#JWLV - 5 Favorites from the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Your Wednesday dose of major jewelry - in this case Antique Jewelry!!!

My top 5 (in no specific order) from the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show....Contact info accompanies each photo!

This Demantoid stunner stopped me in my tracks

Gorgeous piece from Vivid Diamonds

Joden went above and beyond - educating me on the Guilloche and Fine Jewelry of Carlo Giuliano more on this jeweler to the Queen at: http://historicgems.tumblr.com/post/52937064705/carlo-giuliano-master-jeweler-from-joden-world

This amazing Tiara was outstanding!  from the always top shelf Yafa Signed Jewels - http://www.yafasignedjewels.com/

Necklace to Tiara Conversion with all the hardware in the original contoured presentation case...from Morelle Davidson

Beyond Bollywood - Manish Arora for Amrapali

As a worldwide phenomenon on the fashion runway this year, Manish Arora for Amrapali enthralled audiences with its innovation and craftsmanship. 

Revitalizing its archive of traditional tribal jewelry from India, the Manish Arora for Amrapali exclusive collection is inspired by the decadence of Indian royalty, combining fierce animal forms and nature motifs with a vibrant palette of enamel and bold colored gemstones. 

This impressive collection is infused with modern and contemporary fashion-forward design and includes necklaces, earrings including spectacular ear cuffs, bracelets, rings, hair, and hand jewelry. 

About Manish Arora for Amrapali:

Manish Arora for Amrapali is the collaborative fine jewelry collection by fashion designer Manish Arora and renowned Indian Jeweler Amrapali.

Amrapali is one of the premier luxury jewelry brands internationally renowned for its beautiful and modern interpretations of the best classical jewelry from India. Amrapali creations have a rich heritage and is ever mindful of tradition with a passion and vision for re-introducing long forgotten Indian jewelry designs and techniques to the world. The result of their effort is evident. From simple beginnings, Amrapali now employs more than 2,000 skilled artisans, is a favorite of nobility, has been worn by some of Hollywood's biggest starlets, as well as is a brand often seen on the fashion runway.

For more information, please visit www.amrapalijewels.com.

Submitted by Erin Shiba

Israel Diamond Exchange Overwhelmed Working To Streamline Import Procedures

I think by now we all know that International Diamond Week is coming up...but I really love the Save The Date video from the Israel Diamond Exchange...

Interest for International Diamond Week overwhelming,

organizers to accommodate more than 350 companies

IDE working with authorities to streamline diamond import procedures 

Ramat Gan, Israel - July 23, 2013: With the August edition of the US & International Diamond Week in Israel just a month away, the event organizers are gearing up to welcome and accommodate more than 350 representatives of diamond companies arriving to the event, and to facilitate the arrival of significant quantities of diamonds that will be traded during this unique, four-day-long diamond trading festival.

"The number of registrants to this summer's US & International Diamond Week continues to rise daily," Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) president Yair Sahar noted. "At the same time, we are taking all the necessary steps and measures, not only to arrange for the smooth arrival of the participants, but also to assure that necessary import and export procedures of the goods that will be traded at this unique diamond trading festival will be seamless!"

Sahar reported that the IDE management had liaised with the office of the Diamond Controller (the director of the Diamonds, Precious Stones and Jewelry Division, Ministry of Economy) as well as the shipping, forwarding and logistics providers of the upcoming Diamond Week, requesting that they prepare themselves for the arrival of unusually large shipments of diamonds that will be offered for sale at the event.

"I asked the Diamond Controller, Schmuel Mordechai, to intervene personally and coordinate with his colleagues at customs, not only at Israel's borders, but also abroad, to ascertain that the diamonds arriving at our borders will be processed effectively," Sahar said. In his response, Mordechai noted that his office will offer all the assistance necessary to make the event a success. "This is an important marketing effort for the Israel diamond industry and we will do all we can to help make this a resounding success," the Diamond Controller stated.

Meanwhile, the efforts to accommodate buyers' delegations continue. In addition to a large delegation of American diamond buyers headed by Reuven Kaufman, president of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, efforts are under way to receive additional accredited diamond buyers from the USA. In cooperation with the Israel Diamond Institute, a focused, global marketing campaign has already resulted in a substantial increase of applications from participants worldwide.

