. Molly Bell, executive vice president of Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway Company; Kendra Bridelle, director of sales at Frieda Rothman and former WJA president; Jacqueline Cassaway, vice president merchandising, watches and jewelry, Starboard Cruise Services, an LVHM Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Company; and Brenda Gamba, independent contractor at Brenda Gamba.
Bridelle will serve as liaison between the board and the WJA Advisory Council. Gamba is the new president of the WJA Foundation Board, which handles the grants and scholarships program.
WJA has elected three U.S. regional directors to facilitate communications between various chapters and groups. Jen Cullen Williams of Luxury Brand Group is the head of the Western region; Sara Commers of Commers Custom Jewelers will head the Central U.S.; and Danielle Ingwer Cohen of Leo Ingwer will be the director of the Eastern region.
Four women are ending their terms as board members: Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher; Becka Johnson Kibby of The Edge Retail Academy; Fran Pennella of Benali Consulting; and Lisa Slovis-Mandel of Lisa Slovis Metalsmiths, former WJA Foundation president.
The continuing WJA board members are: Regina Ciarleglio of Worthy; Craig Selimotic Danforth of GIA; Katie Dominesey of JCK Events; Peggy Jo
Donahue of Peggy Jo Donahue, Writer; Monica Elias of Elias World Media; Rebecca Foerster of Leo Schachter & Co.; Myriam Gumuchian of Gumuchian; Desiree Hanson of Urban Expo; Hayley Henning of Greenland Ruby; Debbie Hiss of Debbie Hiss Consulting; Katy Jones of Signet Jewelers; Allison Neumann of Allison Neumann Studio; Kristie Nicolosi of The Kingswood Company; Erin O’Donnell of Emerald Expositions; Michelle Peranteau of Harry Winston; Maren Rosen of Stuller; Benjamin Smithee of The Smithee Group; Clare Ullman of Clare Ullman Designs; and Trina Woldt of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group.
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack said, “Passion and commitment are hallmark characteristics of our dedicated board volunteers and chapter leaders. WJA is fortunate to be the beneficiary of their professional and creative excellence.”
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