"The summer edition of the US & International Diamond Week in Israel is the continuation of the long-term marketing efforts undertaken by the Israel Diamond Exchange," Sahar noted. "By creating additional marketing tools for the members, the IDE board and management fulfill a crucial commitment to IDE members and to the Israeli diamond industry and trade at large: the strengthening of Israel as a world diamond manufacturing and trading center, and the creation of value-adding marketing tools for its members."

Go here to the dedicated US & International Diamond Week web site:

http://www.en.isde.co.il/diamondweek.html

Click here to register. 

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts Finds a New Home

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts Finds a New Home

San Francisco’s Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts has found a new home in the city’s classic Humboldt Bank Building. After a six-month transition, the California approved jewelry school has reopened its doors at 785 Market Street, across the street from its former location.

Completed shortly after the 1906 earthquake, the Humboldt Bank Building’s copper topped beaux art dome is the architectural gem of Market Street. The new location is a perfect match for a jewelry school that stresses traditional quality, design and fine craftsmanship.

Alan Revere designed the new studio and classroom incorporating traditional benches and tools, plus state-of-the-art video and studio equipment. A new 70” flat-screen TV enables students to see up close from across the room, as their instructor demonstrates intricate procedures. Following the European workshop model wooden benches are fitted with a torch, task light, flex shaft and all the hand tools needed to fashion jewelry. The studio is complete with a rolling mill, laser welder, polishing lathe, flattening hammer, shank bender, fume hoods, forging stumps, anvils, vices, and much more.

The Academy’s summer session, which runs through October 13, 2013, includes a selection of classes from beginner to advanced, in a range of jewelry related subjects such as fabrication, stone setting, engraving, gemology, design, metalsmithing, repair, casting, and more. This fall, Revere will offer its two-month Jewelry Technician Intensive Diploma Program in the new location from October 15 through December 13, 2013. Classes are taught by professional jewelers and experts in the field. Students come from around the globe to learn at Revere.

The Revere Academy is a professional jewelry trade school where seasoned masters share their skills and passion with students at all levels. Schedules and information are available upon request.

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts 

785 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103.  

Web Site:  www.revereacademy.com   

Email:info@revereacademy.com  

Tel: 415-391-4179    Fax: 415-795-1407

Facebook: 

JTV’s Jewel School Designer Showcase Challenge - Win Cash & Prizes!

JTV’s Jewel School 

Designer Showcase Challenge Returns

Jewelry Making Enthusiasts to Win $10,000 in Cash and Prizes

Jewelry Television’s annual Jewel School design contest is back and bigger than ever. With $10,000 in cash and prizes to award, the Jewel School Designer Showcase Challenge is looking for the best fresh and unique designs. Jewelry-making enthusiasts may enter a one-of-a-kind, custom jewelry design based on their category of choice for a chance to win. The entry period ends Aug. 21
.

“Jewelry making is a natural extension of our business,” said Trisha Condra, vice president and general merchandising of gemstones at JTV. “As the world’s largest retailer of loose gemstones, we love providing a platform for our customers to create unique jewelry designs that express their individuality.”

Entrants may enter one of three categories: 

•     Mixed-Up Media: Any techniques utilizing the following mediums as the focus of the design: Kumihimo, leather, concrete or polymer clay.
•     Metal-Art Play: Transforming metal and/or wire into a finished piece using the following techniques/tools: metal smithing, wire work, Viking knit, art clay, chainmaille, cold or hot connections, metal forming, weaving or firing plates.
•     Blissful Beading: Includes any of the following techniques that utilize beads as the focus of the design. Techniques include knotting, beading wire and seed bead looming.

An expert panel of judges will select five finalists from each category to be voted on by the public. On Sept. 4, the finalists will be announced, and the public will be able to vote online through Sept. 18. A judge’s pick, grand prize winner and three category winners will be awarded live on air on Sept. 22.

“Whether you are an experienced jewelry designer or attempting your first piece, this is the perfect opportunity to express yourself through the age-old art of jewelry making,” said Condra.

The grand prize winner and judge’s pick will receive Jewel School products and cash totallling $3,500. All category winners will receive Jewel School products and cash valued at $1,000.

For more information and to enter the Jewel School Designer Showcase Challenge, visit http://www.jtv.com/challenge.

As the world’s largest retailer of loose gemstones, we love providing a platform for our customers to create unique jewelry designs that express their individuality.

About Jewelry Television® Jewelry Television® (JTV) is one of the largest multichannel retailers of jewelry and gemstones in the U.S. appealing to fashion-conscious women, jewelry-making enthusiasts and private collectors. The privately-held shopping network broadcasts high definition programing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to more than 80 million U.S. households. Committed to consumer education, the network employs numerous Graduate Gemologists and Accredited Jewelry Professionals. JTV.com offers the most comprehensive jewelry and gemstone Learning Library on the internet, and is the third largest jewelry website according to Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide for 2012.

JCK's LUXURY Privé New York and Press Events Illuminate Manhattan

JCK's LUXURY Privé New York and Press Events Illuminate Manhattan

 A Series of Exclusive Events Showcase over 65 Luxury Jewelry Collections in
 Time for Holiday 2013 & Allow for Matchmaking at It's Best

JCK Events held their 3^rd annual LUXURY Privé New York show earlier this week at the luxurious Pierre Hotel. The event brought a new designer balcony featuring the most coveted brands, played matchmaker between upscale retailers and exhibitors and introduced scores of media to the collections just in time for the holiday. 

With a roster of the nation's top stores in attendance, including Underwoods, FL; Lux Bond & Green, CT; Lee Michaels Jewelers, LA; R.F. Moeller Jewelers, MN; Mednikow Jewelers, TN; Long's Jewelers, MA; Cornell Jewelers, NY; Gleim the Jeweler, CA, the mood was vibrant and buying was at a record high. In spite of all that took place, however, the confines of Privé remained a relaxed and intimate atmosphere to conduct business amidst the chaos of New York Jewelry week.  

The LUXURY Privé New York experience began with a decadent welcome event, a Gatsby-themed cocktail party at the Pierre, setting the tone for the 3-day long show. Monday's show began with the 'Meet the Retailer/Meet the Designer' matchmaking event and seminar facilitated by The Edge Retail Academy's Becka Johnson Kibby. 

Following the useful tips and introductions, retailers got down to business, visiting the salons and selecting merchandise for the all-important holiday season. The new 'Designer Balcony', was a particularly alluring destination, featuring collections from newcomers Lisa Black, Ed Levin and Meredith Marks. Also new, Stephanie Kantis' selection of showstoppers drew much attention; while BG Art Jewelry's unique stackable bands were a huge hit for their gift-ability.

Karen Goracke and Amy Dudzik from Borsheims, attending their first Privé show, remarked on the overall ease of the show and the great variety of brands represented. "The show has a stress free vibe, making it easy to find brands you might ordinarily miss at the larger shows. We missed Ed Levin at the JCK show but were happy to have found him at Privé. We also fell in love with Stephanie Kantis' collection of fine designer, yet reasonably-priced, fashion jewelry. The trip was definitely worth our while and we're already looking forward to next year."

From the brand side, many exhibitors gave testament to the strength of the show, relationships and buying atmosphere:

Jack O'Neil of Spark Creations commented, "We had a great show which should lead to an exciting end of this year. Retailers had confidence in the economy and are buying more color as a result."

Ray Mastoloni of pearl powerhouse, Mastoloni Pearls shared "Wonderful show! It was a great experience. We opened a number of new accounts in addition to seeing some old 'friends'. Some retailers were finishing up what was started in Vegas; this show gave them the perfect opportunity to work in a more relaxed environment, which was conducive to doing great business."

As if the excitement on the salon floor wasn't enough, JCK's adjacent press events brought brands face to face with key media contacts who were actively working holiday jewelry stories. Brands such as Temple St. Clair, Rina Limor and Denise James sent in merchandise for the 'Iced Tea' blogger and editor events. Top jewelry and fashion bloggers attended the morning portion of the July 30^thevents, sipping tea while ogling 'iced' creations and ultimately selecting their top picks for an on-site photo shoot. Editors from the jewelry industry's leading publications, as well as fashion, luxury and lifestyle books, perused the collections in the afternoon, noting the trends for Holiday 2013 and earmarking selections for gift guides. 

At day's end, 10 bloggers, including iDazzle, Ms. Fabulous and Diamonds in the Library, and 30 editors from Vogue to Martha Stewart Weddings, had attended.

In addition to the Privé show and its unique press events, JCK was pleased to work closely with both the Women's Jewelry Association and the American Gem Society on their own events throughout the week; WJA's Awards for Excellence Dinner and AGS's Circle of Distinction Dinner.  

LUXURY Privé New York closed on Wednesday with strong buying and a robust media presence. Contracts for 2014 are already underway and the unique show will host its next event in Panama City next month with LUXURY Privé Panama.

ABOUT JCK:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education, and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events, and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:

--LUXURY Privé Panama: August 26 - 28, 2013 - Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita
--JCK Tucson: February 3 - 8, 2014 - Tucson, JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort
--LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 27 - 29, 2014, by invitation only, and then continues as the
   events open their doors to all JCK retailers May 30- June 2, 2014 - Four Seasons, DELANO,
   Mandalay Bay
--Swiss Watch: May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Mandalay Bay, DELANO, Four Seasons and Mandarin
   Oriental
--JCK Las Vegas: May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
--LUXURY Privé New York: July 28 - 30, 2014 - New York, The Pierre Hotel, Fifth Avenue

GIA Working With the Nelson Mandela Foundation to Provide Libraries to Elementary Schools

GIA Collaborates with the Nelson Mandela Foundation

to Provide Libraries to Elementary Schools

Gem institute supports foundation’s work in Africa

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and GIA (Gemological Institute of America)  have signed a Memo of Understanding (MoU) to provide four elementary schools in South Africa with Mandela Day Libraries.

The MoU supports the legacy of Nelson Mandela to ensure sustainability through transformative democracy. The collaboration will support literacy as an empowerment tool and one of the single most important skills for children, providing them with access to further education and life opportunities.

Susan M. Jacques, chair of the GIA Board of Governors, and Sello K. Hatang, Chief Executive  of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, met in Carlsbad, CA last month to enact the agreement.

Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Susan Jacques, chair of the GIA Board of Governors, sign a Memorandum of Understanding between GIA and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The Mandela Day libraries project began in 2011 with the goal of bridging the gap in literacy and reading proficiency in schools throughout South Africa. By bringing libraries to schools without reading facilities, children gain access to appropriate reading material in their own languages. Librarians are trained to manage the facilities and inspire a love of reading among South Africa’s youth. GIA will provide libraries to two schools in 2013 and two more in 2014.

The Mandela Day Container Libraries are created from large shipping containers that have been recycled and retrofitted with new flooring, insulation, electricity and book shelves. The Institute will also provide a selection of books for each library. Breadline Africa, a nongovernmental organization and internationally registered South African-based charity, is the main partner of the container program.

“We are excited about our new collaboration with GIA. It will present many pupils with an opportunity to improve their literacy and ultimately their lives. Literacy remains an enormous challenge in  Africa and is a key priority on the youth agenda,” added Hatang.

Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, right, speaks with Bev Hori, GIA’s chief learning officer and vice president of education during a special luncheon last month.

 “We’re looking forward to growing our relationship with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The first phase of this collaboration will establish libraries in towns where children are underprivileged,” said Bev Hori, GIA’s chief learning officer and vice president of education. “This will be the first time some of these students have had access to books. The Mandela Day Container Libraries are an excellent step in bettering the education, and in turn the lives, of children in Africa.”

GIA has developed education programs in Africa over the past decade to help bring more value from the global trade of diamonds to the countries that are the source of so many gems. GIA’s Junior Gemologist Program™, which gives 10-15-year-old students the opportunity to discover the world of gemology through hands-on, practical training, was introduced in Africa in 2012. The Institute also introduced more than 1,000 African students to gem and jewelry education opportunities at the Career Indaba trade show in Johannesburg in June as part of the seventh annual Africa Education Week

Elizabeth Bokaba, GIA's manager of Alumni and Client Relations in South Africa, speaks during a luncheon for Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

About The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory delivers the core-work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1999 to support its Founder’s ongoing engagement in worthy causes on his retirement as President of South Africa. The Foundation is registered as a trust, with its board of trustees comprising prominent South Africans selected by the Founder.

To learn more about the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and related Mandela Day activities visit www.nelsonmandela.org.

More information about the Mandela Day Libraries is at http://www.mandeladay.com/library.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

To learn more about GIA’s activities in Africa, email giaeducationafrica@gia.edu, cnel@gia.edu or ebokaba@gia.edu.

Lawsuit Against DeBeers Concludes, DMIA Comments

Thought you would all like to know...

News Release DMIA welcomes conclusion of suit against De Beers   New York, New York, USA - August 1, 2013: The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA) said it is pleased to report that the payments to companies that purchased directly from Diamdel and its competitors, which are the result of the settlement of a class action suit against De Beers, were mailed Friday, July 26, 2013. "Matters like these take a long time to be resolved," DMIA president Ronnie VanderLinden said. "Although it took a while, those that had the claims approved are happy to receive the funds. It also signifies the end of an era!" Ronald Friedman, DMIA Past President said: "The DMIA had played a significant role in bringing the suit to a successful conclusion by filing papers in favor of the settlement in the appeal by objectors". "This normalizes business for De Beers in America," David Prager, De Beers' director of communications, was quoted in the July 2013 issue of JCK Magazine. "If you think about the past century, this is a milestone moment." Prager noted that a lot of the past restrictions that De Beers had had previously were now gone. "We have clearly not jumped into America with both feet, and we have resisted contracting with American companies. When you have normalized business in the States, a lot of those things fall away and you have a lot more opportunities." According to the court order approving the distribution of the settlement; the settlement covers a number of class action lawsuits filed around the country, all alleging that "De Beers had monopolized the rough diamond market, charging anti-competitive prices and advertising in a false and misleading way." The order reported that plaintiffs in those cases claimed those that bought diamonds from De Beers between 1994 and 2006 have paid higher prices than they would have in a truly competitive market. Jared Stamell lead counsel said: "I am happy that this cash distribution is being made to members of the industry, many who are DMIA members and the most injured by the anti-competive conduct." About the DMIA The Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America (DMIA), established in 1931, is the leading organization of America's premier diamond manufacturers, importers and dealers. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in the American marketplace. DMIA is among the leaders in addressing domestic and world diamond industry issues, and acts as a representative of the American diamond industry with other industry organizations and government bodies. DMIA is dedicated to the advancement and assurance of consumer confidence in diamonds and diamond jewelry.

30th Annual WJA Awards of Excellence and Hall of Fame Winners Announced

30th Annual WJA Awards of Excellence and Hall of Fame Winners Announced

A Celebration of the Deserving Women and Men in the Jewelry Industry 

Spirits were high at Chelsea Piers’s PIER 60, as a record number of industry insiders celebrated the 30th Annual WJA Awards for Excellence on Monday, July 29th. The evening’s top honors, Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award went to Candy Udell, president of London Jewelers (pictured left); Standard Chartered Bank accepted the Corporate Hall of Fame Award and Darwin Copeman, of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, (pictured below) was honored with The Ben Kaiser Award, an honor bestowed on industry men who show extraordinary support of women in the business.
Attending the evening were over 700 industry members and leaders such as Varda Shine 
of De Beers, Helene Fortunoff, David and Sybil Yurman, principals and representatives of the world’s top luxury brands such as Barbara Cirkva, VP of Chanel Fashion, Watches and Fine Jewelry Group.

The evening opened with a buzzing cocktail reception, a “Chance Auction,” and an  opportunity to bid on items available through CharityBuzz.com, including an African Safari with a private Diamond Cutting Facility Tour, a one-of-a-kind experience that only this industry can provide (donated by Julius Klein Group). All proceeds from the auction benefit the WJA’s Scholarship Fund, which supports the educational and professional development of young talent at many levels of the industry. This year the WJA is awarding over $30,000 in honor of the organization’s 30th Anniversary.
After the cocktail reception, guests proceeded to the main ballroom for a three-course gourmet dinner and the official program, where Hall of Fame recipients accepted their awards and category winners were announced. On hand for the presentation of the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award to Mrs. Udell was Nassau County District Attorney and NY State rising political star Kathleen Rice.
“The honor for me is to stand among each of you tonight and call you my colleagues and 
friends,” noted Mrs. Udell from the stage. “London Jewelers still operates with that mom 
and pop mentality. We are more than just purveyors; we are purveyors of memories. I couldn’t be more thankful for that every day.” She later went on to quip, “Jewelry is a woman’s best insurance policy; when the going gets tough, put on your jewels and smile.”
WJA also presented Awards for Excellence in retail, design, manufacturing/ supplier, 
sales, marketing and communications, editorial/reporting/publishing, and special services.
“I have the luckiest job in the world,” enthused Irene Neuwirth, whose jewelry has been 
seen on A-list celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Charlize Theron and who accepted the Award for Excellence in Design. “I get to wake up and create something new every day. I am so grateful to do what I do and grateful to be recognized by the Women’s Jewelry Association.”                           

“We honored and celebrated the extraordinary women and men who continually serve and impact the jewelry industry,” stated Tryna Kochanek, president of the Women’s Jewelry Association. “The Awards for Excellence Gala has become one of the industry’s premier events, where long-time industry veterans can mingle with young stars of tomorrow. At this year’s gala, we congratulated the deserving individuals and organizations honored, and celebrated the rich history of WJA’s first 30 years by presenting special Swarovski-commissioned trophies to all our past and current presidents.”
                       

Happy 30th Birthday to the Women's Jewelry Associat

Festivities continued into the late hours as guests danced to upbeat tunes spun by a special guest DJ and sampled desserts during the “after party,” a novelty at this year’s event designed to celebrate the special anniversary, and likely to become a new tradition.

The complete list of nominees and winners is listed below, winners are highlighted.

CATEGORY I. 

DESIGN– Fine Jewelry & Watches
1. Coomi –Coomi
2. Pamela Froman –Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry
3. Irene Neuwirth –Irene Neuwirth, Inc.
4. Alex Woo –Alex Woo

CATEGORY II. MANUFACTURER/DEALER/SUPPLIER for FINE JEWELRY/
GEMSTONES/ METALS/WATCHES
1. Lita Asscher –Royal Asscher
2. Danielle Ingwer Cohen –Leo Ingwer, Inc.
3. Laurie Watt –Mayer & Watt

CATEGORY III. 

RETAIL –15 Doors or More1. Linda Bridgewater –Fred Meyer
2. Vida Farwana –Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Patricia Watkins—Western Stone/Shane
CATEGORY IV. 

RETAIL –Fewer than 15 Doors
1. Shannon Daly –Robbins Bros.
2. Cynthia Gould –Gould’s Diamonds and Jewelry
3. Ellen Lacy –Lacy’s
4. Joanne Teichman –Ylang23

CATEGORY V. 

RETAIL –Non-Traditional
1. Jessica Herrin –Stella & Dot
2. Angelina Chen –Circa
3. Amy Jain & Daniella Yacobovsky –Bauble Bar 
4. Lauren Santo Domingo –Moda Operandi

CATEGORY VI. 

SALES & MERCHANDISING
1. Candace Edelman –Alex Sepkus, Inc.
2. Andrea Galella –Hermes of Paris
3. Amy Jackson –Fragments
4. Jennifer O. Calleri –MJ Christensen 
5. Abigail Huhtanen – Bergdorf Goodman
CATERGORY VII. 

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
1. Caryl Capeci –Hearts On Fire
2. Amanda Gizzi –Jewelers of America
3. Rebecca Moskal –CommuniqueLA

CATEGORY VIII. 

MEDIA1. Melissa Colgan –Martha Stewart Weddings
2. Michelle Graff –National Jeweler
3. Claudia Mata –W Magazine
4. Monica Stephenson –idazzle
CATEGORY IX. 

SPECIAL SERVICES
1. Brenda Gamba –Jewelers Board of Trade
2. Debbie Hiss –Training Consultant
3. Kristie Nicolosi –The Kingswood Company
CharityBuzz.com items, the proceeds of which will benefit the WJA Scholarship Fund, will be available online until August 9 through this link.
Established in 1984, the WJA Annual Awards for Excellence gala is one of the most well 
attended and highly anticipated events in the jewelry industry each year.